Condolence From: Brooke
Condolence: I was saddened to hear the news of “The Sir’” passing. He was my grade 6 teacher and I was trying to track him down to tell him I still think about him. I am sorry that I was unable to connect but pleased to read all the memories of students who had stayed in touch. He was a remarkable teacher and obviously has impacted many on a personal level.
Monday April 19, 2021
Condolence From: Don Torrie
Condolence: I woke up this morning looking forward to contacting the "SIR" and wishing him a Happy 75th Birthday. My heart sank when his number came back out of order.
I am incredibly sad to learn of his passing this way. we spoke several times a year, but due to my own health conditions the past year, it had obviously been a few months.
I am proud that I let the "SIR" know on numerous occasions, just what he meant to me in my early impressional years.
He was a very influential person in my life, and i will never forget how his guidance, teachings & friendship help me sort through life's growing pains.
i will never forget the "SIR" He single handily made the world a better place, and I already miss him terribly.
My condolences to all his family, friends & former students.
Rest in Peace "SIR" you were truly one of a kind!
Sincerely,
Don Torrie
Monday July 30, 2018
Condolence From: David Petrash
Condolence: my deepest condolances on the passing of Keven...he was a good friend and customer ..(i work at the power centre in thunder bay) and met Keven thru his good friend Rick..we sometimes shared a laugh, a good conversation and there were times where he would come visit me at the store or bring me one of his friends who were looking at purchasing a new tv or something..its never a good thing to see someone you care about or have as a friend pass away and i know that the memories i have of him will live forever...he will be missed....
Thursday December 21, 2017
Condolence From: Janet Johnston
Condolence: It was such a pleasure to know Keven. I was so, so sad to hear of his passing. My heart goes out to all his family. He came to all the Wilen gatherings. Always a joy to see and chat with him each time. The Wilens will surely miss Keven.
Love Janet (Wilen) Johnston.
Monday December 18, 2017
Condolence From: Linda Mae Sharp
Condolence: I was sad to hear the news of Keven's sudden passing as we were always planning to visit each other either in Thunder Bay or in Kelowna and so sorry that it didn't happen. My family and 5 sibblings moved away from Ontario when I was 16 years old but I have many very fond memories of Keven; when we went to gramma's for her delicious sunday dinners, sleepovers at gramma when my mom was sick, visiting at Christmas and exchanging gifts, Keven taking us for drives in gramma's old black car and listening to Kevan as he played on the piano...he was amazing on the ivory's and could play any kind of music like nobodies business without any musical notes he was a natural. Sending my heartfelt condolences to all Keven's sibblings and family at this difficult time as you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing I could have been at the Memorial Service! Keven you will be missed and thought of often but I know that you are in heaven with the rest of the family members who have passed on...may you rest in peace "the Sir" uncle Keven!
Tuesday December 12, 2017
Condolence From: Candace Weiss Vilhan
Condolence: This was such sad news to hear. “ the Sir” was my grade 6 teacher when I was at green acres school and I think that was 1979. It was so sweet to see that David Shalley’s Brother posted as I was in the same grade 6 class with him and he used to draw cartoons to entertain us all. Mr. Helseth taught us about respecting your elders and teachers which I don’t think kids these days get enough of. I remember we were getting an immunization at school one day and a girl fainted next to me at her desk. Mr.Helseth swooped over to pick her up ran holding her to get her to the nurses without skipping a beat. He was always firm but fair and was very compassionate and professional. As soon as I saw his picture, and the “ the sir” I knew it was him instantly. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and take comfort in all of the lives he touched⭐️
Sunday December 10, 2017
Condolence From: Jamie Shalley
Condolence: Our family was deeply saddened at the news of Keven's passing. The Sir taught my brother David and I at Green Acres School in the early 1980s, which began a lifelong friendship with my brother, myself, and my mom Hermi.
I know I'm not alone when I say that Keven was the best teacher I ever had. He always went to bat for his kids, always encouraged us, and music time was always fun when he sat down at the piano. With 'The Sir', it was all about respect. Few people I've known commanded respect like he did. And he earned every bit of it. Here's a story my former classmates and I talk about fondly to this day. Our Grade 6 teacher left the room to make photocopies down the hall, and the roar in the room began to grow as 30 suddenly unsupervised kids began to talk, laugh and basically sound like a hurricane. Keven, who had been teaching his class next door, suddenly appeared in the doorway. And all sound immediately ceased in that room. He had that stern look on his face, he adjusted his glasses, stared at us for a few moments, then returned to his work. He didn't have to say anything. The message was received.
We will remember him as a man with a kind heart, a great teacher and friend who always carried himself with class. Our sincere condolences to his family. He is truly missed.
-- The Shalley Family --
Saturday December 09, 2017
Condolence From: Laura and Jim Harnett
Condolence: We were very saddened to hear of Kevin's passing. He was always interested ready to help. The Thunder Bay Hill City Kinsmen and the K40 clubs owe Kevin a great debt of gratitude as he always was willing to help and kept things going. We will miss him. I will miss his hugs.
Saturday December 09, 2017
Condolence From: Jarron Childs
Condolence: "Sir" was my grade 7 and 8 teacher at Balsam school. We were a challenging class to say the least. I think we may have been the only group of kids to deviate from having to call him "Sir" or "Mr. Helseth". By the end of grade 8, we were able to sneak in the odd "Kevin" or "KD" and not get the "stare". I would like to thank everyone that posted quotes, its amazing how much you can remember with a little prompting. My best memory is from grade 8, a bunch of us less troublesome kids decided to skip school and go downtown. The next day he hauled us all out into the hallway and told us he was going to have to talk to our parent and we were in a lot of trouble. We confessed to going downtown, but what he didn't know was that we had bought him an Everly Brothers T-shirt (Wake up a little Suzy, Wake Up) for his birthday. He gave us a stern look, said thank you, and let us off of the hook. Maybe that sounds irresponsible, but I think we all took it as a genuine caring moment. For all of the tough guy exterior, he had a heart of gold. I don't remember many elementary school experiences, but Kevin I remember, and remember fondly. He will be missed. Thank you "Sir" for all your caring, patience and love.
Saturday December 09, 2017
Condolence From: Debra Johnsen
Condolence: Mr. Helseth made an impact on many of our lives. In his first year of teaching, I believe, at Oliver Road School, many of us continued to connect with him over the years. Our mothers loved him!! ....and yes, carry on independently! Peace be with you, Keven, in your journey. You left a legacy that won't be forgotten.
Saturday December 09, 2017
