hello,
your dad sounds awesome! i hope this is not improper, but I am compiling a family tree for the Boelcke family.  I would like to talk to you about that if any of you are interested. another one of the Boelcke children, mary lou boelcke     email mlboelcke@gmail.com

My deepest condolences to the Heller/Boelcke families on learning of his passing only today. Mr Heller and my father worked together as carpenters prior to my introduction to him as one of the most influencial teachers I would ever meet. As I browse thru other condolences - many of the stories familiar to me I can't help but think of one of my own. I never had the opportunity to "give him twenty" (push-ups)but I do remember learning how to use a "Jack" plane after failing to check the thickness of a large plank that I was sending through the thickness planer. I will never forget that day nor many others -either within the school teachings or as a guest at his wonderful home. I am proud to have had his prescence shape my future. You will always be remembered fondly and I would say "Rest In Peace" Mr. Heller but I'm sure you are probably too busy building an elegant staircase with my dad. Thank you for all your kindness.

Very saddened by passing. He taught me so much more than just bldg const. Unable to attend memorial.

My condolences to the Heller family.  I'm sorry for your loss and would like to share a few of my fond memories and thoughts.

I was a student at Bowness High from 1977 to 1980 and took all of the Building Construction classes Hans offered and also acted as a TA for him in one of his classes.  Hans was a remarkable teacher and made a big impact on my life as well as on the lives of many other students.  I've been thinking about the many things that set him apart and made him a special teacher and person.  He treated us as responsible young men who soon would be making our way in the world.  He made it clear on the first day that he was not a babysitter and that we were not going to be "leaning on a lathe" wasting our time making candle stick holders or lamps.  Instead he taught us real skills drawn from his construction background.  He was a teacher that went the extra mile and came up with course material from SAIT and other industry sources.  We learned real construction skills that I still put to use to this day.   I fondly remember his way of dealing with unacceptable behaviour or minor transgressions in the shop - making us drop down and doing push-ups in front of the rest of the group!   He also had a great sense of humour and a real enthusiasm for what he was teaching.  He taught us to take pride in our work and pay attention to detail. I remember finishing projects and would take huge pride when it passed inspection by Hans.  His funny phrases ("you farmers") and the smell of his pipe tobacco and sawdust as you walked into the shop are etched into my memory. When we graduated from his final Building Construction class in grade 12 he hosted us all at his beautiful home on Bow Cresent for dinner and a campfire.  The campfire may have even included a beer or two which made Hans a lengendary teacher in our eyes.  Over thirty years later I'll  occasionally meet Bowness Grads who took Building Construction and the discussion will inevitably include some fond stories about "Mr. Heller".

I went on to earn a SAIT diploma in Civil Engineering and then an Engineering degree from the U of C. After a few construction summer jobs I entered the oil industry as an Engineer and have been there ever since.  I still use many of the building construction skills I learned from Hans when I'm doing renovations or when I'm working on a project in in my shop in the garage.  What I have used throughout my career in the oil industry are the attitudes that Hans taught us so well back in High School; being responsible, taking pride in your work and always trying to do the best job possible.  

Thank-you Mr. Heller!

Dear Heller and Boelcke Family Members
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
I have many fond memories of Hans from the Bowness High School days.

Our condolences to the family. May  wonderful memories allow you to celebrate his life and to find peace.

I am very sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was a great man and a fantastic shop teacher who took the time to listen and talk to you about anything. I respect him and will truely miss him.

I was at Hans's celebration of life today and had written the following dedication to him that I would like to share with you.

Power to it!
Hello my name is John Kirkland. I was a student of Hans back in the early 70's and graduated from Bowness High in 1975. As I think all of you know what a great teacher and person Hans was I would like to share with you how he inspired me. 
I first met him when I was a boy of 14 years old in Building Construction 12 class. After he introduced himself, Hans asked how many of us were in this class to build coffee tables, speaker cabinets etc. Quite a few hands were raised, mine included. Well to my shock he proceeded to say “You might as well drop out now because that is not what you will be learning to do in this class.” Hans then went on to say “I am going to show you how to take a hammer, saw and tape measure and make money!” Well a few of the kids that had earlier raised their hands did leave his class, but I did not. He had me hooked on MAKING MONEY!
Among the many things Hans taught us over the next couple of years it was respect. I think we all had it but he instilled in us. Hans always coached and encouraged us through doing and also words. He had phrases and sayings he liked to use,  ‘You farmers!', ‘What in the World?' or his signature phrase at that time ‘Power to it!' Though I was a kid he always treated me and all of his students as men. When I completed the Building Construction program, Hans had taught us how to use those tools he mentioned first day of class and make money. The thing I didn't realize at the time was the mental skills and the will he also instilled in us to make our way into the working world.
Off I went into the world to make my way after graduation. It was about 3 years later I was working in Bassano Alberta building houses. Well this one particular house we weren't able to get the roof trusses due to some unknown delay. My boss wasn't sure what to do so I mentioned that I could layout and cut the roof for the house. Well it didn't go quite as smooth as in our shop classes but it did get built. My boss came to me and in disbelief and said “You learned how to do that in High School?” Well I was pretty proud of myself and thought at that time how Hans would of been proud of me also. I thought to myself ‘Power to it!'
About 5 years later when I was in trade school completing my carpentry apprenticeship I realized again what an awesome teacher Hans had been. We were covering some theory in my 4th year and I was like, ‘Hey we learned this in high school', and I thought to myself ‘Power to it!'
My career has taken me to different parts of our great country, into my construction business and now as an inspector with the City of Calgary I realize not many days have gone by that I didn't think of Hans and how he impacted my life. His spirit lives on in me and I believe every one of us here today. Thank you. Power to it!

