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The family of Bill Helps uploaded a photo
Thursday, August 31, 2017
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The family of Bill Helps uploaded a photo
Thursday, August 31, 2017
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Reed Elley posted a condolence
Sunday, June 10, 2012
I have just caught up to the fact that Mr.Helps had passed away.I remember him well.He taught me physics in High School and his father the Rev.Fred Helps was the minister of the Baptist Church in Aylmer where we attended. Mr.Helps was a somewhat eccentric fellow who left a deep impression on us all.He was a good teacher who cared about his students.I know he will be missed. My condolences to all his family
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Tony Ford posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Ellen and John: So sorry to hear that your father passed away. Over the years I have thought of Mr. Helps quite often and several years after leaving East Elgin I was over to see him to thank him for his support. I had many a good conversation with him that helped keep me on the straight and narrow. My first memory of him during my first class was that he never seemed to comb his hair. I always enjoyed his classes and he made them fun with his sense of humour. He had a very positive influence on me and I am sure on the general student population. My thoughts are with you at this time. Tony Ford
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Ron Kordyban posted a condolence
Thursday, January 12, 2012
It was Yeats who said that "Education is not the filing of a pail, but the lighting of a fire" and this statement seems custom-made to describe the teaching of Mr Helps, whose passion about Science was as contagious as it was limitless.
With his magical way of bringing Physics alive and out of the textbook, Mr Helps inspired his students and piqued their curiosity and interest. When studying trajectories in class, I remember his homemade crossbow which shot an arrow across the classroom in hopes of hitting the paper apple which began to fall (thanks to an electromagnet whose circuit was broken by the arrow as it shot through aluminium foil at the tip of the crossbow). As the students calculated the angles and trajectories required, Science became dynamic, fun and wondrous!
But Mr Helps taught us more than just Science, as an honest and caring man of great integrity, his lessons and classes also taught us about life and morals. We appreciated his sincerity and devotion to his students as shown by the extra lengths he took in and out of the class.
Mr Helps remains my favourite teacher of all time, as much for his character as his excellence in teaching. He inspired me to become a teacher, and remains an inspiration to those who were fortunate to be his students.
Condolences go out to his family- know that your father was a great man whose loss will be missed but who has touched the lives of many. Mr Helps was a big fan of humorous words of wisdom (which could often be found in the signs in his classroom). So in memory of him I quote the wisdom of another educational icon, Dr Seuss- "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened".
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David and Paula Grimes posted a condolence
Monday, January 9, 2012
We were sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We always enjoyed his stories and his enthusiasm for everything, esoecially music. He was a great supporter and a great friend to Alf (Sandy) and Laura over the many years in Aylmer. A special hello to Pat. Dave and Paula Grimes
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Kathy Ayers posted a condolence
Thursday, January 5, 2012
From the Staff of Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer Research Unit St. Joseph's Health Care our sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Bill Helps. Our thoughts are with you. Ellen we shared some wonderful stories of your dad in the office. God Bless him. Dad is in good hands now and can rest in peace. I will miss our little chats over the horses. Take care of yourself. God Bless.
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Deb (Boehm) Passmore posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Dear Ellen and fmily, It was with sadness that I saw today's Aylmer Express to find of your father's passing. He was a wondeful man, a great teacher with a quirky sense of humor that made you pay attention in class....or else you'd miss it! I often remember how he would sharpen his chalk in the pencil sharpener....made me realize that I needed glasses to see the blackboard!! He had me build a motor as an after class experiment in grade 11 because I was hoping to get a better mark so that I wouldn't have to write the final exam. I learned a lot about electric motors and I didn't have to write the exam, so it was a win-win situation! My condolences to your entire family at this difficult time.
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Loretta Thompson posted a condolence
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Ellen & Ken, So sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. I still had the pleasure of chatting with him when he was out walking Gracie and also benefitted from his many years of volunteer service with me for the Cancer Society.
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Piet and Mary Ellen Bouthoorn posted a condolence
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Bill Helps was an excellent teacher, liked and respected by students. I remember him fondly not only as a teacher but, in later years, as a member of the Aylmer Community Choir, and as a visitor at Kees and Alice VanLiere. Sometimes, when visiting, we would see Bill go by with his faithful dog trotting along beside him. We are sorry that we were unable to attend the wake or funeral to pay our respects, but your family was certainly in our thoughts.
