Thomas Chrystie Hellman of South Hero, Vermont died on April 25th. He was 82.
Tom, fondly known as Big Dawg, was born on September 1, 1943 to Jean Florence Chrystie and Theodore A. Hellman. He was joined by a younger brother, Theodore Jr. “Ted” 1946. Raised in Springfield and Short Hills, New Jersey by their cheerful, hardworking and devoted mother, along with the additional help of their paternal grandmother Edna “Grandy” Hellman, and their Aunt Gilly. Tom and Ted shared a close bond and friendship that lasted a lifetime.
In his second year of high school, Tom started caddying at Canoe Brook Golf Club in Short Hills. That experience led to a lifelong love for the game. At the height of his playing, he was a 4 handicap. Tom loved to teach as much as play, and sharing the lessons of the game brought him great joy.
In 1961, Tom attended The Citadel on a basketball scholarship. He loved his time in South Carolina, and it was there that he met his beautiful wife of 29 years, Pickett “Judy” Shannon.
Judy and Tom raised their children, Shannon, Thomas Jr. “Chrys”, and Susan in Bedford, NY. He was a gregarious and fun-loving father who loved creating exciting adventures both big and small. He had an element of surprise and joy about him that was unparalleled.
Tom spent his career on Wall Street as a block-stock trader. At a time that pre-dated computers to collect and retain information, Tom’s mind operated in computer-like fashion to execute trades. He loved the thrill of trading, and the experiences around the world that came with it.
Summers were spent in South Hero, Vermont at the family camp known as “Rockhaven”. Tom took great joy in raising his family and hosting friends at the lake. He was all about connection and creating fun memories. In the mid 80s, Tom created Valley Air Services, an air charter company based in Burlington. Being a pilot gave him a whole new arena of exploration and adventure. In 1988 his exploits included co-piloting a plane across the Atlantic Ocean.
In the late 90s, Tom moved to Marbella, Spain where he met and married Catherine Jacques of Brittany, France. Tom and Catherine led a life of great adventure together. She was his rock during health battles at the end of his life, and his family is forever grateful for her unwavering care and the joy she brought in all circumstances.
Tom was the proud grandfather to Bobby, David, Tommy, Molly, Matthew, and Tanner. His larger than life personality and high jinx made him an incredibly unique and very beloved grandfather.
There will be a celebration of life on September 6th at Rockhaven in South Hero. Big Dawg will be dearly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. His motto for living defined his high energy and optimistic spirt “Find your beach, baby!”