Forrest D Helmick

November 15, 1957 - December 29, 2023

Clovis, California - Forrest Dean Helmick passed away on December 29, 2023. Born on November 15,1957 to Ida Vee and Dean Helmick in Fresno, Ca, and resided in Clovis, Ca until his passing. Until her death in 2018, he was married to wife Patrice Yakovetic whom he had met at Hoover High (class of '75). He attended Fresno City and Fresno State University and became an elementary music teacher for the Central District, retiring in 2021. Dixieland jazz was his passion and he was the founding member of the Blues Street Jazz Band (1983). He was a beloved trumpet player in the traditional jazz circuit, bringing joy to thousands of music fans across the last 40 years. He was known for his powerful sound as much as his generosity as a music teacher.

He is survived by brother Walter Morgan , sister Margo (Helmick) Kipps, five nieces and a nephew, brother Pete Yakovetic as well as Patrice's daughter Tamrin (Swearingen) Holscher. He will be interred in a private ceremony. A Celebration of Life will be announced via the Blue Street Band website and Facebook online at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee on Jan. 7, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Forrest Helmick

14 Entries

Matthew Sanchez

January 30, 2024

It was wonderful getting to know you through Central Unified. You always brought a great energy with you and while being so kind. Your chops were killer, too! Heaven has another great talent. Miss you, Forrest.

Steve Klusmeyer

January 20, 2024

Lots of good memories with Forrest on his trips back to Oklahoma with his Dad and later by himself. Love, thoughts and Prayers to family and friends.
Steve Klusmeyer

Gary & Joy Novota

January 15, 2024

To the Blue Street Family & Forrest's Family -- Hearing of the unexpected passing of Forrest was a total jolt as we had been communicating with some short notes in the last few months, & I was getting ready to update him with our phone #s & his phone # when I read the news....& re-read it twice as I was in disbelief. What a fine man, what an incredible trumpet player, & how lucky were we to know him & to be part of the music that brought us so much delight & incredible memories. Keep the music flowing, Forrest....the angels are jivin' to that Dixie jazz!!! TU for making so many memories for so many of us. RIP.... From Gary & Joy in Helena, MT

Patricia Sherman Vincent

January 14, 2024

We shared a love of music our entire lives. I last saw Forrest at a class reunion while he was married to Patrice. While she couldn't be there, he progressed his great love and happiness in his life with her. I'm so sorry to see him pass so soon.

Margo Kipps

January 8, 2024

Anne Hendrickson

January 8, 2024

To Forrest's family: Forrest was a treasured friend. I will remember his kindness, great musicianship and how he tenderly and faithfully cared for Patrice through her health challenges. I am confident that he is enjoying a heavenly reward, reunited with Patrice and his parents. Hugs to all of you.

Laura Blaney

January 8, 2024

You will never be forgotten Forrest and forever loved

Berl. Howell

January 7, 2024

I had not picked up trumpet in 25 years, moved to Bass lake 1991 ,heard a Dixieland jazz band playing at a brewery in Fresno,so Margie and wanted to hear the music we loved so much, I heard Forrest playing,OMG he was awesome, I walked up to him would give lessons,and to my surprise he said yes,
That´s when we created a awesome relationship,I was invited to his home fell in love with his mom and dad..Forrest was playing on a CG.Selmer ,so wanting so bad to sound like Forrest I went out and bought a CG Selmer and #9 mouthpieces because that what he was playing on. Years later he told if I knew you were on the #9 ,I wouldn´t have you starting out on it. Forrest was just a blessing and great friend over the years..he was such a inspiration and encouragement, and Yosemite Jazz Band was born..I love ya man and you will live in my heart forever..Berl. Howell

Deborah Saxe

January 7, 2024

May his memory be a blessing.

Robert Bennett

January 7, 2024

You are truly missed. I´ll see you in heaven, my brother.

Annie

January 6, 2024

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Cheri Putler

January 6, 2024

My friend Forrest, you will
be so missed. You were such a great husband, musician, teacher, father and friend. Our loss but Heavens gain. We will miss your sweet spirit.

Lynda Labendeira, Friends and Colleagues

January 6, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Debbie Goodman

January 6, 2024

I never got to know Forrest really well, but I knew who he was from high school. In recent years, I would film his band playing at the Fresno Dixieland Society dances. I know that he was looking forward to our upcoming 50 year high school reunion. He will be greatly missed.

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