Gregory John Helmes

Gregory John Helmes, 73, passed away peacefully at home on June 27, 2025. He was surrounded by his beloved wife and family during his last days. Greg was born on January 12, 1952 to Alvar and Nancy Helmes in Garden City, MI. His family moved to MN when he was 10 years old and he graduated from Hopkins High School in 1970. He met his wife Carmelle Wilson on Thanksgiving weekend in 1974, and they were married on March 1, 1975. In 1979 they moved from MN to the Vancouver WA area, where they raised their 5 children.

Greg was employed in the grocery business in their early years of marriage and began a career in the home building business with his brothers and father in 1987 and remained in this profession for decades. He retired from Generation Homes in 2022 after finishing his career working alongside his son Aaron. Greg was highly respected in the home building community and was often referred to as “The Godfather”.

Greg enjoyed golfing with friends, reading crime novels, movie nights with his grandsons, teasing his granddaughters, and playing board games with family. He and Carmelle loved to travel and were able to visit numerous places in the US and Europe, but their favorite getaway was Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He loved going for dinner and could always be counted on for a lively discussion analyzing which pizza or burger place was the best in town - though he always had a special place in his heart (and stomach) for McDonalds. Greg had a deep love for music and a song for every occasion, often sharing his beautiful voice with those around him.

Although Greg lived with pain for years, he was always optimistic, cheerful and never complained. He was kind and gracious to everyone he met, always treating others with the same grace he knew he’d been given by his Saviour. He had a deep desire to share God’s love, which led him on several mission trips to Russia and even one to China. He had such a generous heart and a wonderful sense of humor that made people feel at ease. Greg was the kind of person you could talk to for hours, he loved long conversations and time spent with family and friends.

Greg’s greatest joy on earth was his family. He adored his wife whom he affectionately called “Carrie”, and his kids and grandkids who adored him right back. They spent countless hours with him creating lasting memories.

Greg is survived by his wife Carmelle Helmes of Battle Ground, his children Rachel (with Jordan Olin) of Brush Prairie, Aaron Helmes (with Mary) of Vancouver, Liz (with Lester Stenersen) of Ridgefield, Sarah ( with Joel Traffie) of Battle Ground and Mary (with Brock Weisser) of Battle Ground, along with 20 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 4 brothers, 3 sisters and mother-in-law, Stella Wilson. He is preceded in death by his mother Nancy Helmes, his father Alvar Helmes, father-in-law Oscar Wilson, and beloved grandson, Keaton Traffie.