I am at a loss as to what to do about fishing old buddy now that your gone,however good memories will remain with me to the end of my days.rest in peace,keep the hooks sharp and line intact should we meet again

Mr Helliwell was the most unique of my teachers. Chemistry class at Central in 1976 was not boring but interesting and provocative. He will be missed. My sympathies to his family.

Definitely raising a glass to this gentleman with so many fond memories; explosions, fires, Kentucky Fried, the fetal pigs in the paper towel dispenser...huge smile with tears in my eyes. Safe journey and much love!

Many miles travelled with early morning starts on our Saturday hunting trips. Breakfasts in random rural cafés and always a return to the Teacher's Club for drinks, food - usually "chicken" and camaraderie. We had good times and you were a bit special, Chris.

I can't help but smile & chuckle when I think back on sitting in your Bio 20 classroom, your getting bored/distracted and turning on the tv to watch some daytime soaps! :) Hard to believe it's been 20yrs since I last saw you... Rest in Peace Mr Helliwell, keep the laughs goin up there!

My condolences to Rosemary & family.
Wonderful stories here about Chris.  I knew him as a bridge player/teacher & partner. We had some good times playing in a few bridge tournaments in Saskatchewan and our regular rubber bridge game.  I guess there won't be any more Helliwell money available at the table until we meet again!
Our 23 day sojourn to India, in 2011 to visit Dev, was a wonderful trip I will never forget.
RIP, buddy.

Fondly remembered.  I still tell stories about him.  He will be missed.

Mr H defines the expression, a scholar & a gentleman. 
As both a science & home room teacher in '72 at Central I found him inspirational!
I shall always remember him.

Mr. Helliwell, the best teacher I ever had and the only class I ever looked forward to. Very sad news for former students and students that wont get to experience his teachings!

Reading all these tributes from friends, colleagues and former students I better appreciate the positive effect he had on the lives of so many people. As a friend and neighbour we got to appreciate his quick wit and charm as well as his talent as a gardener. I well remember his pride in and his skill at producing compost. 
Our condolences to all that knew him and
to his family, Rosemary, Katy, Roger, Nicky
and Jon. Memory lingers and his atoms live on.
Bernie and Jennifer Cohen

My sympathies to the family of Mr. Helliwell.  I was a student of Mr. Helliwell in Esterhazy.  I am sure the family will have great memories to cherish.

The best teacher in waking up his students in ways other teachers never would....you were the best!

I will always remember Mr. Helliwell's classes as they were always interesting.  Nothing like clearing out the entire third floor with a beautifully made stink bomb in chemistry class! I will remember him always.

Here's to you Mr. Helliwell! You had the best sense of humour of any teacher I ever met!

You will be greatly missed, Mr. Helliwell. You were a great inspiration who really brought science to life for me. Rest in peace.

Mr. Helliwell...  Greatest science teacher - so many hilarious stories about the ways he would "wake up" kids who weren't paying attention, or experiments he would do to drive a point home.  Great memories.  My condolences to his family.

Mr. Helliwell's Bio class at Campbell was the only class I didn't want to skip! But if we did skip class, he would surprise us with a phone call to A&W telling us to get our butts back to class! Priceless... RIP Mr. Helliwell!

Rosemary and family
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Marge Badham

Good bye Mr. Helliwell. You were an inspiration for many students.

My sincere condolences to Mr. Helliwell's family. I think of him often....the helliwelli worm, his romance novel, his experiments....no idea if all the stories he told were true, but the fact that they are still remembered says something about this man. I tell my children about my science teacher from high school....he truly was a memorable man. RIP Mr Helliwell, God Bless You.

My condolences to the Helliwell family. Mr. Helliwell was a wonderful, gifted teacher whose Physics classes were not only educational, but also fun and inspiring. He made a real point of providing practical demonstrations that illustrated how science applies to our everyday lives. To this end he was always dreaming up new types of experiments for us to carry out, to illustrate whatever principle he was required to teach that day. "I was thinking last night at dinner," he would say, "about measuring the transfer of chemical energy to kinetic energy in the body..." and next thing you know half of us would be riding stationary bikes while the other students monitored the change of temperature in the room or something. As experiments they were invariably dismal failures, but as teaching devices, they were highly successful! (I'm sure that no one from that class will forget the lesson on measuring the rates of chemical reactions, which involved a demonstration on how to make exploding paint from iodine and ammonium hydroxide...) 

I'm sure that his legacy continues on with the many students that he inspired to become scientists and teachers.

One of the better teachers - still remembered and remember what he taught us.

My condolences to the family.  He was a teacher that changed my life, I remember and quote him to this day.

Chris Helliwell had a great sense of humor and was an excellent teacher. Here are a few things that made Mr Helliwell one my favourite teachers at Central.  

The Skill testing question of the day for the privilege of taking the attendance slip to the office. Often the question was related to some article he read, which usually led to further discussions and or an experiment. One such article was on the world record for standing on one foot which was at least an hour. This led to a challenge to see if a student could stand on one foot for 3 minutes, he (John Burnell) lasted about a minute and a half.

