Todd Hellman was tragically killed in a helicopter accident on August 21, 2004. He was born on June 9, 1964 in Aurora, Colorado. He had a childhood of his dreams living in Vale, Oregon & then moving to Ely, Nevada where he graduated from high school in 1982. After attending Colorado Northwestern College on a baseball scholarship, Todd made his permanent home in Elko, Nevada.

     Todd worked at Cortez Gold Mines for 13 years, where he made many close long-lasting friendships. He then pursued his lifetime goal of becoming a paramedic, working first with American Medflight & then Access Air Ambulance. Todd loved his job & lived to help people in need. Responding to emergencies, adrenaline flowing & speeding through the air in a helicopter was Todd's life's dream. Todd was also recently accepted into the local GBC nursing program & was excited to begin classes next week.

     Todd was a friend to everyone for he could never meet a stranger. He had a unique talent of putting people at ease & making them laugh. Todd was famous for telling stories. When you heard the words, "And there I was...", you knew it was time to sit back & listen, all the while trying to figure out whether Jack Abernathy was feeding you another line of bull.

     In his free time, Todd loved spending time w/his family & friends. No matter where Todd was, he could always be found with one or more of his kids in tow. Todd enjoyed sharing his love of sports, particularly coaching his children's teams. Todd was also an avid outdoorsman--hunting, fishing & camping at every opportunity.

    Todd will be deeply missed by his wife Sandy, his daughter Nicki, and his seven young sons, Keegan, Luke, Chase, Gage, Trevor, Seth & Ty. Todd is also survived by his parents, Ron & Marlene Hellman of New Plymouth, Idaho; sister Ronda Fiscus (with husband Del & children Raymond, Delana & Reese) of Ione, Washington; several aunts, uncles & cousins, as well as his honorary nieces & nephews of the Allard & Pacini families. In addition, Todd held a special place in his heart for the numerous foster children that were often part of his family, including one special young lady, Nicole Carlos.

    Todd touched so many lives & his memory will live on. Though he was taken from us too soon, our Todder loved the life he lived & died doing what he loved.