Julee & Kyle,
What is truly a labor of love…the scattered memories of my own youth, the trips to Orlando in the family car…wool seats, no air conditioning, two lane road through the groves…to finally arrive – sweaty and miserable – at the homes of “my daddy’s side of the family” as Jay used to say. How tragic that we allowed the American tradition of allowing the wife’s family priorities, to triumph over the husband’s…and most holidays are celebrated with the wife’s family. We Helous drifted away from Orlando roots; not Fouad, nor Victor, but Jumelia, Claudette, and me. Yes, in the sunset years of my own life, I so appreciate the tribute to Dick Milham…but while I remember the engaging, funny, talented singer, who was so animated and interesting….I regret that I sincerely missed the opportunity to be close with him. Let this be a cautionary tale…pour into your children, grandchildren, the true value of family. Time, distractions, distance – there’s no excuses any longer…with zoom, facetime, etc. we can reach out to the globe in an instant. My prayer is Dick will accept my apology when I see him in Heaven.
Dick Milham (Preach) impacted my life greatly as a preteen and teen at powers drive baptist church. His teachings and preaching affected me that many points I remember today. His music and interpretations taught me far more than any music prof or teacher I had. I looked at his delivery as an example on communicating with audience. From moments he spent with youth group, trips to Ridgecrest, and summer youth camp, to marrying and even e-mail counseling me and my husband. I have a boat full of good memories. He pointed me to a life committed to Jesus. He was my “Super Pastor!” Sending my best to Ms. Peggy, and you Julee. May God bless you both. If I can share any sweet, funny stories with you, I would be happy to do so.
Thank you my beloved cousin Julee for creating this masterpiece which so beautifully depicts the life of your father and the incredible legacy that he has left. You have inherited many of your father’s talents- especially the ability to document, research, recognize and celebrate others!
Where do I begin- My Uncle “Richie” as we adoringly called him was probably one of the most influential males in my life. He was the epitome of a renaissance man- his passion and zest for life, widespread interests and master of many talents had me in awe from the time I was a small child. I remember vividly his thousands of visits to our home- always on a mission to bring laughter, fun, wise advice and much mischief. His uncanny ability to make everyone feel special had me wholeheartedly believing that “I” was his “favorite niece”. His “fast and furious pop ins”- while always short lived left a long lasting impact. It was if it were yesterday- I see him dashing about, flitting from room to room, sneaking a bite here and another there (momma’s Lebanese or Italian cuisine), singing an aria with my mom, telling a crowd pleasing joke, gathering us all for a heartfelt prayer, all while somehow listening deeply and caring passionately for all. Although small in stature, his giant personality captured the attention, love and admiration of all- I remember visiting his church with him on many Sundays proudly hearing him lead the sermon and leave everyone spellbound. I remember getting all dressed up in my six year old Sunday best to attend his “Orlando YMCA Man of the Year” recognition- thousands were in attendance and thousands cheered him on as he gave his acceptance speech- it seemed to have all the right amount of “Uncle Richie” in that speech- humorous, wise, riveting, compelling, passionate and heartfelt and every word of it was meant just for me (and maybe also for those other thousand or so other admirers!)
My accounts and accolades of “Uncle Richie” could fill pages- his deep love, respect and admiration for his sister Renee, my beloved mom is above all an aspect of his life that I will cherish always.
I love you forever Uncle Richie- your “favorite” niece- Cynthia
You are so very blessed to have such a wonderful, sweet, and genuine multifaceted dad cousin Julee. A man as wonderful as Richard should have lived to be a hundred but the Good Lord who created Richard called him home to Rest In Peace at his appointed time. I’m absolutely certain that he had left an individually unique impression on every single person who was fortunate enough to know him and hang out with him during special times and events together at family gatherings.
