HELMS, William Kendall, M.D.

William Kendall Helms, M.D., 79, long-time Scottsdale family physician, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2003. "Kay" was born in Rocky Mount, NC on December 8, 1923. He spent his childhood in Wilson, NC and graduated from high school in Kingsport, TN. During WWII he served in the Army in the Pacific theatre as an aerial photo interpreter. He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Duke University. Following his residency in Akron, OH, he moved to Phoenix in 1956. Dr. Helms set up his practice in Scottsdale in 1958, becoming the city's fourth full-time doctor, and delivered the first baby born at Scottsdale City Hospital in 1962. He retired in 1991. He had a passion for the outdoors and was an avid dirt motorcyclist, golfer, tennis player, camper, and river rafter. He loved photography, classical music, and cheap cigars. He spent his vacations motorcycling through the Rocky Mountains near Silverton, CO, or traveling through Europe and Mexico pursuing his love of history. He is predeceased by his son Peter. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife Rachele, daughter Kathleen, sons Theodore and Robert, 8 grandchildren, brother Bennett, and sister Marjorie Burnup. Services are private. Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/13/2003.