Arizona
Remembering Kenneth Ray Helms: A Life Honored in Nature
Ken was a quiet, careful and good-hearted person, who understood the beauty and value of small things. Read the story on VTDigger here: Kenneth Ray Helms.
Key points
- Kenneth Ray Helms passed away on June 6, 2026, after battling cancer.
- He was a passionate gardener and an avid reader with a love for nature.
- Ken is survived by his wife, son, grandson, and several siblings.
MONTPELIER, Vt. NewsWK — Residents of Bennington County are invited to remember Kenneth Ray Helms, who passed away on June 6, 2026, after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. Although there will not be a formal memorial service, family and friends encourage all who knew Ken to enjoy the outdoors in his honor.
Ken was born on July 28, 1954, in Centralia, Washington, and lived a life rich in experiences and passions. He was known for his incredible gardening skills, love for reading, and enjoyment of wine collecting and beer brewing. An avid fan of the University of Oregon Ducks, Ken also had a fondness for Clint Eastwood movies.
A Life Full of Achievements
Raised in a family that moved frequently due to his father’s job at a lumber mill, Ken spent his childhood in various locations including White Sulphur Springs, Montana, and Eugene, Oregon. He excelled in athletics, holding the javelin record at Willamette High School for nearly two decades.
After high school, Ken joined the Navy, serving aboard the USS Benjamin Stoddert and visiting numerous countries including Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. His academic journey included earning a BS in Zoology from Oregon State University and a PhD from Arizona State University, where he met his wife, Sara Helms Cahan.
Legacy and Contributions
Ken’s professional career included significant contributions to the Nevada Department of Agriculture, where he conducted important plant and insect surveys. He also held postdoctoral and research positions at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Vermont.
He is survived by his wife, Sara; his son, John (Virginia) Evans; and his grandson, Jack, along with his sisters Nancy, Joyce, and Karen, and eight nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bobby Jr.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Ken’s memory may consider donating to the Carter Center or the Chittenden County Humane Society, where he adopted his last three beloved pets.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting originally published by VTDigger. Read the original story.
