By Jess Mancini, The Parkersburg News and Sentinel
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A former commissioner of agriculture in West Virginia 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, 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.”
