Kenneth Michael “Ken” Helwig
June 11, 1962 - March 13, 2018 Resident of San Jose
Kenneth Michael “Ken” Helwig passed away on March 13, 2018. Ken was 55 years young and left a legacy of excellence, love and faith. Ken left immutable impressions at every walk of his life, leading by example, Qashing those sparkly blue eyes, and always the life of the party by making each and every person feel special. Ken’s life began on June 11, 1962 when he was born in San Jose, California.
He joined his adoring parents, Ed Helwig and Barbara Gail Helwig, grandparents May Keenon and Ben and Emma Helwig, and older brother Christopher. He was later joined by younger brothers Michael and Marty.
Sports and academics became platforms for Ken’s excellence at an early age. Archbishop Mitty High School saw his basketball prowess as he played on the varsity team as a Junior and then started as a Senior for a team that etched history for Mitty basketball. Anyone that knew Ken in High School remembers him for all of his athleticism; truth be told, Ken shined in just about anything he tried: tennis, water skiing, soft ball, and snow skiing. His academics, as well, were exemplary and earned him his undeniable admission to the University of Southern California.
Before finishing his degree, however, Ken had more basketball calling him and could not pass up the offer to play for Foothill College. One season of playing and the team went on to the State Championship, Ken leaving with no less than all-league accolades. Basketball behind him, Ken finished his college degree at USC, majoring in accounting. He joined a fraternity, the “FIGIs” also known as the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, and eventually even brought little brother Michael into the fraternity.
Ken’s professional career spanned over 30 years and ranged from playing a key role in the family business, K& H Finishing, all the way to his recent success as an executive recruiter for StepBeyond Solutions, Inc. Amidst his career were his years with SANMINA where he held the titles of Sr. Account Manager and eventually Sr. Business Development Manager. His years at SANMINA showed consistent growth and management of key clients and development of new sales channels. He worked for ZYTEK as a Director of Business Development where it took a mere three months, his first quarter, to qualify three new companies through his new Marketing and Business Development plan. Keen for following his own passion, Ken eventually had certain businesses on his own. Helwig Marketing Company began as his goal to sell natural supplements to individuals yet grew into more; his endeavors called for the opening and creation of partnerships in Toronto and Germany. He designed and opened a San Jose Training Center and developed a mentoring program. These efforts were recognized by his peers and earned him the “Giving Back Award” for his community involvement.
Mention of his career would be incomplete without mention of Ken’s collaboration of his best skills, his passion, and his unquivering dedication to the sport of golf. Ken had an ability to develop a passion and then see it through to the highest pinnacle possible, golf being no exception. A true natural, Ken taught himself to play golf, made it his hobby and eventually became known as a Top Amateur golfer in the country. He even chose to buy his first home at Silver Creek Valley Country Club; twenty five years later, it was not just his address, he became the Club’s perennial golf champion. It was following that passion that took Ken to start his business, “Inside Out Golf Academy.” Ken did not just teach golf swings, he incorporated his own life skill lessons, trying hard to make each and every client the best they could be. In this role as a coach, Ken found pure joy in helping others succeed and cheered them on like no other.
Outside of coaching, Ken’s golf accolades were numerous. He was able to accomplish quite a bit: 1999 USGA Amateur at Pebble Beach; three British Amateurs; two USGA MidAmateurs; and five California State Amateur Championships at Pebble Beach.
Ken’s life illustrated a pattern of lots of love, care for others, dedication to make dreams come true, and the successes of a competitive athlete and businessman. Those that knew him best, knew that Ken, the life of the party, was much more; Ken was foremost a man whose successes in this earthly life were bolstered by his love and deep faith in God. A member of the Family Community Church in San Jose, Ken took steps in his walk with God on a daily basis. It was through his pastor that Ken was introduced to Teresa, his beautiful wife. Ken and Teresa met and married a mere six months later, embarking on a relationship that meant the world to each of them.
Ken is survived by family members including his wife Teresa Nelson Helwig, Mother Barbara Helwig, brother Christopher Helwig, sister-in-law Vicki Helwig, nieces Lauren Helwig and Abby Helwig, nephew Jordan Helwig, and beloved pet Yorkie, Gracie. He was pre-deceased in life by all of his grandparents, Dad Ed Helwig, and brothers Michael Helwig and Marty Helwig.
Ken’s family will honor him with a private burial at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. All friends are welcome to join the family to celebrate Ken’s life at a Celebration of Life Service to take place on April 16, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Lakeside at Silver Creek Valley Country Club. A reception will immediately follow the service. Questions may be directed to Lima Family, Santa Clara Mortuary.
In lieu of Qowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ken’s name to The First Tee, a nonprofit entity whose mission is to impact the lives of youth through golf. www. thefirstteesiliconvalley.org/ways-to-give/donate/.
And, in Ken’s words. . .
We are all great winners. It’s what we learn in defeat that defines us.