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When he would return to the shop, the first thing he did was head to the bathroom to change out of the "monkey suit" and get back into his clothes. I remember going into the bathroom one day after he came back and finding the khaki shorts and golf shirt in the sink. I'm sure he just forgot to take them out and put them in to get cleaned. I just stood there laughing in the bathroom because he just couldn't wait to get that uniform off and get back into his comfortable clothes. He was a character and you couldn't help but laugh.
I miss hearing the garage door go up (outside my office) and turning around to see Matt through the window with a big grin and a loud "Morning James" greeting.
I spent many an afternoon hearing Matty Helms wax poetic about his philosophy about one thing or another. He would often end a sentence with a question for you to ponder. He'd walk away laughing knowing that you would ponder his words after he left.
Matt was always the life of the party and he had a smile that was genuine. Matt was a unique and caring guy. We all miss him.
- Jamie McCormick
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~Teresa (Matt's sister)
]]>We've known Matt and his family since he was a kid. His Dad has many talents and made sure he passed them on to his son. If he hadn't, my family would still be living in a home that needed heating, plumbing, siding and concrete work. About ten years ago I had started to "side" my 95 year old house myself. I got as far as the second floor and literally froze from fear of the height - a problem I did not realize I had and just could not conquer. Father and son came to the rescue.
I will never forget the ease with which Matt floated around that scaffolding. I hesitate to say he "looked like a monkey in a tree" but he moved around up there much like one - he had absolutely no fear. I was impressed with the confidence in himself that he displayed. I think that if Matt had more years ahead of him that skill and confidence would have taken him to his own new heights.
He was prone to the practical joke and would laugh uproariously if he succeeded in one as he and his Dad did with me some time ago. I'm not surprised to learn that his generosity and helpfulness was extended to many others over the years. He had his own way of coping with life's curve balls. He was really always a kid at heart - a likeable, generous kid.
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When I asked him how things were going, he'd often say he was "maintaining". It was one of many "Helmisms" if you will. He had a different take on things than most people you come across.
Matt helped my family and our family business with many, many things. When you needed a hand with something, you could call Matt and you could count on him. He may have marched to his own drum, but you knew he cared and had your back. He was a handy guy and was very talented. Matt had a very unique smile and laugh. When he would arrive at work, I would often hear him yell "Kickin' it" from outside my office and we would point and share a laugh without even talking. A character in every sense of the word. There was never a dull moment when "Leona Helmsly" (one of many nicknames) was around.
Funny...kind soul...willing to do the "dirty work" whenever needed...that is how I would describe him. Rest in Peace Matt...I hope you're hanging with "Kitty Kat" in Heaven. You had a heart of gold kiddo.
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