Obituary of Arthur Ray Helgueros

Arthur Ray Helgueros, a life-long resident of Santa Cruz, Ca, unexpectedly passed away in his sleep on February 15th, 2018 at the young age of 40 years old. He will be so incredibly missed by so many people that he touched and whom loved him. Art was a devoted husband and father of 3 children, who were his greatest accomplishments in his life. As the last son of ten children, family was everything. He will be remembered forever in our hearts. He took pride in all of his children's hobbies and loved being involved in co-coaching his daughter's gal's softball teams, alongside Coach Bonnie. Art also enjoyed annual camping trips to Pescadero, hosting the best bbq's and birthday parties. Art took pride in his many friendships around our community. That being from his childhood, to the many local businesses. His charming sense of humor was always quick to reference a line from any movie, share a joke or just take a few minutes to listen. He knew how to bring smiles with his jabs and jokes. Art was born December 22, 1977, to Sergio and Aurora Helgueros in Santa Cruz, California. He was also known by family and friends as "Tootie" growing up. Art was an avid outdoorsman, with a passion for fishing. He was an active and well-liked member of the fishing community where he was known as "Token". For some time, Art worked/fished the Velocity of the Santa Cruz harbor until having children. Then later teaming up with one his closest friends, Gilbert Parra, to be co-captain of the "Harbor Chick". Where he often would joke he had more miles on the boat than his truck. He graduated from Loma Prieta High School in 1996. After graduation, he worked for his father's landscaping company. Over the next 20 years Art transitioned from landscaper, to manager and would eventually become owner of Ramons Garden. In April of 2007 Art married his high school sweetheart, and love of his life, Shaine Waltrip. The couple welcomed three children into their home, Andrew Nicholas Perez, Briana Nicole Helgueros and Hailey Ray Helgueros. Arthur is survived by his wife Shaine Helgueros, Step-Son Andrew Perez, Daughters Briana and Hailey Helgueros, Mother Aurora Helgueros of Santa Cruz, CA, Brothers Sergio and Wife Laura Helgueros of Sparta, MO, and Andrew Helgueros of Santa Cruz, CA, Sister Linda and Husband Jauehe Pratt of Santa Cruz, CA, Half-Brothers Robert, Joseph, Albert and David Rodriguez of Milwaukee, WI, Half-Sisters Sarah Ambriz and Peggy Mata of Milwaukee, WI, Uncle Arthur and Wife Irene Ramos of Kerman, CA, Aunts Alicia Velez of Fresno, CA, Victoria Helgueros of Santa Cruz, CA, Irma and husband Alejandro Rivas of Gainesville, GA, sisters-in-law Tanya Waltrip and Jennifer Parker of Santa Cruz, CA, Niece and God Daughter Chanel Helgueros, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his Father Sergio Ramon Helgueros of Santa Cruz, CA and his Sister-in-Law Dayna Lynn Waltrip of Santa Cruz, CA. A celebration of Arthur's life will be held at 1pm on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the Scotts Valley Community Center in Scotts Valley, California. Art will forever remain in our hearts and our memories. Our time with him will never be forgotten. His footprints here in Santa Cruz are deep as he was a one of a kind.