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Ken Humphrey posted a condolence
Saturday, December 31, 2011
I seem to remember that Mr. Helps was famous (or maybe infamous) for his homemade contraptions. The message turned out to be that science is not something done by people with advanced degrees in high priced labs but rather that science is everywhere to be noticed and appreciated by everybody including non-science types. Thank you Mr. Helps.
P.S. Is the cannon story the one about a logging chain, Halloween and the reason they were filled with concrete?
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Grant and Joan Hart posted a condolence
Saturday, December 31, 2011
When we returned to Aylmer, we were very happy to renew Grant's friendship with Bill...Grant remembers very well a camping trip that he and Bill took together in 1947. Also, we enjoyed a few movies together with Maureen and him in Aylmer.....his legacy as a remarkable and interesting teacher will be remembered by many citizens of Aylmer. He was a man who 'made a difference' in the young lives of many students. Our condolences to the family. Grant and Joan
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Michael Knight posted a condolence
Saturday, December 31, 2011
There are few that reach the same plateau of excellence as a teacher; one who left a chalkboard of memories and life lessons for his students. I appreciated him as my teacher. I incorporated his lessons throughout my professional life when I was no longer his student. His influence continued after I became his neighbour and he and Gracie would often stop to talk. He will always be fondly remembered; because he made a difference.
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Denyse and Mark posted a condolence
Friday, December 30, 2011
We have many fond memories of Bill Helps as our Physics teacher. Some of our memories include:
His advice on sharing your eraser for the person who forgot theirs: Always bring an extra eraser for these people, but make sure it's hard and smudges when they use it.
Always have two pencils or more in your pocket. If you sit on one and break the end off you have another one.
"Don't expect to get much done on a Monday."
His advice on sharing a ruler: you have one good ruler for yourself and one ruler to share which has the numbers worn off.
We always remember the ball trick. Mr. Helps was illustrating gravity by showing us a heavy black ball which he dropped on the desk to show how heavy it was. Then he let it roll off behind the desk onto the floor. Then he acted like it had fallen on his foot. He bent down to pick up the ball and he threw it across the room. Everyone ducked! He had replaced the heavy ball with a light plastic one!
Mr. Helps was at our place quite a few years ago, bringing his telescope with him. We were looking at the moon, when some visitors came along to see what we were doing. When the visitors were looking into the telescope, Mr. Helps said if you looked closely enough, you could see footprints on the moon. The visitors looked and said "yes, they could see them". Mr. Helps looked at us with a smile as if to say he successfully fooled another one!
It was a great pleasure to have Mr. Helps as our physics teacher. We learned a lot from him - he helped us understand and enjoy physics.
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Johanna (Hesch) Heisler posted a condolence
Friday, December 30, 2011
Your father attempted to teach me both grade 11 and 13 Physics. Despite his best efforts I was only a C student, I would be a late bloomer when it came to logical thinking, being an artsy at heart. However, Helpsy was much more effective in developing the talents of my late husband Dan. While Dan went on to earn a PHD in chemistry, that was more a function of the job market. His lifelong passion was Physics and his career would be more of a generalist scientist, inspired by your father's love of science. Over the years, Dan would look forward to stopping in to visit your Dad when we were in Aylmer. They would enthusiastically discuss the current education system and new developments in the scientific field. Dan often praised your father as the best teacher he ever had, because "he taught you to think about the science behind the question." I will always remember your father's quirky sense of humour and the sweet man he was. One day out of the blue, he marched up to me in the hall and informed me I was the cause of much controversy and distress as it seemed that "one Dan Heisler was choosing to attend the prom with me instead of going to a trip with the Astronomy Club to see a new observatory." While his peers were quite disapproving, your father informed me, that had he the chance to go to the prom with such a lovely young lady, he too would make the same choice as Dan, rather than spend a dull day with amateur astronomers. That was unexpected! Ellen, I also remember him picking you up at a drama cast party at my home when you were only in grade 9. I waited nervously the next day in Physics class wondering what he would say about what he had seen. To my relief he confined himself to praising the play not our role in corrupting his daughter. Helpsy was a unique, wonderful character at East Elgin who will always be remembered. Dan, no doubt, was only one of many students who owed their successful career to this very special man.
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Bill Schaper posted a condolence
Friday, December 30, 2011
My deepest sympathies. Mr. Helps was a truly memorable and inspiring teacher and I can't tell you how fortunate I was to have learned from him. He instilled a love of science, and even more a love of learning for its own sake, that are with me to this day. I'll always be grateful for that and for my memories of him.
