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Thomas Helzer Obituary
Born June 24, 1938 in Richmond, CA. He graduated from Chico State University in 1961 and began a 35 year career in education with the Anderson High School District. He worked as a teacher, counselor, coach, director of student activities, and assistant principal before retiring as principal of North Valley High School in 1996. Tom was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Chico State and was awarded Educator of the year by the Anderson Chamber of Commerce in 1992. Tom will be remembered for the special rapport he established with students, staff, and teachers. He was a role model, mentor and friend to many during his career.
Tom enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life including, wood-cutting, woodworking, wine-making, barbequing, and photography. He will be most remembered as a "people person" and "project man." The homes of many friends and family members include something he made or fixed. He was an active member of Anderson Rotary, Key Club, and served for many years as counselor at the Rotary 717 Leadership Camp for students.
Tom was known for his sense of humor, fairness, generosity, and devotion to his family. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Helzer, son-in-law Derek Griffin, and sister Shirley Corn. His two grandchildren Davis and Taylor Griffin brought much joy and laughter to their Poppa and him to them. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Tom's life at Moose Grove, Anderson River Park on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship will be set-up in his name at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Helzer
Sherri (Stevenson) Pate
August 1, 2007
Mr. Helzer:
You will always hold special memories to so many of us. There are many people I have admired, but you Sir, are certainly at the top of my list. My years at AUHS would never have been the same without you. My heartfelt prayers go out to your family.
Sincerely, Sherri (Stevenson) Pate (1973 graduate)
Jim Gibson
July 27, 2007
Tom was a friend. We worked together to establish the Anderson Kiwanis Key Club, several years ago. Tom was an organizer and he was loved by the Anderson High students. He had a way of gaining their respect while "guiding" them to be better students and citizens. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Jim and Mary Lou Gibson
Tinker Dorman
July 27, 2007
Tom Helzer was a staple in my life in high school. I was a very misguided teenager and he was always there to guide me in the right direction. It was because of Tom that I had the courage to overcome some of the obsticals placed in my path and graduate. I never thanked him enough so I will thank his family for giving him the support to do the excellent job he so loved
Sue Bennett
July 24, 2007
It's always sad to lose a family member, especially one so full of life as Tom. I first met Tom ("Helzie") on one of the many ski bus trips coordinated by him and Joe Gibson. I can still see his big mischevious grin covering a teddy bear heart as big as the sky. My condolences to Jennifer and family. He will be missed.
Joe Kneer
July 23, 2007
I knew Tom for only a short time, He was a true friend of mine, and obviously of many others....
I was lucky enough to go to Kodiak with him twice, and the trips there will never be the same without him.
Thanks Tom. I really enjoyed knowing you, and you will live in my memory forever. Rest in peace...
Your friend, Joe
Mike & Bev Sharrah
July 23, 2007
Dear Jenny and family,
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We thought the absolute world of your Dad and enjoyed his visits to Kodiak. He was such a fun loving guy with a great laugh. We will miss him.
Jason Winfree
July 23, 2007
Tom's generosity was wonderful. He gave out of the simple richness of his character with no expectation of return.
We will miss you, Tom. Thanks for your thougtfulness and humor.
Susie (Pelkey) Loftus Jensen
July 22, 2007
Hi Jenny,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your children and family. I know how hard it is to lose a parent. I will pray for peace for you and yours. Your father was a special man to alot of people.
Michele Lahti (Tunnell)
July 21, 2007
Jen, Derek, Davis and Taylor,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will be here for you when you get home to help fill some of the void you will feel by not having this larger-than-life person a phone call away.
With love,
The Lahti Family
Nancy Stuck
July 21, 2007
Mr. Helzer was one of my all-time favorite teachers. He taught me how to drive, narrowly missing a logging truck, he taught me how to view the world around me with humor, offering to supply me with a seat belt when I fell out of my chair in class, twice...I promise Mr. Helzer, I was not fooling around. and he was a great role model. I am a high school choir teacher today in part because of great examples like him.
I live in S. Cal. and was on the lake w/ 48 college students and happened to see the notice in the paper. Plaese know I'm praying for your family. thank you for sharing your dad with us all.
Nancy Arend Stuck, Class of 69
Luvin' that Blue and Gold.
