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Bill Helber sucumbed to natural causes and complciatons of Alzheimer's Disease on April 13, 2020.
Many years have passed since you all shared a school room with that crew cut boy with the ready smile and usually a joke.
Bill had an amazing life during his 77 years. And he always made the most of them. He had such a love for flying, dancing and playing.
He forgot a lot at the end but never forget his sense of humor, his manners or his love for me.
I spent almost half his life with him, and what a great ride he took me on. I saw and did things I never would have dreamed about, always by his side.
One of the great things that happened to me as a result of him was meeting all of you. He loved you all deeply, and it’s apparent that you all loved him too!
I will always be grateful for the 33 years I’ve shared with Bill. And I really appreciate all of you. Thank you all so much. Laura
Oh! Clar-E-mont!
      
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Charles Zetterberg
Hello Laura,
I was/am a classmate of Bill’s at CHS. I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing but am comforted knowing you were so supportive of him, especially during recent times.
One of my favorite moments, even after all these years, was the CHS talent show in 1961, when Bill and I performed a song we wrote: “O Claremont”, about various aspects/incidents during our last year at CHS. So much fun writing it, practicing for the show, then performing (Bill on ukulele and me on banjo). And yes, it was well received by the audience there in the CHS auditorium.
In fact, Bill and I immediately became recording stars! Well, maybe that’s overstating it a bit, but we did go to a studio prior to graduation and record the song, and were surprised to discover at our graduation dinner that right beside our plates and napkins was a 45 RPM version of O Claremont had been given to each and every class member, as part of the celebration that evening. I think it still can be heard on the class website Sharon Esterley and others have created and nurtured through the years.
Alas, Bill and I never received royalties for our recording, but the best royalties of all are the memories!
Condolences, and with a smile, as I think of Bill and good times over the years, and particularly of O Claremont, which I’m sure lives on with many of our classmates.
Charles Zetterberg
Betty Dawn Shaeffer (Skov)
So ironic -- the FIRST thing I thought about when I got Sharon's message about Bill was "O Clar ee Mont"
Now I have it in my head, along with so many memories of Bill and all the wonderful people in our very special class.