LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Carl L. Helstrom, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Carl L. Helstrom, a lifelong resident of Montgomery, New
York, died on Sunday, December 19, 2010, at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, Born on February 2, 1926, Carl L. Helstrom graduated from
Walden High School in 1944; he lived on a poultry and dairy farm until
he was 36 years old; and
WHEREAS, Carl L. Helstrom was the Manager of Central Co-op in Gardi-
ner, New York; he belonged to 4-H, the Orange County Farm Bureau and was
a member of the Montgomery Milk Co-op; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Carl L. Helstrom was the President of the Mont-
gomery Little League and served as the Tax Collector, Councilman, Super-
visor and Planning Board member for the Town of Montgomery; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Orange County Supervisors and Mayors' Associ-
ation, Carl L. Helstrom served as Vice President and President; he was
also a charter member of the Town of Montgomery Chamber of Commerce,
serving as Vice President and President; and
WHEREAS, Carl L. Helstrom belonged to the Wallkill Masonic Lodge and
was a member of the Brick Reformed Church for more than 50 years, serv-
ing as Deacon, Elder and Treasurer; he was also Vice Treasurer of the
church consistory; and
WHEREAS, Carl L. Helstrom tried to attend all his children's and
grandchildren's sporting events over the years, including traveling to
Oneonta to proudly watch his granddaughter play softball for SUNY Oneon-
ta; his hobbies included countless games of solitaire and challenging
his grandchildren to many games of Liverpool rummy; he enjoyed gardening
and loved the "good earth"; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his brother, Albert Helstrom, Carl L. Helstrom
is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruth Ellen Roney Helstrom; his
children, Gary (Camille), Bruce (AnneMarie), Carl A., and Lisa (Doug);
and his grandchildren, Keith (Amy) Boeckmann, Michael (Alyson) Helstrom,
Karla (James) Tombrello, LeeAnn Higinson, Jennifer Higinson, Michael
Higinson, Lindsay Higinson, and Melissa (Elijah) Howe, as well as many
nieces, nephews, and cousins; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Carl L. Helstrom leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Carl L. Helstrom, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Carl L. Helstrom.