Erik was the first Interlake ASB President, and was a well-known nationally ranked debate champion. He died of cancer on August 1, 1972. After his death, the Erik Helppie Award was created to honor the top senior in speech and debate in the state of Washington. The Helppie Award is still given out every year by the Washington State Forensics Association.
Erik is buried at Sunset Hills Memorial Park in Bellevue.