Mr Helliwell's first question to me on the first Thursday of October was “Did you get your limit?” The first Wednesday of October was opening day for Pheasant hunting and of course I missed school that day!!

One of my classes with Mr. Helliwell started at 8:30 AM. One day in December, we entered class and Chris was looking out the window. The class settled into their seats and waited for some indication that class would start, but none was given. After waiting a few minutes someone asked what we would cover that day.  He replied that he was tired of coming to school in the dark and that he refused to teach class until sunrise. So, on that day in December, the first class of the day started at 8:45.

Several years after graduating, I played in a slow pitch league that would have a pint after the game at the Teachers Club. One evening as my team mates were leaving, I notice Chris at the bar and went over to talk to him. We shared some laughs and beer. Today, as I did then, I raise my glass to one of the best teachers I've known Thank you Mr Helliwell!

Don Weir

I often think about this teacher who was like no other. With increasing fondness I remember Mr. Helliwell's far-reaching knowledge, and what were, perhaps, his courageous teaching methods. When we students researched the subjects of our choice in the ways we chose we thought it was a lark, the learning was almost incidental. But it's precisely that learning that stuck with me through these almost forty years. Thank-you Mr. Helliwell.

All my love to Mr. Helliwell's family. He taught me physics, including all about light and our perception of it...and that I am a little colourblind, but on in an interesting way, he said. A great man. I'll never forget him.

Thank you Mr. Helliwell!! For being the wonderful teacher that you were!  Science class was my favorite thanks to Mr. Helliwell

My condolences and prayers for your family. Mr. Helliwell taught me grade 9 science and Grade 11 Bio at Campbell. I still remember KPCOFGS. Blessings...

Shaun Rust

The world has become a little less interesting with the loss of Mr. Helliwell.  While most of us recall little of what occurred during any other high school class, all of Mr. Helliwell's students have many vivid memories from his. My most heart felt condolences to his family.  Mr. Helliwell was truly a unique human being and wonderful teacher.

Thoughts of peace to Rosemarie, childern and grandbabies.

Condolences to the family. I was one of his students at Campbell Collegiate and he was a very memorable and effective science teacher to say the least.

Mr Helliwell taught me chemistry and biology and Campbell Collegiate. He was a good teacher, funny, and quite a character.

Never hated going to class when Mr. Helliwell was teaching, we never knew what we were in for that day. Glad to have had the science and life lessons.  He will be missed by many. Cheers to you Mr. H.

Mr. Helliwell....Thank you for making science class fun and interesting. There was never a dull moment!!!  You will be missed!!!!

Dear Jon and the Helliwell family,
My condolences for your loss.  From the other comments here I see I'm not the only one who considered your father our favourite teacher.  He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

I met Chris a few times through his good friend Dev,and thoroughly enjoyed all of his  stories and his sense of humour.  We are so sorry to hear of his passing and our sincere condolences to his family.

Joe and Sandi Kerger.

Mr. Helliwell was my biology teacher at Campbell.  He was hands down the best teacher I ever had.  RIP Mr.H

I hope you get to see the Galopogos Islands now my friend. You will be forever loved and missed.R.I.P

Sad news - he was a brilliant educator and a great man who made a difference in the lives of many young people, including me.

Mr. H was the best teacher.  He encouraged students in the very best of ways and had a sneaky way of teaching more than science.  Rest in peace.

deepest empathy for the Helliwell family i was proud to be of Mr. Helliwell's Students and Campbell Collegiate in the late 70's early 80's

What a great loss! Such a unique man. He made me and many others happy to go to class! Love to the family.

It was a pleasure to have crossed paths in life with you mr. Helliwell!! I will never forget my amazing biology teacher ..I told everyone stories about you!! Condolences to your friends and family ..r.i.p

My sincere best wishes for peace and healing to you, the Helliwell family.  Mr. Helliwell was one of my most memorable teachers, 9th and 10th grade at Central Collegiate.  He had a fantastic wit and told us funny stories and treated us as if we were humans. I'm 54 now, and that was so long ago, but I still remember him vividly ~ the mark of a great teacher. He was a rare breed and I'm honored to have had the privilege.

Thank you Mr Helliwell for making science fun, surprisingly I became a Biochemist and I frequently think about your class and your awesome spirit.

Mr Helliwell was more than just inspiring teacher, he gave his students a reason to want to keep learning. My condolences to his family,, he will always be lovingly remembered.

Mr. Helliwell was my Grade 11 Chemistry teacher.  I am now a Science teacher here in Calgary (in part due to his excellent influence).   I will always remember when he set explosions up all over the lab benches in class and set them off with his meter stick  (not so) randomly.  So great!

Mr. Helliwell was my chem teacher at Campbell.  I belonged to the Mole Club (which was a lot of fun!)  Looking back, I see his commitment to not letting me fail...a true educator.  Thanks, Mr. Helliwell.

