SPRINGFIELD TWP. — George C. Helwig, an archery professor at Miami University for 23 years, was known worldwide for his contributions to the sport.

        An Olympian, Mr. Helwig was an avid bow hunter who shared his enthusiasm with others.

        The Springfield Township resident died Oct. 9 of heart failure at his home. He was 84.

        A longtime plant manager for Procter & Gamble's Ivorydale facility, Mr. Helwig retirred after 40 years.

        But he didn't retire from archery. This would have been his 50th year of bow hunting, said daughter Susan Nell, of Springdale.

        “He was gung-ho. He loved it,” she said.

        “The whole family was involved. We all shot. He contributed most of his life to this sport.”

        His interest began as a young boy, when he learned archery in Boy Scouts. He began hunting and making and selling bows, a source of steady income during his youth.

        In 1960, Mr.Helwig founded the Junior Olympic Archery Development Program for children. He later participated in three Olympic Games. He was coach and a team member at the '72 Games in Munich and the '76 Games in Montreal, and he was a top referee in the '84 Games in Los Angeles.

        He was national tournament director at Miami University in Oxford for 31 years, running the national archery tourney held there.

        Mr. Helwig was active in the Federated International Target Association for 31 years, and was awarded numerous medals, honors and awards, including the Natural Archery Association's medal of honor. He was inducted into the Archery Hall of Fame.

        One of his proudest accomplishments, his daughter said, was the gold medal he won in the Baton Rouge (La.) Senior Olympics last summer.

        He was also a deacon, elder and lifetime member of Hartwell Presbyterian Church.

        He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Eleanor Helwig, in 1996.

        Other survivors include his son, George Craig of Carthage; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and two sisters, Catherine Weisbrod of Mount Healthy and Nancy Helwig of Hartwell.

        Services have been held. Burial was in Oak Hills Cemetery, Glendale.

        Memorials: The Ohio River Valley Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, 7811 Laurel Ave., Madeira, OH 45243.

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