Helmick

POCAHONTAS COUNTY — A former commissioner of agriculture in West Virginia and longtime local politician died on Saturday.

Walt Helmick, 81, served one term as commissioner from 2012-2016.

Helmick leaves a legacy of leadership, compassion and commitment to West Virginia, the state Democratic Party said.

“Walt Helmick was more than a public servant. He was a true son of West Virginia who loved this state and its people with his whole heart,” Mike Pushkin, the chairman of the Democratic Party, said.

“He brought wisdom, civility and a quiet strength to his work in the Legislature and as Agriculture Commissioner.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Rita, his family, and the countless West Virginians whose lives he touched,” Pushkin said. “Walt’s passing is a tremendous loss for our state.”

Helmick, a Democrat and Webster Springs native, was a delegate and state senator from Pocahontas County for 25 years.

Former Delegate Denise Hudnall-Campbell described Helmick as a “remarkable leader” in a social media post after his death.

“Walt Helmick’s passing today is a tremendous loss for West Virginia, as the state bids farewell to a remarkable leader who served with honor and distinction in multiple elected capacities, including the Pocahontas School Board, Pocahontas County Commission, WV House of Delegates, WV Senate, and WV Commissioner of Agriculture, spanning over five decades,” she wrote.

“His invaluable guidance, leadership, and friendship will be deeply felt in his absence. I express my sincere sympathies to Rita and his family. May he rest in peace.”

In 2012, Helmick defeated Leonhardt for a first term as commissioner of Agriculture. He lost the 2016 general election to Commissioner Kent Leonhardt.

“I am saddened by the passing of Walt Helmick, who spent many years of his life serving our state. Walt was a dedicated public servant whose decades of leadership, from serving his local community in Pocahontas County to his long tenure in the West Virginia State Senate, and later as our state’s commissioner of agriculture, left a lasting mark on West Virginia,” Gov. Patrick Morrisey said about Helmick.

“His efforts improved the lives of many, especially those in our rural communities he cherished so deeply. I extend my condolences to his wife, Rita, and the rest of his family, along with his friends, colleagues, and loved ones.”