Emanuel S. Helmick

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Emanuel Sturgis Helmick who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Emanuel was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Emanuel knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

His parents were Leonard and Nellie Helmick. Emanuel was raised in Peasley, PA. Even as a youngster, Emanuel learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Emanuel was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Emanuel was raised with seven siblings. He had Gene, Bethel, Robert, Dennis, Ewing, Donald and William. Emanuel had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Emanuel, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Emanuel was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Emanuel would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Emanuel was blessed with three children, two sons Rick and David and daughter, Cheryl. They were also blessed with three grandchildren, Craig, Susan and Brian.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Emanuel was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Emanuel was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Emanuel upheld his standards. His primary occupation was Military Club Manager. He was employed for 20 years in the Air Force and 18 years for the Civil Service. Emanuel was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Emanuel was an Air Force Veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in Faribanks, AK, Luke AFB, AZ, MACDE AFB, FL, and Reese AFB, TX. He also went remote to Greenland in 1962 - 1963. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

Emanuel approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were playing video poker. Emanuel was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Emanuel to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and baseball.

Faith was important to Emanuel. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Emanuel used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Emanuel had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included going to his cabin in Utah.

Emanuel was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Emanuel’s favorites was Buffy, a Silky Terrier. They were best friends for 8 years.

Emanuel retired from the military in 1971 and from civil service in 1991, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In many ways, Emanuel loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Emanuel passed away on January 6, 2012 at Summerlin Hospital, Las Vegas, Nevada. He fought a brave battle against heart problems. He is survived by his children, Rick, Dave, Cheryl, grandchildren, Craig, Susan and Brian. Services were held at Palm Northwest. Emanuel was laid to rest in Palm Northwest Cemetery.

All who knew him would agree that Emanuel was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Emanuel Sturgis Helmick did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Northwest Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.