With great heartache, the SHOWSIGHT family mourns the passing of Mr. David “Dave” Helming. On August 30, 2023, the Westminster Kennel Club Chairman passed away following a brief battle with lung cancer.
The contributions that Dave made to the sport of dogs in his lifetime are many and his impact will long be remembered by those who have benefitted from his efforts. In addition to his most visible roles as Show Chairman and Club Secretary of Westminster, Dave was an active member of the Somerset Hills Kennel Club, Westchester Kennel Club, Kennel Club of Philadelphia, and Morris & Essex Kennel Club. He served these organizations admirably in a variety of roles, including President, Director, Treasurer, and Show Chair. Dave also participated in the important work being done by the AKC Political Action Committee.
Dave was an honorary member and past President of the Newfoundland Club of America. He was the club’s AKC Delegate and served as Vice Chairman of the NCA Charitable Trust Management Board.
Together with his wife, Peggy, Dave operated the Pouch Cove kennel in Flemington, New Jersey, where the couple has bred many top-winning Portuguese Water Dogs and Norwich Terriers along with their beloved Newfoundlands. The Helming’s best-known Newfie was CH Darbydale’s All Rise Pouch Cove (Josh) who was awarded Best in Show at Westminster in 2004.
They also bred and owned GCHP Claircreek Impression De Matisse (Matisse), the Top-Winning Male Show Dog of All Time and the Number One All-Breed Dog in 2014. Due to these and many other remarkable achievements, the Helming’s were honored in 2005 by being selected AKC Breeders of the Year.
Dave leaves behind his devoted wife, his kennel, his friends and associates in the dog world, and his legacy of working tirelessly on behalf of purebred dog clubs and their members, exhibitors, and preservation breeders.
Today and every day, let’s be grateful for the incredible example that Dave set for us all.
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