Carl Helfin passes

Helfin sold world on merits of San Luis Valley
By ERIN SMITH
The Pueblo Chieftain
ALAMOSA - Carl Helfin, an affable entrepreneur and tireless booster of the San Luis Valley for more than half a century, died Sunday.
Helfin, who entered a local nursing home only two weeks ago, died of an apparent heart attack, a family friend reported. He was 76.
An Ohio native, he served in World War II and settled in the San Luis Valley after the war.
He had property throughout the San Luis Valley and was known for his philanthropy.
Helfin was named Alamosa's citizen of the year several years ago and remained active on several boards, such as the SLV Historical Society, Regional Development and Planning Commission and South Central Seniors, until recent years.
He was instrumental in persuading the states of Colorado and New Mexico to acquire the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad for the public, thus saving the narrow-gauge train.
Helfin never married. He is survived by a sister, several nieces and nephews, and close friends, the Walter Huffman family.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today at Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa.