Ernest Bertil Helin

Ernie Helin, 87, was born to Ernest Leonard Helin and Doris Smith on August 30,1938 in Meriden, Connecticut. Ernie's grandparents on his father's side, Otto and Alma Helin, migrated from Sweden. His

grandparents on his mother's side, William and Sarah Smith, together with his mother and two siblings, William and Claire, migrated to the United States from Newcastle, England.

Although Ernie's middle name "Bertil" is unique to America his parents named him after the then Prince of Sweden--Prince Bertil.

When his father was transferred by General Motors, he moved with his parents and sister Doris from Meriden to Sandusky, Ohio.

Ernie graduated from Sandusky High School in 1956. During those formative years, he caddied at Plum Brook Country Club and became an outstanding golfer.

In 1960, Ernie graduated from Ohio University. As an undergraduate, Ernie was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and recipient of the Lewis Hvizak Scholarship Award. He later became a member of

True Blue Society and was admitted to The Golden Legion by virtue of over 50 years of service to his college fraternity.

After graduating from OU, Ernie served in the United States Army with duty assignments at Fort Benning, Georgia, Camp Hovey, Korea, and the Military District of Washington, DC. He was honorably discharged in 1966.

In 1963, Ernie returned to Athens and Ohio University to attend graduate school. It was during this time he met Karen Jennie Kelch. They were married on December 12,1964 at First English Lutheran Church in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Ernie's introduction into the business world began in the corporate offices of Gray Drug Stores in Cleveland, Ohio. While working at Gray's, Ernie, in order to further his knowledge of accounting, attended night school at Case Western Reserve University.

An opportunity presented itself in healthcare, and from that point on, he devoted his business career to hospital administration and consulting.

Relocating from Cleveland to Rockledge, Florida, Ernie was Employed by Wuesthoff Memorial Hospital and served as Director, Employee and Administrative Services. During the 13 years he was with Wuesthoff, he negotiated on behalf of management, the first Florida Nurses Association union contract under the 1974 amendments to the National Labor Relations Act. He also installed the first IBM 5230 computerized time and attendance system and established a preventive medicine and physical fitness program for employees and the community. During his employment with Wuesthoff, Ernie gained accreditation as a "Senior Executive in Personnel Administration" by the American Society for Personnel

Administration.

Ernie also pursued his MA and PhD at the University of Oklahoma to fulfil his passion for teaching. While teaching at the University of Oklahoma, Ernie received a Baldwin Nomination for excellence in classroom teaching.

He authored and had numerous administration and management articles published. Later he would author his autobiography called Self Portraits.

His last challenge, prior to retiring to Florida in 2000, was as the owner's representative for the building of a new hospital in Crossett, Arkansas. Following completion, Ernie was appointed Chief Executive Officer.

Ernie was active and held many roles in community and civic organizations including Kiwanis Club, County Budget Committees, United Way, Talented Student Program, Nurse Advisory Committees,

Business and Industry Productivity Center Committee, University Graduate Student mentoring, Board of Directors for Chamber of Commerce, Crime Stoppers and Interfaith Clinic Board of Directors.

His passion for teaching others continued well into retirement years as a mentor for undergraduate and graduate students, and provided encouragement, professional advice and recommendations for those he believed worthy of praise and recognition.

Ernie was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister Doris Apelgren, and his wife of 60 years, Karen Jennie [Kelch] Helin.

He is survived by identical twin daughters Anna Lynn [Helin] Sullivan (husband Mark) of Dallas, Texas and Sarah Lynn [Helin] Gross (husband Dale) of Acworth, Georgia and a son Eric Scott Helin (wife Pam) of Palm Coast. Florida. He is also survived by four grandsons Parker Gross and Luke Sullivan and twin boys Mitch and Jake Sullivan. Survivors also include Scott Alan Apelgren, a nephew of Indialantic, Florida and a niece, Trayce [Apelgren] Percival, of Garland, Texas.

Ernie's remains will be united, with his wife Karen's, at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Medina County, Ohio.

IN COELO QUIES EST