Dr. John Helfer, 74, died on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 due to complications of polycythemia vera in the Intermountain LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City surrounded by his immediate family. John was born in Manhattan, New York to Arthur and Madeleine Louise (Taylor) Helfer and was the youngest of two boys. His drive for adventure started early with stories of long bike rides as a teen where a parent would need to be called to pick him up many miles down the road, the clever uses of sling shots, explorations in wooded areas of New York state, and his early love for downhill skiing. This adventure "bug" would lead him to do a year-long traverse through southern South America where he met the Argentinian challenge and love of his life, Sonia. Through educational and military ventures, they both traveled extensively throughout the USA and Europe as John sought his business and medical degrees, and his eventual specialization in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. His avid love for skiing, biking, camping and the outdoors led to his final destination of the Utah Rocky Mountains, where he was able to reap the rewards of many years of ski patrolling. He was proud and happy that his four children have continued in this example of outdoor activity. John reached the prestigious rank of Lieutenant Colonel as an officer in the United States Army, worked for many years as a family doctor, and then finished his career by running his private psychiatric practice, Union Park Counseling. His enjoyment of music - as he mastered both classical guitar and trumpet at different times of his life - should also be mentioned, as well as his dedication to the German & Spanish languages, avid reading, and several other hobbies (i.e. stamp and patch collecting, photography & any wooded area needing removal by a chainsaw). He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather and left a legacy of "living life to the fullest." He is survived by his wife, Sonia (they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in February); his four children, Natasha, Alexander, Christopher and Tamara and their spouses; 9 grandchildren with one on the way; and his brother Paul. The family will hold a private memorial at a later time. The Helfer family would like to express gratitude to all of the medical providers who creatively and aggressively treated John's condition for over 25 years, the staff who took great care of him at both Intermountain Health Hospital, Promise Hospital and the LDS Hospital these past few months, and the many friends and family who have reached out at this difficult time (especially those from his LDS ward who have served him in many ways over the past years). In lieu of flowers or gifts, John would have wanted contributions to go to the "Grandpa Doc Skiing Fund" - supporting his grandkids in skiing endeavors is something he felt very passionate about. You can leave a gift for the kiddos/family if you wish at: https://www.gofundme.com/GrandpaDocSkiingFund