Obituary of Stephen L. Helfer

Stephen L. Helfer (Steve) was born on November 1, 1949 and passed away on April 7, 2018. Steve was a natural artist. He could draw or paint just about anything with ease at a young age, however never went on to have commercial success, as the Vietnam War had other ideas about where his life would lead. Steve served our country primarily as a dog handler within the Air Force Military Police. Steve always loved and cared about animals which is probably why he became a dog handler. People often use the expression, "he had a heart of gold," but it was profoundly true for Steve. At times, he could be reckless with himself, but if a person needed him, his advice or help, he immediately dropped everything to help anyone's emotional or even financial needs. He was very devoted to his parents, Bob and Colleen Helfer as well as his brother R. Gregg Helfer and sister Renee Helfer Capen. His close knit family set the framework for making good friends who would eventually became like family. Steve loved to fish! When everyone around him was getting seasick or not catching anything, Steve always found the fish and couldn't figure out why it was so difficult for others! Steve followed politics and always let his opinion be known. His convictions were strong both for Jesus his Lord and Savior, as well as his analysis of life around him. One could tell Steve anything and he was always there to listen and help a person work through their difficulties. Steve was incredibly funny! He had a way of always making one laugh as he looked at life through simple, clear and concise lenses that always seemed to get it right! When one hears the truth, one knows it's correct. He made everyone around him laugh! He also drove everyone around him crazy at times, but somehow he was always forgiven probably due to his enormous heart. Steve fought for what he believed and lived the life he wanted to live and died like the independent, strong willed, wonderful man that he was. Steve's unique character that he demonstrated throughout his selfless life can be described from this quote by D.H. Lawrence. "I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will fall frozen dead from a bough, without ever having felt sorry for itself" Steve is survived by his brother Gregg (Diane) and family, sister Renee Capen (Tom) and family, and all the friends who loved and appreciated him so much. Steve is also survived my his "infamous" dog named Star who still lives in Naples, New York with her new family. Steve's ashes will be buried in Irondequoit Cemetery in Irondequoit, New York in the summer of 2018 in a private family ceremony which will include a military burial. Steve's mother Colleen Helfer, passed exactly 4 months earlier and her ashes will be buried on the same day in the Irondequoit Cemetery as well.