Ron & Lana Granfors
July 21, 2007
We will truly miss Tom, especially at the Brix's Annual Grape Picking..... Tom's BBQ Salmon and Tri Tip was always such a treat and he truly loved doing it for all to enjoy!!!
Also, the crab feed will just not be the same without him.
People pass on, but their memory lives on in our hearts.
Jenny & family,
May time accomplish what no words can do.
Kristi Whitney (Fredrickson)
July 20, 2007
Jen, please know that you are in my prayers, and many blessings go out to your family. I consider myself a lucky person to have known your dad. My high school years have many warm memories because of Mr. Helzer's humor, support and smile. What a wonderful man!
Reita Jolley
July 20, 2007
Dear Jennifer & Family,
My association with your dad was at AUHS Dist., mostly when I was director of food services. As a counselor and principal he placed students with us as aides. He NEVER failed to come through weekly, if not daily, to follow the progress of each one. He also gave great respect to our cafeteria staff. He was instrumental in securing table setting for banquets, which we could not afford, but we all know Tom had ways of persuasion that we can only imagine. It was also during this time, when you were in college, I learned of his pride and joy, Jennifer.
He found out I canned jams and asked if I would like some plums. The next morning there were two very large boxes of plums in the walk-in refridgerator. During the following years many flavors of fruit and jams were traded.
I am one of the lucky receipients of his woodworking in the form of a shadow box I asked him to build and a birdhouse he gave me as a retirement gift.
Witnessing his dedication to helping students, even after his retirement was inspirational beyond discription. He was a giant among educators with a heart of gold, a true friend and definitly someone that will never be matched.
God Bless You All,
Reita Jolley
Judith Engelken
July 20, 2007
To Tom's family from Judy Engelken Yuba City, CA. I was a very good friend of your dad all through Chico State. I was from Pleasanton and he fell in love with my best friend, Jan Knox, the first day she arrived at Chico. We had many wonderful, fun times throughout the next three years. Your dad was a big friendly and a fun, fun guy. He was very good friends with my husband, Gary Engelken, Yuba College Baseball Coach for 36 years. Gary died in 2001 after having had a heart transplant at age 58. Over the years we often remembered your dad with love and humor. Life is way too short for so many of the "good guys". I was saddened to hear of your loss. Keep talking about him forever and ever for those precious grandchildren. With much love and deepest sympathy, Judy Clark Engelken
David Adams (USAF)
July 20, 2007
Jennifer,
I was deeply saddened to hear of your fathers passing. He had such a huge impact on not only me but many others through the years. My heart goes out to you and yours at this time of sorrow.
Rita March
July 20, 2007
Jennifer, I am truly sad to hear about your Dad. Tom was always a person I respected. His approach to students was refreshing, straight-forward and produced results. You were the "light of his life," and he always enjoyed sharing your accomplishments with me when we spoke.
Julie, Andy and Ben Elder
July 20, 2007
I met Mr. Helzer only a few times, but in the times I meet him I was impressed by his kindness and open spirit. He leaves this legacy to his daughter,Jenny, who also shares these gifts freely.
Mr. Helzer handcrafted wonderful memory sticks for his family and his zest for life and love for his family were apparent. May we all leave such a wonderful legacy of love and memories to those closest to our hearts. Our love and support go out to you, Julie, Andy,and Ben.
Bob and Karen Burris
July 19, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom's family. I knew him through my parents Hal and Pat Hack and he was always there for them at a moments notice, no questions asked; in friendship, making them laugh and helping them every way possible; truly a wonderful friend to them. May you rest in peace Tom as the Lord wanted your presence now.
Hal & Pat Hack
July 19, 2007
Our thoughts & prayers are with the Helzer family at this great loss. Tom was a wonderful friend to Hal & myself and we loved having him drop by any old time for a cup of coffee and some kibbitzing. Tom was a great guy and though he might be classified as the grumpy ole man--believe me he had a heart of gold and we will always remember him and miss him terribly. If we needed help, he was always there to administer whatever we needed done.
God Bless you Tom and may you rest in the pease you so deserve.
