Dear family, this has taken me a long time to write. Helly was my practicum teacher 1992-93 while I completed my B Ed at the University of Calgary. We shared so many laughs that year, and although many years separated us in years, we were kindred spirits. We kept in touch for many years, until her responses stopped. Now I know why. I will always cherish the memories of that practicum year...the warm bread given to me many mornings because Helly had been up at 5am!, my visits to Millarville, the chats we had, she shared many experiences of teaching and her precious family. She was truly one of a kind, and I will miss her always. Love, Jane Penfold From Ontario.

My deepest condolences to Keith, Arlene,Yvonne, Eric and family.

Helly always inspired me with her positivity encouragement and joy.

Cycling to the top of the Highwood Pass, cycling from Millarville to Nellie McClung School

and x-country skiing into Skoki Lodge were a complete joy with Helly.

Thank you for the cherished memories.

Rest in peace dear friend .

Our deepest condolences to Keith, Arlene, Eric and Yvonne. As our neighbor out in Millarville, Hellys infectious smile and kindest will not go unforgotten.

Ron & Debbie Lepp

I met Helly in the late 80’s when I was a novice recreational runner. As a 20-something, I was awed by the running talent and energy of this “mature” woman, and vowed “to be like her when I’m her age”. We only crossed paths a handful of times, but I followed Helly’s amazing running career from afar, taking inspiration from her accomplishments to keep setting goals and pushing my own limits as a runner. While I could never aspire to her level of ability, that 20-something is now 60-something and I’ve never stopped running. Thank you, Helly, for defying limits and stereotypes and being a role model of drive, determination, and grace to women everywhere. Your spirit will live on in all the lives you have touched.

We knew Helly as a kindergarten teacher, a camp counsellor and leader at Silver Creek, and later as a regular force in the neighborhood as a runner, her distinctive silver hair blowing carefree in the wind. She was playful and fun, but focused and purposeful. We loved her and will miss her. Where have the years gone? So many great memories ...

You will be missed Helly! Run free now.

~alan

My Condolences to the Family and my Biathlon friend Yvonne. Helly was truly a Legend in her own time.

I was saddened to hear of Helly’s passing and my thoughts and prayers go out to her family. I was fortunate to have known Helly as a colleague at Oakridge Elementary School / Louis Riel in the late 80’s / early 90’s. She always had a smile for everyone, especially her kindergarten students. She was also an outstanding athlete, which I discovered when I offered to run with her one lunch hour. Being 24 years my senior, I could barely hold my breath while Helly maintained the happy / encouraging conversation throughout the entire 5 km run. Long May you run, Helly.

Helly was an always friendly and supportive and self deprecating human being!! I have many happy memories of meeting her out on the wonderful Calgary pathways where she always had a positive attitude and kind word! Thank you Helly! Jim Hutchison and Carol Green

I have many wonderful memories of Helly throughout the years beginning with my sons Matthew and Marc Johns each enjoying her vivacious personality in kindergarten.

Helly was so kind to us all.

I was always pleased to bump into her after the Louis Riel years ended. It was such a pleasure hearing all about her new running adventures.

A life well lived, enjoy your reward my friend.

Karen Hiebert (prev Johns)

Helly Visser was an important and wonderful part of my childhood. I’ll never forget making and icing hand-shaped cookies, playing “blow ball” with a ping pong ball on the dining room table, getting paid (hourly!) for chores, and racing away from a flood at Beaver Flats when out camping in the family’s tricked out school bus. Helly’s zest for life and approach to everything was inspiring. My thoughts go out to Arlene, Yvonne and Eric and Kees.

Julie

Helly was an inspiration to us all in the running community and to all those kindergarden children who were so lucky to have her as a teacher. She will be remembered long after her records are eclipsed.

Rest in Peace Helly.

Andy Fahey

Helly was an outstanding kindergarten teacher who shaped many little lives with loving tenderness, humour and quest for discovery. I had the privilege of being a teaching colleague with Helly during her years at Oakridge/ Louis Riel School. Condolences to Helly’s family of whom she was very proud.

She has been an inspiration to so many of us now in the senior ages to keep moving! Rest in peace, Helly.

Linda Shantz-Keresztes

My husband Bob Hallett and I were so fortunate to meet Helly, to run with her, and to be inspired by her determination and commitment! She was a wonderful woman! May your family be sustained by your memories of and love for Helly.

Sending our condolences,

Anne Sorbie and Bob Hallett

I met Helly at the track many years ago after watching my girls run. I was impressed by her passion for running and great accomplishments at her age. In my fifties having never ran before I decided to train for one year and compete at the Masters North and Central American and Caribbean Championships in St John N.B.in 2012. Helly and Roger Davies were my coaches. Helly was such a beautiful lady. She was so kind. She and Roger were awesome coaches! I was truly blessed to have crossed paths with her. Helly enriched my life and I have many fond memories of her. My deepest sympathy to her family

Helly was definitely an inspiration on how to live life joyfully and to the fullest. She always had a vivacious smile and kind word for everyone! Her spirit and energy will live on through those of us lucky enough to bear witness to it! Condolences to Keith, Arlene, Yvonne and Eric and families. Your memories will be your biggest blessings!

THank you to all who have sent memories of Helly.

She lived life to the fullest!

If you wish, Helly's choice of charities was Right To Play

Righttoplay.ca or 416-203-0190

Dear Keith and Family,

Our sincere condolences on the loss of Helly. She was a friend, neighbour and much loved member of our rural ladies group west of Millarville. Helly joined the Square Butte Ladies Group in 1982 and continued as an active member for over thirty years, contributing to our charitable efforts even after her move into Calgary. We will all remember with fondness her cheerful approach to life, her laugh and smile. And of course we were inspired by her running achievements and celebrated her successes. When you drove past Helly running along a country road or saw a photo of her crossing the finish line it was hard not to feel that maybe you could do just a bit more yourself. We will raise a toast at our group's annual Christmas party next week and think back on the good times.

My thoughts and hugs go out to Helly's family. Over the last 11 months, I saw Arlene, Yvonne, and Helly occasionally. Arlene was the first person I saw when I entered the building and was amazed to see someone I have known for close to 40 years. They supported me in my journey with my husband at AgeCare and I am truly grateful. Arlene, Helly, Barry and I had several lunches together. Helly was an awesome lady and I loved her laugh.

I will miss seeing her and Arlene regularly. Wishing all of the family peace.

Kathy Cuthbertson

Prayers to all Helena's family. I am lucky and thankful to have been a running friend for over 20 years. Helly was an inspirational, creative, fun, strong world class athlete.

Rest in peace Helena,

Roger Davies.