Thomas C. Helm ’53

WHAT BEGAN as a happy family gathering at the beach ended in disaster when Tom Helm accidentally drowned in the ocean at Martha's Vineyard July 12, 1994. Our class has lost its lead cheerleader and one of its most exuberant and outgoing members. Close friend Ned Slaughter remembers Tom as “all­inclusive," that he would welcome his friends to join in his myriad of activities for however long they could spare.

Tom was born in Louisville and lived there all his life, with time out for the army. His business was real estate, and he was elected to the local school board, where he served six years, one as chairman. He gave freely of his time to the Salvation Army and the Boys Club. Tom also was active in the Rotary Club and in his church, Second Presbyterian.

Tom liked nothing better than traveling to Cincinnati to visit Mary Beth and Will Gregg; continuing south to see Anne and Ned Slaughter in Charlottesville; heading to Durham, N.C., to stop over with the George Iveses; and winding up in Bradenton, Fla., with the Dan Blalocks. At Tom's funeral, in Louisville, the class was represented by Will Gregg and Jim Metcalfe. Deep sympathy goes out to his widow, Roberta (Bobbi), and his three children, Wade Hampton '79, Betsy, and Tom Jr.