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Barry Sinclair posted a condolence
Friday, December 30, 2011
Ellen: Very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My deepest sympathy is extended to you and your entire family.
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Leah Landriault and Mike Relf posted a condolence
Friday, December 30, 2011
Sorry to hear about the passing of your Father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. If you need anything at all, we are hear to help. Leah and Mike
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Cilla Reeve and Charlotte Palmer-Benson lit a candle
Thursday, December 29, 2011
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May this candle burning bring happy memories for Ken, Ellen, John and Joe.
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Karen Skuce posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Sorry to hear this. I have a very vivid memory of Mr. Helps jumping from the floor directly and vertically to the top of the science lab counter at the front of the class. I have to say we were all impressed, given that none of us could have possibly done that! He had a wonderful sense of humour and made our classes entertaining and informative. I am sure there are many students who have that same memory etched into their minds....there were many moments of laughter coming from that classroom as Mr. Helps told some hilarious jokes as he carried out his class....he would slip them in there I am sure just to see if we were still awake!
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Hilary (Mills) Marsh posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Bill Helps was my Bill Nye! He was always running into the back room to get a crazy contraption to prove a theory! He inspired me to enjoy the mysteries in science and the joys of learning. Bill was also a mentor to my husband when he was an aspiring science teacher. We will always remember Bill as an excellent teacher.
"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." - Albert Einstein
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Jack Couckuyt posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Mr. Helps was an outstanding teacher with a great pragmatic sense who brought physics into everyday life. I remember him as a teacher, a colleague and a friend who always had a story to expain even the most complicated physics concepts. I remember him as the only teacher who ever gave me a failing mark - in metal shop - and boy did I deserve it. You were a great example, Bill. Would that all teachers had your verve. And were all those stories about the cannons true?
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Judi Wright posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
I met your father on the first day of school (EESS) 1967. It was my first day as a teacher and I was scheduled for a grade 9 science class in his room period 2. I walked into the classroom and he looked at me and sternly told me that I had to wait in the corridor until my teacher admitted me into the classroom. I told him I WAS the teacher, he grinned, and we were friends from that moment on. It was sometimes difficult to teach a grade 9 class in a room hooked up with advanced physics experiments, but we coped. He was a great friend, colleague, teacher and mentor. My last memories were of Bill and Gracie on their walks.
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Fran Brubacher posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
I was shocked to receive Kenny's email that your dad had passed away. I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know he was in Elmira. From reading the condolences he must have been a terrific person and one that made a difference as a teacher. I know you'll miss him a lot. You have our sympathy.
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Peter Skuce posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Greatly saddened to hear this. He was a fine person.
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Julie Austin posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Dear John and Ellen I was very sad to hear of your father's passing. I knew "Mr.Helps" as a kind neighbour before I ever knew him as a fantastic teacher. Nellie Goddard (Lollie) was my caretaker on Dufferin and I recall many occasions when Mr. Helps was so generous to her. She was very grateful for neighbours like your mom and dad. She also died on Dec 27, but in 2004. As my teacher, I always enjoyed his class. His lessons were engaging and quirky in the best of ways, and his sense of fairness was something not often seen. It was in his Grade 10 science class that I heard him use the phrase, 'I only want what I deserve, nothing less, nothing more." It has stuck with me since. Condolences on your loss. Sincerely, Julie Austin Peterborough, Ontario
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Don Breen posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
When I just heard of the passing of Mr.Helps I was shock. I along with hundreds of pass students looked up and admire him. He was not just a person helping, you but he was like a close friend. My sincere sympathy goes out to the Helps family. God Bless!
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Theresa Klachan posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Your dad was a wonderful teacher! I have very fond memories of physics class with him at East Elgin. Mr. Helps always went out of his way to say a kind word and ask how I was doing. We often had great chats later on in life when he was out walking his dog, picking up a newspaper at Studers. As John knows, his dad always referred to me as John's twin...as we have the same birthday. Thinking of your family... Theresa Klachan
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Robbie (Den Harder) Magahey posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Your Dad was a fantastic teacher and a kind and happy soul... a pleasure to spend time with. He will be sadly missed but take comfort in the fact that many will remember him fondly as one of Aylmer's best science teachers. Your Dad was a great man. You will be in my prayers at this difficult time. Sincerely, Robbie Magahey
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Robin Chandra posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Ellen: I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My deepest sympathy to you and your entire family. God bless.
