Shaughn Helliar

Shaughn Helliar
January 6, 1968 - February 25, 2023
La Jolla
Shaughn Helliar, 55, passed away suddenly in his home on February 25. Born and raised in Australia, Shaughn was well-known in the community as the original and sole General Manager of Duke's La Jolla. Shaughn built Duke's into a successful business after moving to San Diego with his wife Celia and two children in 2015, emulating his success with Duke's in Maui, which he opened and where the family had lived since emigrating to Hawaii in 2009.
In Australia, Shaughn had originally worked in the Finance industry as a Futures Broker after studying law at university. He then pursued a career in modeling and acting, meeting Celia herself, then working internationally as a model and later gaining qualifications in Early Childhood and Special needs Education. What began as part-time work in the hospitality industry soon turned into a fully-fledged career as Shaughn rose through management positions, exhibiting a talent for making a success of relaunched hotels (or pubs in the Australian vernacular).
Shaughn and Celia had long felt an affinity for Hawaii, so when the opportunity arose to take up US residency, they and their daughter Scarlett, then two years old, leaped at the chance to make the islands their new home. Son Flynn was born in Maui four years later, and the family embraced the Aloha lifestyle. The success of Duke's Maui under Shaughn's management led to an offer to take up the reins of the soon-to-be-opened La Jolla restaurant, where over the years, he mentored hundreds of staff and became known for his distinctive Australian sense of humor, quick wit, and hearty laugh.
Shaughn's involvement in and support for the La Jolla community extended far beyond Duke's. A keen sportsman since his youth, having run marathons and played competitive tennis, Shaughn sponsored local sports teams and surf programs, hosted local events, and organized volunteer teams for Father Joe's Village and Urban Surf for Kids. He passed on his athleticism and love of sports to both his children, who were themselves active in local baseball, soccer, and water polo teams. Their lives in San Diego have been centered around La Jolla, with the couple's children attending Stella Maris Academy and Bishop's school while Celia teaches at The Gillispie school.
Since Shaughn's passing, the family has been overwhelmed by the care and support of the community and friendships forged through work, school, sport, and church.
Shaughn is survived by wife Celia and children Scarlett (16) and Flynn(10); mother Marlene Marks, father Colin Helliar; siblings Antony, Debbie, and Alli; nieces and nephews Fleur, George, Giselle, Charlie Henry, and Jack; and in-laws Teresa, Vern and Soames.
A memorial service was held at Mary, Star of the Sea, La Jolla, March 6, 2023. Please sign the online memorial book at Dignity Memorial.
Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ lajollalight