Mr Hellyer was a legend within Covers, having worked for the company for more than 66 years. He joined Covers as a yardman in 1942, rising through the ranks to become a very well-respected timber director. He retired in September 2008 at the age of 80.
He was a major influence on the growth of the business and his work ethic was second to none. His timber knowledge and interest in the product were so phenomenal that he became known as a "timber guru" and earned him great respect in the timber and building industries.
Mr Hellyer gave lectures at local colleges and schools. Many schools took up his offer of tours of Covers’ yard and he was often seen taking classes of children around, explaining about the wood and its origins. He built up an archive of timber oddities – still held at Covers – which astonished and amused the children.
Mr Hellyer’s efforts were recognised and rewarded by others: he was awarded lifetime membership of the Timber Trade Federation and in 2008 he received the Chichester Observer Lifetime Achievement Award.
He also worked with the Chichester Records Office, wading through piles of old paperwork to record the town’s history.
Mr Hellyer’s funeral will be held at the Chichester Crematorium on Monday July 23 at 4.15pm. The funeral cortège will drive past Covers, Quarry Lane at approximately 3.45pm.
