William ( Bill) Bernard Helms died Aug. 19, 2017.

William (Bill) Bernard Helms was born in Sheridan Wyoming July 16,1933 to Mary and William E. Helms. He lived in Sheridan but spent a little time in Hardin, Montana where his dad had a wrecking yard during the Second World War.

Bill graduated from Sheridan High School and went to college in Fort Collins Colorado at Colorado A & M, which is now Colorado State. Bill received his degree in fisheries and went to work for the Wyoming Game and Fish. He worked at several fish rearing stations and hatcheries.

During this time, he was drafted into the Army where he spent two years. He went into the Medical Corps and was sent to West Point to serve. Because he was from Wyoming they assigned him the care of the Army mules.

Upon discharge, he accepted a position with the Wyoming Game and Fish as a Fisheries Biologist. After working in that position for several years he was offered the position of Wildlife Biologist, which he held until his retirement, after working for the Wyoming Game and Fish for 41+ years.

Bill married Lou Ann Turner in 1960 and they have 4 children, Steven (Darla) Helms, Christy (Dominic) Afinito, Brian Helms, and Kathy (Steve) Turner. They are blessed with grandchildren, Jason Williams, Josh Williams, Jennilee Kness, LoRae Helms, Ty Helms, Zachary Hopkins, Landon Turner, Payton Turner and 5 great grandchildren.

During their married life they resided in Ten Sleep, Pinedale, Lusk and Lander, Wyoming.

Bill's favorite things to do included hunting, fishing, camping and being in the mountains. He also enjoyed time with his dogs, Madison and Border Collies, Rainey and Lily.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, August 25, 2017 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Lander, Wyoming, with a reception to follow.

Memorials may be made to the Pet Connection in Lander.

The Sheridan Press - Aug. 24, 2017.