John Helmer Jr.

Good memories still, our favorite hat and accessory shop and a real gentleman to be admired.

Beverly,
We remember you and John from Sunset Church as we frequently sat in the same area. John always had a kind word and wonderful smile. We have enjoyed reading of your life together and admire such a great man. It is certainly a celebration of a life well lived.

May God continue to bless you,

Alan and Sally Marble

To the Helmer family,

My first job in retail was with Mr. Helmer. He taught me to refer our customer's to neighboring businesses, should we not be able to meet their need's. I was confused by that, he explained that the other businesses would in turn refer customer's to our store. That philosophy stay's with me to this day. Share! He was a wonderful person who led by example. I am proud to have spent time learning from him. Those teaching's have been shared by me with many other's....

November 14,2011

Dear John,

I was sad to learn of your dad's passing. My dad (also John) passed away in January. Both of these men lived with great courage,conviction and faith. Their memory serves as an inspiration to me and I miss them.

I'll look for you in the store.

John M. Skillern

I moved to Portland from my parents 7000 acre cattle ranch, and I was very home sick. Once Mom and Dad came to visit me and we went to John Helmer Haberdasher, where we met John Helmer. Dad was in the war too and Mr. Helmer liked us. When Mom and Dad left for home, I was not as alone anymore. Mr. Helmer came at 5 AM every morning to the Martha Washington Womans Hotel and took me running on the trails around Portland. I remember the first time I ran with Mr. Helmer . It was a cold, frosty...

I moved to Portland from my parents 7000 acre cattle ranch, and I was very home sick. Once Mom and Dad came to visit me and we went to John Helmer Haberdasher, where we met John Helmer. Dad was in the war too and Mr. Helmer liked us. When Mom and Dad left for home, I was not as alone anymore. Mr. Helmer came at 5 AM every morning to the Martha Washington Womans Hotel and took me running on the trails around Portland. I remember the first time I ran with Mr. Helmer . It was a cold, frosty...

Dear John III and the entire John Jr family,

You have my sympathy. It was a sincere pleasure crossing paths with many members of your family. Best wishes.

Beverly, John, Carol, and Eric,

So sorry to hear of Johns passing. I remember way back when, when your family and ours were in Europe at the same time and met up. How nice it was to see familiar faces in unfamiliar territory, especially when you're that young. Small world.
Being in Portland all of my life, with a few side trips, I could always use the store as a landmark to meet people downtown and "go from there". A pillar in the community, he will be truly missed. My...