Forrest Dwayne Helton

A wonderful man. Enjoyed volunteering with him at the Orpheum and had many fun-filled dinners together. He was utterly unique, a good gardener and a cat lover.

He was a superior human being.

When I met Forrest in California in the early 1980s, we bonded over our shared Wichita upbringings.

Many years later, when I built a house on Long Island, NY, Forrest sent a mysteriously heavy housewarming gift. It turned out to be a Buffalo Block from Buffalo, KS.

The perfect gift from a one-of-a-kind friend -- which I still have -- along with fond memories of my friend Forrest Helton.

Forrest Helton was very cultured and was a world traveler. Two of his favorite destinations were Denmark and England, where he visitied the most beautiful castles and gardens.
He was an avid reader and collected books and art, in particular French antiques related to the reign of Marie Antoinette.
He studied Japanese culture and became a Master of the sacred Japanese Tea Ceremony.
Forrest was reknown in San Francisco for his skill as a picture framer. Because of his mastery of European techniques, he was engaged by some of the finest ateliers, and eventually managed one of the largest.
Forrest loved Kansas and its history. He admired the writing of Willa Cather and was a member of the William Inge Heritage Society.
Forrest leaves behind loving friends in Callfornia and on the east coast. He will never be forgotten for his many talents and the wealth of cultural knowledge he shared with us.
Rest in peace, dear friend.
Nancy