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In memory of

Harold Vincent Helsley

Calabasas, CA

September 9, 1936 - April 11, 2018

Sep 9, 1936 - Apr 11, 2018

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A stalwart oak of a man in both stature and principle, Harold Vincent Helsley, departed this life on April 11, 2018. Widely known in Los Angeles County for his community activism and positive out-look on life, Hal’s favorite motto was “If you don’t make a difference, think about who will!” Walking his talk, Hal served on numerous LA County committees that shaped the use of the Santa Monica Mountains, including the LA County’s Scenic Corridor Committee, and the North Area Plan. He was a part of those who came together to form the City of Calabasas. Affable, and broadly knowledgeable on many levels, he loved to work with people to achieve solutions to community problems. Toward that end he served on the Board of Directors of the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District for 20 years, during which he lobbied strongly for the use of progressive water treatment science and cost-effective policies. He was deeply proud of the District’s top-quality EPA achievements and the skilled LVMWD staff there. His further served his commitment to community service when he was later appointed by Supervisor Zev Yaroslavksy to the LA County Regional Planning Commission where he served 13 years. He was honored by being chosen State Regional Planning Commissioner of the Year for 2012. It was during that time that he became well-known for espousing the planting of acorn seeds by the dozen, rather than single oak trees, as mitigation for new development, because an acorn develops more quickly and sturdily than boxed up trees. Often considered something of a friendly maverick, his questions stirred many a stimulating discussion in water district and community meetings and Commission decisions.
Many marveled that he knew so much! It was the accumulation of the work experience he and his brother gained during their childhood upbringing on their family 17-acre lemon & avocado “ranch” during the cash-poor war years in Vista, California, that developed Hal’s practical hands-on knowledge and application of science. This was further polished by his degree in the teaching of Industrial Arts from San Diego State College. Concurrent with teaching in Los Angeles schools, he earned a Masters in Education, from CSUN, with the intent of becoming a principal. But it was working with kids that was his love, the day-to -day shaping of skills useful in careers and life. He truly enjoyed teaching middle school kids and was hugely effective with them, and he received numerous teaching awards. He proudly taught for 47 years for Los Angeles Unified School District, often saying that he ‘played all day’ as a school teacher!
Hal and his wife Nancy met as camp counselors and married in 1962. Together they built a home in the Santa Monica Mountains, Hal literally doing it with his own two hands over a period of years, as cash or time allowed. Oldest son Tom, and twins, Matthew and Andy grew up learning many practical skills along the way. He and Nancy soon became active in the protection of the rapidly developing mountains, and shared a passion for nature and a deeper understanding of natural earth processes. Hal spent many years working with neighbors and associations to foster care and stewardship of developing communities.
In retirement Hal and his brother, Dr. Charles E. Helsley, worked with a group of physics scientists to form Fusion Power Corporation to use a safe and known form of fusion energy for production purposes. This became his and Chuck’s passion in his post teaching years, keeping his mind and purpose in life fully alive.
Hal is survived by three deeply loved sons: Thomas (Juley) of Los Alamitos; Andrew (Ishani), of Mountain View, CA and Matthew of Portland Oregon; two dearly beloved grandchildren, Jayden and Mackenzie Helsley; his beloved big brother, Chuck (Barbara) of Reno, Nevada. He was much treasured by his sister-in-law, Virginia Coulon of Bordeaux, France, by dear and loving cousins Peggy Stackhouse, Mona Lou Manchester (Hal), Jim (Dorothy) Robertson, Rod (Honora) Robertson, John Wylie (Martha), and nearby loving nieces and nephews Heather, Ryan, and Paul.
He spoke freely and gratefully of having lived a very full life and having been able to have meaningful work, to build a family home, to have loved deeply his wife, and kids. He died of leukemia at the age of 81, three days short of his and Nancy’s 56th wedding anniversary. Though he is no longer with us in form, he is with us in spirit.
A Celebration of Hal’s Life will be held at the Santa Monica National Recreation Area’s Peter Strauss Ranch in Agoura Hills on Saturday, June 9 at 10:30 AM. Please RSVP through https://www.wonderfullife.com…

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