His unforgettable qualities are numerous but one of the qualities I always admired the most about Richard is that no matter how many people were in the room together he always managed to spend quality time with each and every person. Personally, I appreciated every precious moment I got to speak to him because he made that moment special enough to remind me of my own beloved family. His animated personality, quick wit and humor, and contagious laughter ringing through the air never failed to lift our mood and spirit. He was like the Duracell rabbit because his endless energy kept every family gathering super lively to say the least….in other words, there was never a dull moment when Reichard was in the room.
Oh, my goodness…having Richard, Raymond, Aunt Rene, and Pop Eddie in the same room together was always the best free entertainment ever!!! It was such joy and pleasure being around each of them individually and pure joy being with all 4 of them together. Each of them in their own way left imprints on our heart and unforgettable memories that will never die. They all left us much too soon but the “Fantastic and Fabulous Foursome Quartet” are back together again in paradise. Although they are dearly departed from this world they will never be departed from our memory bank nor forgotten. I pray that when our appointed time is at hand we will all be reunited together in eternity with those who have gone before us
I have listened to Reichard’s CD Wayfaring Stranger over and over so much that I actually wore it out and it skips a lot now. I need a new one Julee His voice is so strong and powerful and all the Christian songs on that CD are so near and dear to my heart I cry through most of them….especially the song “In The Garden”….one of my all time favorites. I call it my cleansing CD because the words are so meaningful to me I listen, sing along, and cry. I think It would be so awesome if you can make this CD and some of his other music available on this page Julee.
May God rest your precious soul unto eternity dear Richard You definitely left footprints on my heart as I’m sure others feel as well. I thank the Lord for you and your sweetheart Peggy and for gifting us with precious Julee to carry on the legacy of your life and for Julee’s continuous efforts to keep the family tree connected with one another so that near or far apart we will always be close in each other’s hearts as we continue to recall precious and dear unforgettable moments together
Thank you for creating this post dear Julee and Kyle. Love, hugs, and blessings to you and Kyle and to your sweet and precious mom Peggy…..Always, Nadeemi
niece, georgette says
there are so many memories of him being so loving and caring and focuses on making one feel so special. i adored him.
Danny Helou says
Julee & Kyle,
What is truly a labor of love…the scattered memories of my own youth, the trips to Orlando in the family car…wool seats, no air conditioning, two lane road through the groves…to finally arrive – sweaty and miserable – at the homes of “my daddy’s side of the family” as Jay used to say. How tragic that we allowed the American tradition of allowing the wife’s family priorities, to triumph over the husband’s…and most holidays are celebrated with the wife’s family. We Helous drifted away from Orlando roots; not Fouad, nor Victor, but Jumelia, Claudette, and me. Yes, in the sunset years of my own life, I so appreciate the tribute to Dick Milham…but while I remember the engaging, funny, talented singer, who was so animated and interesting….I regret that I sincerely missed the opportunity to be close with him. Let this be a cautionary tale…pour into your children, grandchildren, the true value of family. Time, distractions, distance – there’s no excuses any longer…with zoom, facetime, etc. we can reach out to the globe in an instant. My prayer is Dick will accept my apology when I see him in Heaven.
Janet Crews Bristow says
Dick Milham (Preach) impacted my life greatly as a preteen and teen at powers drive baptist church. His teachings and preaching affected me that many points I remember today. His music and interpretations taught me far more than any music prof or teacher I had. I looked at his delivery as an example on communicating with audience. From moments he spent with youth group, trips to Ridgecrest, and summer youth camp, to marrying and even e-mail counseling me and my husband. I have a boat full of good memories. He pointed me to a life committed to Jesus. He was my “Super Pastor!” Sending my best to Ms. Peggy, and you Julee. May God bless you both. If I can share any sweet, funny stories with you, I would be happy to do so.
Cindy "Cynthia" Moon says
Thank you my beloved cousin Julee for creating this masterpiece which so beautifully depicts the life of your father and the incredible legacy that he has left. You have inherited many of your father’s talents- especially the ability to document, research, recognize and celebrate others!
