A Tribute to Dan Helman

Dan Helman 5

End of Watch

Dan Helman

Heartbreaking to lose our beloved long time friend, Dan Helman. We will miss our enthusiastic, excellent, broad reaching conversations, his exceptional tech prowess, and the serenity of his presence in our LOTUS world every day. 

 

It’s true that folks would come aboard to see Lotus – but Dan was as captivating with his great knowledge of LOTUS history and her architectural inventory and stories of her adventures from Olympia to SE Alaska up the Inside Passage.He also had great train trip stories and could answer any question about any movie. Dan was a big reason folks came back – to visit, or volunteer. 

 

Dan is our longest serving volunteer LOTUS Steward. He was deeply involved with the ship, the volunteers and The M/V Lotus Foundation for 33 years. He was Lead Steward, Chief Financial Officer, our best Grant Writer and alternate Executive Director. Dan was also the Reservation Steward for overnight accommodations and weddings aboard LOTUS. And, he was a star and a distinct voice in our video showing on the home page:   www.mvlotus.org

Lotus – The Edwardian Cruising Houseboat Experience.

 

Dan will always be remembered as a truly good, kind and wonderful human. We are so glad our time meshed with his and we could share in his great energy for the Pacific Northwest wooden boat community – especially his love and loyalty for the LOTUS.

 

With love & enormous respect,
The Crew of LOTUS
 
Dan Helman had true dedication to this organization, and Dan sustained each of us in so many other ways. Self-effacing and quick-witted, he was ever-ready with knowledge, support, suggestions, humor, patience and understanding well beyond the scope of historic vessels and running a 501 C-3.😥

Dan was a friend. As a friend, he expanded my knowledge in countless subjects. He was smart and curious, and encouraged that thinking in others. We enjoyed stimulating conversation on all manner of topics. 
(Full post found here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MVLotusGroup  )
 
Thank you, dear Dan. 
From your friend,
Heidi Herendeen 
 
(To Donate in memory of Dan, use this link) https://www.mvlotus.org/donate….


By: Heidi Herendeen

We are very sad to let Lotus fans know that our long-time volunteer (30+ years), Lotus supporter, and Treasurer of the MV Lotus Foundation passed away on October 1, 2020 in Pueblo West, CO, where he lived the last two years and worked in his family business. Dan was a fixture at the annual Wooden Boat Festivals in Seattle, giving tours each year to thousands of visitors. The family has asked that donations be directed to the MV Lotus Foundation.
Donate to MV Lotus here.
Published by M.V. Lotus Foundation

Dan F. Helman, 64, of Port Townsend, Wash., and formerly of Pueblo, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 1, 2020. He was preceded in death by his father, Lamont Owen “Satch” Helman and stepfather, James McKelvey. Dan is survived by his mother, Virginia McKelvey; step-mother, Linda Boone; siblings, Sharon (John Foley) Morrone, Terese (Marc) DeCoster, Georgia Ann (Dave) Ander-son, George (Debbie) Morrone, Nancy (Craig Beede) McKelvey and Nichol (Jeff) Gorman; nieces and nephews, George Marc, Chelsea (Tim), Elana (Mickey), Monica, Jeffrey, Clara, Kayla (Robin), Danya, Madison and Breanna; close family member, Marva Morrone; good friend, Christian Gruye and the crew of the 1909 M/V Lotus; as well as many extended family and friends. Dan earned two master’s degrees from the University of Washington majoring in Data Processing and Oceanography. He enjoyed reading, marine life and wooden boats. He served as Head Steward and the CFO since 2004 for the M/V Lotus Foundation, in Seattle, Wash. Dan always had a story to tell and he was a very kind and loving man who impacted many lives. He will be forever loved and deeply missed by all those he leaves behind. In lieu of flowers and food, donations may be made to the M/V Lotus Foundation by visiting:
https://www.mvlotus.org/donate/ 

Published in The Pueblo Chieftain on Oct. 4, 2020.

Updated:  October 18, 2020