Vincent Helper Obituary

Native American Community Leader Vincent T Helper, born on August 2, 1966, passed away December 14, 2025 at age 59 at UCSF Hospital after a long battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis (lung disease).



Vince left his birthplace (Oglala, South Dakota Pine Ridge Reservation) when he was 28 years old. He was placed in Residential Treatment for alcoholism in San Jose, California at Four Winds Lodge. Since then, he made California his home.



Vince was a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe commonly known as Lakota.



Vince inspired people to get clean and sober at his job as a Substance Abuse Counselor at The Orenda Center in Santa Rosa, California for over a decade. He was called on by the Native-America community to lead ceremonies.



Vince was known for his big heart and great sense of humor. He loved singing on the drum. He loved hanging out with friends and relatives. He enjoyed going to Pow Wows. He loved to laugh and make people laugh. Vince had great knowledge of his tribal culture. He held the sacred songs, he guided people in applying Native Culture in their lives.



Vince graduated with an AA Degree in CAD (Computer Aided Drafting), however he chose to work with people in Recovery. Since Vince was clean and sober,he wanted to help others change their lives too. He worked in Drug & Alcohol Treatment at the Or end a Center for over a decade. Due to an injury to his ankle at work, Vince had to quit working.



Vince had over 30 years clean and sober at the time of his passing.



Vince leaves behind a younger brother, Justin Helper who resides at Pine Ridge. Vince also has a sister-in-law, Francis Rocha with his niece, Sacred, and nephew, little Doug. They reside in the Sacramento area.



Vince will be greatly missed!