Where do I begin- My Uncle “Richie” as we adoringly called him was probably one of the most influential males in my life. He was the epitome of a renaissance man- his passion and zest for life, widespread interests and master of many talents had me in awe from the time I was a small child. I remember vividly his thousands of visits to our home- always on a mission to bring laughter, fun, wise advice and much mischief. His uncanny ability to make everyone feel special had me wholeheartedly believing that “I” was his “favorite niece”. His “fast and furious pop ins”- while always short lived left a long lasting impact. It was if it were yesterday- I see him dashing about, flitting from room to room, sneaking a bite here and another there (momma’s Lebanese or Italian cuisine), singing an aria with my mom, telling a crowd pleasing joke, gathering us all for a heartfelt prayer, all while somehow listening deeply and caring passionately for all. Although small in stature, his giant personality captured the attention, love and admiration of all- I remember visiting his church with him on many Sundays proudly hearing him lead the sermon and leave everyone spellbound. I remember getting all dressed up in my six year old Sunday best to attend his “Orlando YMCA Man of the Year” recognition- thousands were in attendance and thousands cheered him on as he gave his acceptance speech- it seemed to have all the right amount of “Uncle Richie” in that speech- humorous, wise, riveting, compelling, passionate and heartfelt and every word of it was meant just for me (and maybe also for those other thousand or so other admirers!)
My accounts and accolades of “Uncle Richie” could fill pages- his deep love, respect and admiration for his sister Renee, my beloved mom is above all an aspect of his life that I will cherish always.
I love you forever Uncle Richie- your “favorite” niece- Cynthia
Nadeemi says
Deemi’s Thoughts of Richard
You are so very blessed to have such a wonderful, sweet, and genuine multifaceted dad cousin Julee. A man as wonderful as Richard should have lived to be a hundred but the Good Lord who created Richard called him home to Rest In Peace at his appointed time. I’m absolutely certain that he had left an individually unique impression on every single person who was fortunate enough to know him and hang out with him during special times and events together at family gatherings.
His unforgettable qualities are numerous but one of the qualities I always admired the most about Richard is that no matter how many people were in the room together he always managed to spend quality time with each and every person. Personally, I appreciated every precious moment I got to speak to him because he made that moment special enough to remind me of my own beloved family. His animated personality, quick wit and humor, and contagious laughter ringing through the air never failed to lift our mood and spirit. He was like the Duracell rabbit because his endless energy kept every family gathering super lively to say the least….in other words, there was never a dull moment when Reichard was in the room.
Oh, my goodness…having Richard, Raymond, Aunt Rene, and Pop Eddie in the same room together was always the best free entertainment ever!!! It was such joy and pleasure being around each of them individually and pure joy being with all 4 of them together. Each of them in their own way left imprints on our heart and unforgettable memories that will never die. They all left us much too soon but the “Fantastic and Fabulous Foursome Quartet” are back together again in paradise. Although they are dearly departed from this world they will never be departed from our memory bank nor forgotten. I pray that when our appointed time is at hand we will all be reunited together in eternity with those who have gone before us
I have listened to Reichard’s CD Wayfaring Stranger over and over so much that I actually wore it out and it skips a lot now. I need a new one Julee
His voice is so strong and powerful and all the Christian songs on that CD are so near and dear to my heart I cry through most of them….especially the song “In The Garden”….one of my all time favorites. I call it my cleansing CD because the words are so meaningful to me I listen, sing along, and cry. I think It would be so awesome if you can make this CD and some of his other music available on this page Julee.
May God rest your precious soul unto eternity dear Richard
You definitely left footprints on my heart as I’m sure others feel as well. I thank the Lord for you and your sweetheart Peggy and for gifting us with precious Julee to carry on the legacy of your life and for Julee’s continuous efforts to keep the family tree connected with one another so that near or far apart we will always be close in each other’s hearts as we continue to recall precious and dear unforgettable moments together 
Thank you for creating this post dear Julee and Kyle. Love, hugs, and blessings to you and Kyle and to your sweet and precious mom Peggy…..Always, Nadeemi