Charles R. Helmick

Charles R. Helmick, 76 left this life with his loving daughters by his side on January 4, 2014.He was born in Parkersburg, W.Va., son of the late Earl and Donna Smith Helmick.Charles “Charlie” was a loving husband, father and friend. From the age of fourteen Charlie tinkered with electronics, learning everything he could from books and mentors. This interest led him on the path to earn his amateur radio license, his first call was WN8IBF. This passion for electronics shaped his life and career. After leaving the Army he held many jobs. His career ranged from working on ship radars to his favorite position, Chief Engineer and Program Director at WTAP-TV where he served for 35 years.The only thing that outshone his infectious passion for life was his love and dedication to his family and friends. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met or talked to on the radio, always treating friends like family.He was an avid Amateur Radio Operator. He also served as the President of the Humane Society of Parkersburg.He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Diane Helmick; two sisters, Susie Adams (Carl) and Anne Helmick ; four children, Steve Helmick (Diane) of Wheelersburg, Ohio, twin daughters, Jennie McAtee (Scott) and Jeanne Feathers (Jeff) of Parkersburg, W.Va., and Chuck Helmick (Dee Dee) of Vienna, W.Va.; eight grandchildren, Diane Nighbert and Douglas Nighbert both of Harrisburg, PA, Carl Butcher of Bremerton, WA, Jamie Warner (Dan) of Waverly, Ohio, Samantha Baum of McDermott, Ohio, Chip Helmick of Vienna, W.Va., Jessie McAtee of Parkersburg, W.Va., and Chelsea Helmick of Vienna, W.Va.; and one great grandchild, Aubrionna Helmick.In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his dear brother Earl (Bud) Helmick and one grandson, George Baum.No services will be conducted at this time, as he surrendered his body to science by way of the Human Gift Registry at WVU. At his request, no flowers should be sent. Donations in his honor may be made to the Parkersburg Amateur Radio Club via Jane McGuffey-PARK Treasurer home phone number 304-428-2873.The following is the letter he wrote on December 9, 2013.It's been a great life, absolutely wonderful family, couldn't ask for more or better.Have had many ups and downs, but can't complain.Wish it could go on, but it isn't going to happen.Remember me.To my parents, your son, my brother and sisters, and the whole family, my children, my grandkids, great grandkids and those yet to come. All my in-laws. So afraid I'm going to forget somebody, so forgive me if I do.My children and my wife have been the joy of my life and words cannot express what they have meant to me in these last days.And to my friends whom I've had many and cherished all of them.They have been a part of my life.Cannot forget Wanda and Steve and MacKenzie.Larry and Pam and their family.To Clark Stewart, to Jeff and Rose and Alex and the rest of his family.To all the people at WTAP-TV. The people at the Cable Company, to Mark, my fellow employee and highway patrol officer.To my nieces and nephews.And to dozens of amateur radio operators I've known and talked to over the years. 73 guys.Good bye to Abby and all my pets that meant so much to my life.Lastly,I cannot depart this life without telling my wife what she has meant to me in over a half century of my life. Little did I realize when I went to work for Roberts I would meet what was the become the joy of my life. She has been THE LIGHT OF MY LIFE and I cannot find the words to tell her just how much she has meant to me.I LOVE YOU DIANE. Always did.Your loving husbandCharlie.Signing off W8JZN.73