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Elaine de Ryk posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
I had the priviledge of having Mr Helps for Grade 13 physics. I will always remember his grin, you had to grin right back. He was a teacher who cared, and wanted all of us to succeed. After his retirement he continued to care for his community through a lot of volunteer work. You will be missed Mr Helps, my sympathies to the family. Your dad was a wonderful man.
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Mary Dancey Clarke posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Our Sincerest condolences on Bill's recent passing. Physics and I were not good friends, but the teacher was a wonderful person. May your good memories bring you comfort in the days and weeks ahead. Mary & Moose Clarke p.s. Karen, I'm with you!
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Marlis Timbeck ( née - Hocstenbach) posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
My sincerest sympathy and condolences to the Helps family. He was my science teacher at East Elgin during my Highschool years 1962-1965.
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Janice & Tom Robson posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Ellen & Ken, Our most sincere sympathy in your time of sorrow. Janice & Tom Robson (Cathy Harkes Sister)
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Jean Skillman posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Mr Helps was a person who knew how to teach, who was always looking for a strategy to make the concepts of physics reachable by students. I remember that in physics the examples were often from a set of concepts that for girls in particular were unfamiliar, but he was able to cross the boundaries to make it accessible. Not an inconsiderable achievement in an era where science was gender divided. He was passionate about his profession, and wanted students to share that passion. He communicated respect, and was one the memorable teachers of my high school experience.
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Karen Hilliker posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
John, Ellen and your families, ...to say that your dad got me through Physics with more than a 50 is a tribute to "Mr. Physics" the teacher. ...to say how much we miss him, his humour, his kindness and his morality is a tribute to Bill, your dad and a very good man. Karen
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Jack and Judith Couckuyt posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Bill Helps was an astounding teacher who knew how to bring physics to life. He always had a way of explaining the toughest concepts with an explaining story. We need more teachers like him. He was always ready to volunteer, to give that extra help. In many ways he was that stereotype of the mad scientist with the test tube and the explosion in the background, with the wild hair and the knowing grin. We will always remember you as a caring teacher, friend, and life-long experimenter!
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Mary-anne Verge posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Helps family. Mr. Helps made Science class fun. His humour was at the root of his wonderful teaching methods and he stirred up "school spirit" in all of his students. He encouraged me to do things I never would have tried both inside and outside of school. The world needs more teachers like him. Most sincerely, Mary-anne (Dopp) Verge
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JEFF KLOOSTER posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
To the Helps family he was not only a teacher but a mentor unfortunate in todays teaching world there are none like him i have fond memories, and still use his teaching methods in my presonal business a great man has move on to the next level
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Kelly Pearson posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sending sincere thoughts & condolences to the family of Mr Helps. Instead of dreading every science class as some of us used to do, he made it fun and interesting so that we enjoyed going to class! The stars will be shining bright for you, Mr H!!! (EESS student from 1975-1980)
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may [Smith] Ball posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
sincerely sorry to hear of the passing of Mr.Helps. He was terrific teacher. He was my teacher my teacher in high school and he was very respected by myself and others,he was fair and honest.
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Andy, Vicki & Jess Weir posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Andy, Vicki & Jess Weir made a donation to
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Dave, Cynthia, Jacquie & Cameron Bruggeman posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Dave, Cynthia, Jacquie & Cameron Bruggeman made a donation to Aylmer Corner Cupboard
Our thoughts are with you Ellen and family ... remember the good times.
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Cheryl Peterson posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Cheryl Peterson made a donation to
During this difficult time I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies.
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Ronda Fraser and Gregg Trinder posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Ronda Fraser and Gregg Trinder made a donation to Aylmer Corner Cupboard
During this difficult time, please know we are here for you. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
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Lesley Hayward posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Lesley Hayward made a donation to Aylmer Corner Cupboard
Ellen, My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Sincere sympathies, Lesley Hayward
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Lesley Hayward posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Lesley Hayward made a donation to Aylmer Corner Cupboard
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Elaine de Ryk posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Elaine de Ryk made a donation to Aylmer Corner Cupboard
My sympathies at the passing of your father. He was a wonderful teacher, and had a very positive impact on my time at East Elgin.
