Gary Lee Helffenstein

Gary Lee Helffenstein (age 79) went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Beloved husband of 53 years to Carolyn (Dollmann) Helffenstein. Loving father of Heidi (Doug) Tshudy, late Erik (survived by Angela) Helffenstein, Kierstin "Kiki" (Michael) Jones, and Kji (Kinsey) Helffenstein; devoted Opa to Colton, Boden, Rachel, Sawyer, Lila, Sadie, Henry, Harper, and Isabelle. Dear son of the late Arthur William and Alta Mae (Miller) Helffenstein. Dear brother of the late Arthur William Helffenstein. Also survived by loving nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held in the future.
Gary was a student of life, a teacher, a visionary, and an entrepreneur. Most importantly he was a devoted husband and loving father. He is a graduate of Williamsville High School (1963) and University of Buffalo (1968) where he served as President of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. He completed his Masters in Disciplinary Studies (1972).
His innate intellectual curiosity led him to teaching – a thread that weaved throughout his entire life. After graduation, he taught Social Studies at Mill Middle School. An avid swimmer, diver, and skier he also coached the Amherst Swim Club, managed Willow Beach, and was a Ski Patrol volunteer at Blumont Ski Area. He then turned his life passion for travel into his profession, opening his first business, Bassett Travel, in 1978.
Travel symbolized all that he was – an adventurer, an avid learner, and a facilitator of fun. Whether he was motorcycling through Europe or completing missionary work in the Philippines, Gary sought out ways to explore. And Bassett Travel provided him the platform to do so. He led groups of every age all over the world to places such as Africa, Isreal, Russia, South America, and Canada. And his love of American History had him make frequent stops to Boston, Williamsburg, Gettysburg, and Washington, DC.
But his favorite trips were those with his family and friends to ski areas all over the country. There was no mountain too big or too small and his life goal was to ski them all. He passed this love onto his children and grandchildren who learned at a young age that “to ski was to be”.
His favorite place to return after his travels was the home that he and Carolyn made on Clay Ridge Farm. Whether he was blazing trails for snowmobiles and 4-wheelers, digging ponds, curating gardens, or chopping firewood, he was most at peace on the land. He loved nothing more than sitting around a fire, beer in hand, deep in conversation with his loved ones and friends, teaching us all “eternal history.”
Gary was active in the community starting SkiWithMe which combined his love of skiing with his desire to give back. In honor and in memory of his son Erik, SkiWithMe provided new opportunities to under-served populations in the form of outdoor adventures on the slopes. He was also known for his energic coaching of the Extreme Team “Snow Dogs” at Buffalo Ski Center. He volunteered for SCORE (Service Core of Retired Executives), providing guidance and training to small business owners. And he was a treasured member of his Catalyst Church group.
Gary loved the Lord, was a follower of Jesus, and was filled with The Holy Spirit. His impact was deep and wide. Many lives were changed through his good will and influence. Known as “Coach” to all – whether it was in the classroom, on a tour bus, careening down a ski hill – he will forever be our “Coach”. Teaching us even now, after death, the importance of faith, family, and love. And that life is the ultimate adventure.