Torvald Hellesland

Capt Torvald Hellesland

August 10, 1944 – January 6, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Torvald Hellesland, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, at the age of 80 years old. Born in Haugesund, Norway, Torvald was an accomplished sea captain whose adventurous spirit and love for the ocean shaped his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to NZ Sailing Trust – empowering NZ youth through sailing adventures.

Tributes

Bruce and Mairi Murray

Dear Margo, Elise and Trude
We are so sorry to hear of Torvald’s passing. He was such a dear friend to us and we have such lovely memories of him when living in Roy Bridge. We always loved when he came to visit us in Carrbridge- he and Bruce would head to the golf course and of course enjoy the 19th hole! where they would reminisce and have such fun.
One memory we have is when we would get a baby sitter for the kids we all would normally say well try not to be too late. Torvald would say ‘We’ll be late’!!
Our thoughts are with you Margo, Elise and Trude. ❤️❤️❤️

Linda and Graham Smith

Thinking of you Margot, Elise and Trudy and partners at this time
From Linda, Graham and Kelly with love ❤️

Donald Murray

I am sending my thoughts and love to Tor’s family. Tor was a close friend of my parents and once visited me in Strathaven, Scotland…we of course took him to our local pub! I have such fond memories of Roybridge and having the Helleslands as neighbours and remember them visiting us in Carrbridge…mostly Tor and his red Jaguar! Tor was one of a kind and I am glad I managed to watch the service online. A very fitting tribute to a wonderful human being! x

Elisabet Vespestad

Thank you for letting us attend the funeral by streaming. It was a beautiful service. I remember uncle as a warm, loving and fun person. I loved when I was a kid and he came to visit. Sending lots of love from Norway. Love from Elisabet.

Barry Shepherd

Tor, You were a good, fun loving man and it was a pleasure to know you. Sail well. I wish I was in Wellington today.

Jaya Lazo

To Margo & Family
I was deeply saddened to hear the passing of Papa Thorvald. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.
Papa Thorvald was a truly wonderful person his memory live on forever in my heart. Eventhough he just say “yes, no, there”!
While no words can ease the pain of such loss, I hope you find comfort in the love and support around you.

John & Ann Fish

We were greatly saddened to hear that Tor had shuffled off this mortal coil. To me, he was indestructible, larger than life, an unforgettable character, immense fun. My Torvald memories, stretching back over several decades, are too numerous to mention here. As I sit looking out over a snow-covered garden, I see the boundary hedge – planted 40-odd years ago by Tor & myself. “Torvald’s Hedge” And that gleaming red V12 E-Type Jag! Tor insisted I drive it along the recently completed town By-Pass and told me “John, put your *** foot down”. I did. Straight to the pub in record time.

Iain, Dorothy & boys MacVicar

A lovely and fitting tribute and service for Torvald; I still remember some of the Uist stories happening – some of them are still talked about today! – he was a one-off.

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