Former Concord Mayor, Councilman Dan Helix Dies

CONCORD, CA — Former Concord Mayor and City Councilman Dan Helix "dedicated his life to serving his country and his community," U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier said Wednesday in a statement about his passing.

In his role as a retired U.S. Army major general and as a council member and mayor, putting others first was Helix's passion, DeSaulnier said.

"The impact he made on the city of Concord continues to be felt today and will serve the city’s residents for years to come," DeSaulnier said. "Our thoughts are with Major General Helix’s family as we celebrate and remember his legacy of service."

Throughout a distinguished 41-year career in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, Helix served in the Korean War and earned the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with “V” Device, and Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster among other commendations, DeSaulnier said.

Helix was first elected to the Concord City Council in 1968 and served for eight years. After serving as the director of the Bay Area Rapid Transit District, Helix returned to the Concord City Council in 2010 as an appointee, then was elected to one final term in 2012.

Helix also served as president for both the Concord Rotary Club and the former Mt. Diablo Hospital Foundation, Concord campus. And as a member of a U.S. Congressional commission, Helix evaluated potential changes in the Department of the Army.