David Helmbock
David Helmbock was a Boy Scout leader for nearly half a century.
It didn't come easy for him. He suffered a childhood illness that left him with one leg shorter than the other. And in later years he had to deal with severe arthritis and diabetes. Still, for 49 years he took boys camping and helped many attain the Eagle rank.
Mr. Helmbock, who was a Scoutmaster and charter organization representative for Troop 102 at Seventh Presbyterian Church in East Walnut Hills, received the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to young people - the highest honor bestowed on adults by local Boy Scout councils.
The Oakley resident died at Jewish Hospital late Tuesday night, December 14, 2004 of complications of a stroke and diabetes. He was 78.
"Dave certainly had a significant and long term effect on my life," said Jack Binns of Kenwood, the first boy Mr. Helmbock helped to become an Eagle Scout. "It was clear from the beginning that he was willing to spend whatever time and effort that was necessary to help me achieve the goals of Scouting. Every boy that I saw come through the troop drew from this benefit.
"This effort on his part carried long past his physical ability to keep at it. I stayed with the troop longer than most, becoming assistant Scoutmaster and eventually district Scout commissioner for a short while. I did this in Dave's model, though I couldn't keep it up as he did. He seemed to always be there. As his health problems encroached, my help occasionally was useful with moving him about and with minor camping assistance. Eventually, he was not able to do that most prized activity, but he still stayed with the troop, and was a key person in its survival. I feel we have lost a truly great Scouter and American."
Mr. Helmbock's wife, Kathy Fryer Helmbock, said "It was physically challenging for him to do, but he still loved camping. He did it as long as he could. He loved scouting because he really liked to help the boys achieve their leadership ability and grow in positive ways. He affected, I guess, over those 49 years, a great, great many people."
Another one of those people, Jeff Chambers of Madeira, said, "Dave Helmbock devoted the best years of his life to helping young men learn moral values and gain confidence in their abilities. And much of what we learned in Troop 102 is relevant and valuable today. We were blessed to have Dave as our leader and our friend. There was none better."
Born in Evansville, Ind., on Jan. 18, 1926, Mr. Helmbock graduated from Bosse High School there and Indiana University.
He worked as a customer service representative for Cosco Graphics, a manufacturer of rubber printing dyes, before retiring in 1983.
In addition to his wife of 48 years, survivors include a son, Steven David Helmbock of Cincinnati; and two grandchildren.
Visitation is 2:30 p.m. Saturday followed by the service at 3 p.m. at Seventh Presbyterian Church, 1721 Madison Road.
Memorials: Seventh Presbyterian Church, 1721 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45206-1864; Dan Beard Council BSA, 2331 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45206-2865; or American Diabetes Association, 8899 Brookside Court, West Chester, OH 45069.
