Hugh H. Helpman, Jr.

Hugh Helpman, a well-known local businessman, sportsman and longtime resident of Lewiston, died late Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, from complications of congestive heart failure.

Hugh Harlan Helpman Jr. was born to Jessie Grinolds Helpman and Hugh Harlan Helpman on Aug. 30, 1920, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane. Five years later, his family relocated to Lewiston, where Hugh grew to adulthood. After the repeal of prohibition, as a teenager he sold wine made by his uncle Greg Eaves for $1 a gallon on Eighth Street near the Gates of the Orchards. Hugh graduated from Lewiston High School in 1937 and worked in local banks prior to the outbreak of World War II. When war was declared, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces Civilian Pilot Training Program. He completed his pilot training at Zimmerly Airport in Clarkston, but during his first year as a pilot he developed a sinus condition that ended his flying career. For the remainder of the war, he served in the Army Air Forces ground forces. Prior to leaving for military service, he married June Kruegel at Clarkston on June 21, 1942. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant in November 1945.

After the war, he returned to Lewiston to build a new home on land acquired from his uncle, Greg Eaves, at 1826 Ridgeway Drive. This home was the beginning of what was later to be known as the Reno Addition. Well established in the community, Hugh began a long and productive business career with McMonigle Chevrolet Co., where he served as credit manager and general manager. In 1955, he was co-founder of the well-known Lolo Sporting Goods store. In later life, he was a real estate sales associate of J.J. Streibick.

An avid outdoor sportsman, trap shooter and golfer, Hugh was a charter member of both the Clarkston Golf and Country Club and the Lewis-Clark Wildlife Club.

His first marriage of more than 20 years to June Kruegel Helpman produced three daughters and one son. That marriage ended in divorce.

Hugh married Mary Jane Wilson in Las Vegas on Feb. 7, 1965. The Helpmans, having recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, resided in an apartment at the Royal Plaza Retirement Center, where Mary Jane remains at home. Prior to their retirement, they lived in the Helpman family home on Fourth Street and previously enjoyed a recreational home at Syringa.

Among Hugh's survivors are his widow, Mary Jane Helpman; and four children, Susan Morris (Todd Maddock) of Spokane, Marilyn Arnot (Ed) of Lewiston, Joan Petersen (Dana) of Lewiston and John Helpman (Debbie) of Lewiston. He leaves two granddaughters, Kristi Murphy (Mike) and Amy Petersen, both of Lewiston; as well as five great-grandchildren. Also surviving are stepdaughter GeorgeAnn Janni of Eugene, Ore.; and two stepgrandsons, Kevin Janni of Eugene and Darrel Janni of Sequim, Wash.

It was Hugh's desire that no services be planned and that any memorial donations on his behalf be directed to the Elks Lodge No. 896, Lewiston, where he was a life member.