Tom Helms first came to Alaska in 1943 as a young army surveyor. As he explored streams, mountains, and hunting possibilities, he learned everything about the land through his adventures and fell in love with Alaska.

In 1946 Tom returned with his bride, Pauline, to Haines, Alaska. Employment was hard to come by, so the couple was forced to head back to the lower 48 after a mere four years. But this was relatively short-lived, and they once again returned to Haines in 1956. This time with a job at the Alaska Department of Transportation on the horizon, they stayed until his retirement in 1977.

Tom filled his days raising a family, hunting, fishing, as well as building homes. He also learned organic gardening with the benefit of Alaska’s long summer days, always enjoying his life in the last frontier to the fullest. He believed he would never leave, but unfortunately, due to health issues, he and Pauline were pulled back to Texas.

The couple enjoyed retirement in East Texas, where Tom worked odd jobs. He soon found what he had been dreaming of—a plot of land with a pond, a couple of springs, and plenty of space for a vegetable garden and fruit trees. The land needed work, but Tom was prepared. With the gardening knowledge he gained in Alaska, he built up a 4–5-acre space and soon began truck farming at local farmers’ markets. He taught his now-grown children and his grandchildren gardening and market skills, enjoying spending time together.

Over the years, Tom and Pauline did some traveling and returned to Alaska several times to visit. They enjoyed spending time with family and attending church—their top two priorities.

Tom enjoyed life to the fullest, sadly passing in 2018, just shy of 101 years of age. Pauline continues to enjoy life with family in Arkansas at a senior living facility. She enjoys reading, planting flowers in her outdoor space, and working on puzzles.

If you would like to learn more about how your State of Alaska retirement can allow you to enjoy a comfortable retirement, please contact the Division toll-free at (800) 821-2251 or at (907) 465-4460 in Juneau.

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