Dear Heller family,
I am very sorry to hear about the passing away of Herr Heller. I had him as a teacher at the German Canadian Club "German School" in Bowness in the early 1980s. I remember him as an energetic and enthusiastic man who cared about his students. I was also always impressed by his dedication to the German school. Without his commitment, I doubt that my nine year old daughter would now be attending classes at the school's present incarnation.

In recent years I was happy to see Herr Heller at Advent Lutheran Church. He maintained a positive outlook even when he was clearly struggling with health issues. 
May peace be with you.

As a young teacher at Bowness High I appreciated the friendship and support Hans showed me . He was a person I had great respect for . He will be missed

Deepest condolences to all the Heller Family. I had the privilege to know Hans both as a fellow teacher and as a member of the German Altherrenrunde discussion group where Hans was magnificentia sermo rector for many years.
I admired Hans for his positive, professional attitude and his zest for life. Even when his health problems increased he was always smiling and upbeat. His work with students both at Bowness and with the German Language School of Calgary is still appreciated by many. He was a man who made a difference in the lives of others. He will be missed. - Erich Berndt

Our condolences to the Heller/Boelke family.  Hans was a wonderful teacher and school principal.  We did not actually meet until 1983, when he hired me for the German school almost at the end of his career.  In 1993 I took over the school administration from Hans' successor, Renate Geist.  All through those years until I retired in 1998 Hans was always in the picture.  Even while he fought serious health issues, he presented himself upbeat, supportive, optimistic and always professional.
Hans and his wife, Christine, hosted great get-togethers in their Bowness home, creating wonderful memories.  In later years we would occasionally meet in Baker Park and appreciate the opportunity to reminisce.
My only complaint?  I never did learn to decipher his handwriting!
Good bye, dear friend.  You will be missed.

Marlis Woitas/Jakubczyk and Hans Jakubczyk
PS:  A just undergone knee replacement (Hans) prevents us from attending your farewell celebration.

We are so sorry to hear of "Onkel Hans'" passing. He has a very special "SUPER" place in my heart. All my love, Suzanne (Haefcke) Ritchie

Rosie, Kyle and I are very saddened to hear about your dad. He was such a nice man and funny! I only met him a few times at your house but he always had a smile and a story and was so personable. I know Kyle has happy memories of visits to his house on the river. You are lucky to have such a wonderful father.

I extend my condolences to you and wish you strength and courage as you grieve the loss of this great man.  Hans was a dear friend; I met him through Christine.  I had wonderful times visiting their home, often after a hike with Christine.  Hans would pour us a nice glass of wine and we would laugh and converse together.  Hans was interested and interesting.  I learned a lot from him about being optimistic no matter what ("keep smiling"), about giving of oneself, about staying active and using one's brain and gifts ("self-actualization" he called that).  I thank God that I had the honour of knowing Hans and I miss him.  I hope your happy memories sustain you.

I was sad to hear of Mr. Heller's passing.  He was a wonderful man.  I always enjoyed talking to him.  He taught me a lot about being positive and uncomplaining, about living to the full, using one's gifts ("self-actualization" he called it) and about giving.  Hans was inspiring, optimistic, jovial and kind.  Had many a good laugh together over a nice glass of wine after Christine and I had been out hiking.  I hope your happy memories sustain you as you grieve the loss of a fantastic man.  I wish you all courage and strength in the days ahead.

Lieber Hans,
obwohl weit entfernt, fühle ich, dass die Welt ohne dich leerer geworden ist.
Viele schöne Erinnerungen an die deutsche Schule und die Gesprächsrunden nach dem Unterricht werden wach - die Treffen um das Feuer in Eurem Garten und Christines Kuchen
und, und, und
Deine wunderbare gradelienige Art, dein Humor und die Wärme, die du ausstrahltest sind unvergessen
Tschüß mein Freund
irgendwann, irgendwo

Brigitte, Rosemarie and Peter

So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Remembering the fun of growing up on Bow Crescent and what a good neighbour your dad was. I know my mom and dad enjoyed his company very much and always spoke very highly of him and Christine. When I drive to Bowness these days I always drive by the old neighbourhood and think about the good times had on Bow Crescent! My condolences to everyone on your loss.
Myrna Taylor (Green)

I have many fond memories of time spent with Hans as a fellow teacher at Bowness High.  It is sad to say "Goodbye" to one of life's wonderful people.  My condolences to the family.
Colin Smith

We have lost a real character.  Our condolences.  Sharon and Hilger Fast

As parents of a son & daughter who attended  Bowness High, we would like to extend our deepest sympathy in your loss.  Our son was in Hans class and received the much coveted  "golden saw" award when his Shop class was completed.  We remember wonderful stories..the dreaded bloody hand on display to remind the students how costly a mistake can be.  The firm words of "dowwwnnnn" (for the dreaded push-ups), punishment for misbehaving, and all the story telling.  We, as parents, remember a man who cared and supported his students through humour,respect and yes, love.      We also must mention that we cannot remember when Hans was not at a student sports event - basketball, football, etc.  It was an honour to know him - it is always so sad to hear that one of the special people who touched our lives is taken from us. 
Cam, Delores and Darren (Class of '88, Bowness High School)

I am very saddened to hear of Mr Hellers passing.  He was a wonderful teacher.  He took the time to know his students, encourage and discipline as we needed.  Thank you for sharing him with us.

I am so sorry for all you left behind when your Dad Passed away so suddenly.He will be missed!

I am sorry to each of you for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family in these days.

- friend of the Boelcke children

Heller Family:
So sorry to hear about Hans, he was such a sweet gentleman and  I will miss his wonderful smile.
Monique( Roberts & Company)

OBITUARY

Hans Heinrich Heller

April 14, 1926 – October 8, 2012

Foster's Garden Chapel Funeral Home & Crematorium

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Celebration of Hans' Life