Well, Chicken Man: this is all life is all about...no chemistry,no physics,no biology, no bridge; nothing. We had a lot discussions during our visits and we agreed on a lot and disagreed about a lot. Main thing is we learned a lot about life,friendship,about people. I'll never forget one thing though:during our conversations on a glass/pint of beer or WD40 or Grants,I've never seen you lose your temper once ,as opposed to hundreds of times I lost my cool.You are great man,Chris; one of the smartest people I've met in my life. Like I told you during my last visit,I'll join you someday and continue our discussions and enjoy on a glass of good stuff indulge in lot of good food and reminisce our trips to Kerala, Goa, visits to Ooty and Coonoor eating good and spicey and hot Curry. I really miss you my friend...your friend,Gog.

Mr.Helliwell was my high school biology teacher. I have to say that it was the best hour of the day. He will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Cindy, Max, Ashley and Marshall

One of the most memorable teachers of my high school days. Anyone who had the privilege of being taught by Mr. Helliwell would never have forgotten him. A legend in his own right.

Mr. Helliwell was my Chemistry teacher at Campbell in the mid 80's. He was a great teacher. My condolences. I remember him fondly.

Every student that had Mr. Helliwell as a teacher will always remember his laid back style of teaching, I personally never learned more in any other class because he made class fun. He was a great guy and a favorite of all the students he taught. I still laugh when I think of the many good times I had in that classroom like him sending kids to go get slurpees or on a nice day going outside to learn how the grass grows (in reality we were just hanging outside laying in the grass), and will never forget him paying anyone who would eat a worm $10, he will be missed but the memory of him as a teacher will live on forever. RIP Mr. Helliwell, you sure left your mark on so many people you met in your life and will never be forgotten. I've toasted a glass to you tonight

You were one of my most favorite and the most memorable teachers.  A truly amazing man. RIP Mr. Helliwell

Mr Helliwell was one of my favourite teachers at Campbell. I loved it when he would light a match and throw it on someones desk if they weren't paying attention. My condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. Helliwell taught me biology throughout high school but more than that he taught me to believe in my own abilities. I owe him a lot. RIP Mr. Helliwell and thank you.

Sympathies to the Helliwell family. I'll never forget the way he challenged all of us to think and to value all learning. He was a great teacher and individual.

Chris was a great colleague, witty , intelligent and genuine. We miss Chris and send our deepest condolences to the Helliwell family.

My condolences to Mr.Helliwell's family and friends. I am saddened to hear of his passing. He was a special person who elightened the lives of those he met. I am grateful for the brief period in my life I was able to spend with him.

So sorry to hear of this loss. An amazing teacher and man. And so damn charming! He was my favorite teacher at Campbell.

Good memories! I'll miss Chris's stories, competing with and against him over a chess board and card table, his travel advice and just relaxing with my elbows on bar talking to him.

Mr. Helliwell was a master teacher. His gigantic heart and love of life kept me enthralled. Just a giant among men! Im sure he's looking down at us right now coyly.

Mr Helliwell was my teacher in high school chemistry and also lived down the street from me. I remember him fondly as a colourful teacher. I recall he once told me that when his pet hedgehog died he preformed an autopsy on it! My condolences to Chris's family. He was such a nice, and funny, man. He will be truly missed.

Mr. Helliwell, I hope you know you were and will always be my first favourite teacher. Because you made being smart and funny so cool, and school just one little part of a wide and entertaining life. You never made me much of a physicist, but you have so much to do with how I think. A toast to you.

Remembering all the hunting we did, glasses we lifted, politics we talked.  It was a lot of fun.  R.I.P.

Mr. Helliwell stoked such interest in science for all of his students. I was privileged to have learned from him and enjoyed his classes immensely. He was creative, patient and made even the most mundane aspects of science come alive  inspired us all to stretch our minds. He challenged us and that made us better for it. Thanks for all you gave to your teaching and your students.

Mr. Helliwell was by far the best teacher we ever had. I will remember his sense of humour and great personality always. My best memories of high school always invole Mr. Helliwell. We will miss you.

To the Helliwell Family, 
Chris was a teacher of mine in Campbell Collegiate.  He was an excellent teacher and he is one teacher who I remember fondly and often think about.  I am saddened to hear of his passing.  May your memories and thoughts of him be as special as my memories of him. Here's to Chris!!

Rosemary, Katy and family - my deepest sympathy to you at this time of great loss for your family.  May each memory you cherish bring you love and laughter always.   

- Pat Hanley

Rest peacefully, my long-time and dear friend.

Mr. Helliwell, you were my first home room teacher at Central Collegiate, and even at that young age, your fine British wit was not lost on me.  Many times I have thought of you and hoped that there were more teachers like you.  I will indeed raise a glass to you, dear sir.  Cheers.

So,Helliwell, after all of our long discussions on the subject, by now you must have realised that I was right about the afterlife.  Rest in peace, old friend. Until we meet again.

OBITUARY

Christopher P. Helliwell

11 March, 1941 – 6 October, 2013

Victoria Avenue Funeral Home and Cremation Centre

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