Robert 'Bob' Helms, 73

Bob Helms, 73, passed away suddenly on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, in Boise, Idaho, following a tragic fall that ended in a massive stroke.

From the age of 19, Bob was a self-employed general contractor, his business was Mostly Montana Construction and later Mostly Montana Construction and Wall Plant. His work was more than a livelihood; it was an extension of his character — strong, dependable, and built to endure. 

Service ran deep in Bob. While dedicating decades of his adult life to Flathead Search and Rescue, starting in the early 1980s and retiring in the early 2000s, he received multiple awards and became a lifetime member. Bob was a pioneer in the Flathead Valley’s emergency medical community and instrumental in starting the Technical Rescue and Dive Team for Flathead SAR. 

He was the designer and general contractor for the current rescue building on Three Mile Drive west of Kalispell. He gave countless hours to rescue people in some of Montana’s most unforgiving terrain and weather conditions. As search leader, his quiet courage, steady presence, and deep backcountry knowledge made him a leader whom others followed. He never sought recognition; he simply believed in showing up when people needed him. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Teri; his mother, Jean and stepfather, Jim Stocker; his sister, Connie VanCleave and her husband, Ron; the mother of his children, Barbara Larson, with whom he shared and is survived by, son, Kody Helms (wife, Kristina) and daughter, Karie Helms; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and generations of extended family and friends whose lives he quietly strengthened.

A celebration of his life will be held in the spring of 2026 at the Helms family ranch in Eureka.