Obituaries

Irwin Helford, 88, beloved husband of Betty Helford. Loving father of Michael (Elisa) and Jacqueline. Loving grandfather of Hannah (Jeremy), Susan (Lars), Jaime, and great grandfather of Elliot Maya. Dear son of the late Martin and Hannah Helford. Youngest brother of Robert, Norman, and Victor. Irwin and Betty were married for over 66 years.
Irwin Helford has been active in the office products industry for more than 50 years. He was recruited to The Reliable Corporation as General Manager to lead their operations and sales force, while creating a direct marketing program.
In 1984 Irwin joined Viking Office Products in Los Angeles, as President and Chief Operating Officer. In 1988, he was appointed CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Under Irwin’s leadership, Viking’s grew dramatically, becoming multinational with operations in the US, Europe and Australia. In 1998, Viking merged with Office Depot to form the world’s largest seller of office products, at that time.
Irwin served on several Boards of Directors and is affiliated with the following organizations: Parkinson’s Institute, City of Hope, The Herb Mayer Foundation, Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson’s Action Network, Svoboda Capital Partners, The Michael Feinstein Foundation for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook. Irwin also has received many civic and industry awards.
In recognition of his leadership, involvement and philanthropy, the City of Hope named its new, state-of-the-art medical facility “The Helford Clinical Research Hospital”.
Memorial Service at 12 (noon) Sunday, August 14, Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary, Culver City, CA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to City of Hope, Duarte, CA.
Streaming memorial service at:
https://hillsidememorial.livecontrol.tv/19a4dc7f