Concord Mourns Loss Of Dan Helix, Former Mayor, City Councilman

CONCORD, CA — The city of Concord issued a statement Thursday mourning the loss of longtime City Councilman and Former Mayor Dan Helix, who died Tuesday at the age of 91.

Helix was a retired U.S. Army major general who served as a Concord city council member for 15 years, between 1968 and 2016. He was first elected to the council in 1968 and served as mayor from 1972 to 1974. During this time, he was instrumental in the development of the Concord Pavilion and the protection of the Lime Ridge Open Space, the city said.

Following his time as a council member, Helix served on the BART Board of Directors.

He returned to the city council in 2010 when he was appointed to fill a vacancy. He was reelected for a four-year term in 2012 and held the role of mayor in 2013.

"The legacy of Dan’s service and the wisdom of his example will continue to guide the City of Concord," said Concord Mayor Tim McGallian, who called for the city of Concord flag to be lowered to half-staff Thursday and remain so one week.

• Former Concord Mayor, Councilman Dan Helix Dies

Concord City Council Members Comment On Passing Of Longtime Council Member

Concord Vice Mayor Dominic Aliano said: "This is a sad time for our community because the Concord Family has lost a public servant who gave so much to us. The City of Concord is grateful for his leadership and I am honored to have been his friend."

Concord City Council member Edi Birsan said: “It was not widely known that Dan took part in the lunch counter sit-ins in South Carolina protesting segregation. Additionally, as a member of the City Council and as Mayor, he stood out and stopped city dealings with the all-white policy of the social clubs in the city.”

Concord City Council member Laura Hoffmeister said: “This is a great loss for our community. Dan served his country and community with great intellect, he attacked issues head-on and always asked the right questions. I cherish my time serving with Dan and knowing him. He was a wonderful, caring and generous person.”

Concord City Council member Carlyn Obringer said: "General Helix was an instrumental figure in the City of Concord. His leadership helped to ensure the financial stability and community spirit which defines our city. I greatly valued his counsel and will miss our conversations. I extend my deepest condolences to his family."

OBITUARY: Daniel C. Helix

Born: August 24, 1929—Died: March 9, 2021 Age 91

He has gone to live with his Heavenly Father.

Daniel C. Helix retired as a major general in the U. S. Army in 1989. He served 41 years on both active duty and the Army Reserve, enlisting as a private on January 12, 1948. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant of Infantry in 1951, and served in combat as a platoon leader and company commander of a rifle company with the 45th Infantry Division during the Korean War. His final military assignment was as Deputy Commanding General, Sixth U.S. Army, at the Presidio of San Francisco.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of California at Berkeley, and a master’s degree in Political Science at San Francisco State University, both degrees with honors. He is a graduate of the Army’s Command and General Staff College, the War College, and was a Senior Fellow at the JFK Center for International Affairs at Harvard University.

General Helix’s decorations and awards include: The Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Army Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with “V” device for valor, Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, plus numerous other awards.

He was a member of the U.S. Army’s Infantry Hall of Fame located at Fort Benning, Georgia, authorized to wear the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge, and the parachutist badge, which he earned at the age of 50.

General Helix served as Mayor and Councilman of the City of Concord, CA from 1968 to 1976, and a Director of the Bay Area Rapid Transit District. He was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Concord City Council in 2010, and re-elected for a four-year term in 2012. He was again elected as Mayor by his colleagues and remained on the City Council until December, 2016. He served as Chair of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee for the former Concord Naval Weapons Station.

Helix was a published author of an award-winning novel, The Kochi Maru Affair, set in the Korean War era. He has several published articles and short stories, primarily in military journals. He has a Lifetime teaching credential for secondary education.

Helix was a Life Member of the VFW, Post 1525, past president of the Rotary Club of Concord and the Mt. Diablo Hospital Foundation, now John Muir Health, Concord Campus. He served on the Board of the All Wars Memorial Foundation, the Korean War Memorial Foundation, and is active in numerous philanthropic and military organizations. He served on a U.S. Congressional

Commission studying changes in the Department of the Army, and Governor Schwarzenegger’s Military Base Retention Commission.

He met and married the love of his life, Mary Lou Hiott of South Carolina, in 1953. They were married for 67 years. They have two children, Dr. Daniel E. Helix and Marilu Elliot. They had five grandchildren, Adam Elliot, now deceased, Michael Orlinsky, Zachary Daniel Helix, Spencer Helix, and Candace Drake. They have two great granddaughters, Emmerson Drake and Rylee Drake.

His love of service to his community was manifested by the many successful achievements he accomplished. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Dan’s service will be held in June. Details for the event will be shared once they have been confirmed.