Robert Helms

Robert (Bob) Helms, 73

Bob Helms, 73, passed away suddenly on Monday, November 10, 2025, in Boise, Idaho following a tragic fall that ended in a massive stroke.

From the age of 19, Bob was a self-employed General Contractor his business was Mostly Montana Construction and later Mostly Montana Construction and Wall Plant. His work was more than a livelihood; it was an extension of his character-strong, dependable, built to endure.

Service ran deep in Bob. While dedicating decades of his adult life to Flathead Search and Rescue, starting in the early 1980's and retiring in the early 2000's, he received multiple awards and became a lifetime member. Bob was a pioneer in the Flathead Valley's emergency medical community and instrumental in starting the Technical Rescue and Dive Team for Flathead SAR.

He was the designer and general contractor for the current rescue building on Three Mile drive west of Kalispell. He gave countless hours to rescue people in some of Montana's most unforgiving terrain and weather conditions. As Search leader his quiet courage, steady

presence, and deep back country knowledge made him a leader that others followed. He never sought recognition; he simply believed in showing up when people needed him. Bob is survived by his wife, Teri; his mother Jean and stepfather Jim Stocker; his sister Connie VanCleave and her husband Ron; the mother of his children, Barbara Larson, with whom he shared and is survived by his son Kody Helms (wife Kristina) and his daughter Karie Helms; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and generations of extended family and friends whose lives he quietly strengthened.

A celebration of his life will be held in the spring of 2026 at the Helms family ranch in Eureka.