Justine Clark[ Dhillon]
July 19, 2007
I went to A.U.H.S. when Mr. Helzer was Vice Princeapol.All though I did notno him I seen him everday and thought he was a nice man. I was schocked to here his name in the obits. My preys @ thought go to his family. Class of '77'
Cindy Lou (Wimmer) Salas
July 19, 2007
As I was a teenager growing up,Mr Helzer was a great person to know, and as an adult I enjoyed his sense of humor and wit whenever I had a chance to run into him. He was fun to be around. He will be missed.
John Sharrah
July 19, 2007
Tom will be missed by Mike and myself and always remembered for our annual Alaska fishing trips.
Stu & Clarice Westlake
July 19, 2007
Tom was such a great neighbor, good friend & great mentor to the kids at Anderson High. Our sympathy goes out to the family.
John Itzaina
July 19, 2007
From one Chico State grad to another,I know you had a zest for life and was always having a good time. I tried to stay out of trouble so I didn't have too much interaction with you but Jenny always had good things to say about you.
Jenny, my prayers go out to you and your family in this difficult time. I hope all is well with you and I'm thinking about you.
Anderson Cub Class of '82
Darren Abersold
July 19, 2007
I will always remember Mr. Helzer by something that happened in high school. I was walking down the hall at AUHS during class time (with a pass)when his loud deep voice barked "Abersold, Why aren't you in class?" My suprise must have struck him funny because his huge shoulders started to jump as he broke into his deep rumbling laugh. He tried to be tough, but we all knew he was just a big teddy bear inside. He was and always will be a great man. May the family take comfort in knowing that he was loved by so many. Jenny, my prayers are with you and your family. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Dennis & Kim Scotti
July 19, 2007
Our sympathy to the Helzer family.We will miss Tom greatly not only as a former principal but as a friend of recent years. We will miss his sence of humor and great personality.
Jim Werner
July 19, 2007
A brother in Rotary, Tom was a compasionate, fun guy who loved life and loved his career in education. God bless you Tom, we will miss you.
Julie Foster(Price)
July 19, 2007
My thoughts are with the Helzer Family at this sad time. I remember Mr. Helzer always sitting with his daughter Jenny and her friends Jamie S and Lori W. on the park bench out in front of the Cafeteria at lunch time everyday. They were always laughing and joking.
Jenny, may your heart heal with all the good memories you had with your Dad. He was and always will be a great person. He will be missed
Dave Eggen
July 19, 2007
Tom, you were a fun guy to be around and I remember the fun times we had at Roary meetings & functions. I'll miss you, but I will always have great memories of the good times we had with you. Rest in peace, buddy.
Alice Bell
July 19, 2007
What a great loss to the community. Tom was a gentle giant and a very caring educator. He will be greatly missed.
Diane davis-lockwood
July 19, 2007
I will always remember seeing Mr. Helzer on campus and the feeling of safety his big presence brought. He was well loved and respected as a teacher, mentor and friend to many of us. May you be comforted in knowing that he is remembered by many. Now, in the arms of the angels and in the Father's care.
Connie Chrysler-Anderson
July 19, 2007
Tom was my mentor during my first years of teaching, and became a friend for life. He had a heart of gold for all who surrounded him. His death has left a huge void in my heart. I will miss him tremendously.
KEN CLOSE
July 19, 2007
TOM, YOU WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. OUR CHILDREN LOVED YOU DEARLY. WE LOVED YOUR PERSONALITY AND RIP GOOD FRIEND. LOVE, KEN AND PAT
Doug Hirsch
July 19, 2007
We in Anderson Rotary with miss Tom. His trademark was that of a "Grumpy Old Man," but he had a true heart of gold and helped many in the community behind the scenes.
So many of his former students have stepped forward to speak of the positive impact he had on their lives. Rest in peace, old buddy.
CINCSAC "Buzz" Harold Bussard
July 19, 2007
AUHS, what a teacher and a leader, Kool dude!!! Class of 1970, Go Big Blue!!!
John Day
July 19, 2007
You will always be Mr Helzer to me, you earned that respect over thirty years ago. You treated us kids with respect, love, and discipline when we needed it at Anderson High. Thanks for teaching us about life and responsability, not to mention teaching us how to drive. You will always be remembered and will be missed. You were old school. I know the ones of us you took under your wing when we needed a mentor and friend will always be thankfull for your direction. Rest in piece Mr Helzer.
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