Joseph William LaComb was born on September 1, 1932, in Brasher Falls, New York. Joseph married Betty on June 7, 1952, and they had two children: Spike and Laura. LaComb earned a bachelor of science degree in mining engineering from Montana School of Mines.

Daughter of Nevada Senator Joseph M. Foley and Betty (Bradshaw) Foley; Helen is the niece to Roger D. Foley, Thomas Foley, George Foley, and John Patrick Foley, and the granddaughter of Roger Thomas Foley and Helen (Drummond) Foley. She has served in both houses of the Nevada Legislature and now co-owns a Public Relations firm.