Clifford Jay Helms, beloved father, grandfather, veteran, outdoorsman, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, at the age of 89.

Cliff was born on December 13, 1936, in Cheyenne Wyoming to William Louis Helms and Freida Bade Helms. He was the third of six children: Bill, Norm, Cliff, Nena, Paul, and Fred. At the age of three, his family moved to Ogden, where he spent much of his youth and developed the strong values of service, hard work, and dedication that would guide him throughout his life.

On August 9, 1960, Cliff married the love of his life, Norma Lowe. Their marriage was later Sealed in the Logan Utah Temple on September 27, 1962. Shortly after they were married, Cliff was deployed to France while serving in the United States military. During their time there, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Wendie.

After returning to the United States, Cliff and Norma settled in Hooper near Norma’s parents, where they welcomed two sons, Robert and Terry. Cliff proudly served his country in both the United States Army and the United States Air Force, deploying to Desert Storm, including service as military police. Among his many duties, he worked as a scuba diver recovering underwater victims, a role requiring courage, compassion, and strength.

Cliff devoted much of his life to protecting wildlife and teaching others. He was passionate about the outdoors and spent many years teaching hunter education courses throughout Utah. His dedication earned him special recognition as the longest-standing hunter education instructor in the state.

When Robert was 11 years old, the family moved to Kanab, where Cliff became a wildlife conservation officer. He served the people and wildlife of southern Utah for nearly a decade before eventually returning north to continue his career until retirement.
Grandpa had a strong desire to pass his love of the outdoors and of wildlife to all of his grandchildren and even great grandchildren. Many of us remember riding around in the mountains of Utah learning of wildlife, plants, birds and how to survive. Many of us still use the knowledge taught in our lives today.
He had an incredible talent and dedication to art and dedicated a huge part of his life to creating incredible paintings as well as teaching others his passion. He loved oils and watercolor and in almost every painting incorporated his passion for wildlife and nature.
Following the passing of his beloved wife Norma in 2014, Cliff returned to Kanab, a place he deeply loved for its beauty, peace, and connection to the outdoors. He remained there until his passing on May 4, 2026.

Cliff will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his service to his country and community, his love of nature, his passion for artwork and the quiet strength and kindness he shared with those around him. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and the many lives he touched throughout his years of service and teaching.

He is reunited once again with his beloved Norma, whom he missed dearly.