Pierre Hellerstedt

John Pierre Hellerstedt, 52 passed away peacefully Sunday after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Huntsville, Alabama, Pierre enjoyed an early exposure to the Space Race and excitement of the times through his Father working with NASA. His love for flying would later lead to involvement in military and aerospace careers. After several years in Huntsville, the family moved to Roswell, Ga, where Pierre attended the local schools, excelling in local sports, scouting, and other boyhood endeavors. He enjoyed many summers in the N. Ga. Mountains with the Boy Scouts, and in Copperhill, Tn with his Grandparents, cousins, uncles, friends, and brother Eric riding motorcycles throughout the vast countryside. His Grandmother s cooking, Honda Mini-Trail Bikes, apples straight from the tree, and home-made ice cream was the order of every day, and a benchmark for a perfect childhood. Pierre graduated from Roswell High school and soon attended West Ga. College. After WGC he went into the United States Army, where he earned several awards of merit and served in the Berlin Brigade. Following Pierre s military service, he attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical Institute in Daytona Beach Fl. Where he acquired his pilot s license and additional ratings, enabling him to enjoy flying for many years. Pierre married Elizabeth Pike, of Dunwoody, in Aug 1992, and had a daughter Hannah Grace. He then worked with his Father in the aerospace parts and manufacturing business for ten years. Following his Wife, Liz s passing, Pierre took up a new career in the pest control business, where he and his dog, Sunny traveled around the country inspecting senior living centers for bed bugs. He always brought a smile on the thousands of clients he met over the last few years, and established even more of a following. Pierre loved the water and always had a boat. He enjoyed many summers on Lake Lanier with Liz and Hannah and in Destin with his In-Laws Shirley and Jim Pike. He became a beloved neighbor on O- Dock at Holiday Marina, and surely impacted the lives of all that were around him in a positive way. Pierre was a special person, loved and remembered by so many people. He was a faithful friend, brother, father, son, husband, and loved animals. He always tried to do the right thing, and was the consummate optimist. He will be missed. Pierre is survived by his daughter, Hannah Grace Hellerstedt of Destin, Fl, his mother, Martha, his brother, Eric and wife Susan. He is also survived by his in-laws, Jim and Shirley Pike of Destin, and nephews Andy and Daniel. Pierre has many friends, but a couple of them need special mention. Doug Duffee. Doug has become a savior in the ranks of friendship for Pierre and our family. He and wife, Barbara sacrificed their Holidays and many hours for Pierre, and will always be remembered. Words cannot express our love and gratitude. Susan Hellerstedt. Susan has supported Pierre for some time, but as a sister-in-law has been endlessly supportive to the care of Pierre long before and since his illness. Our Sons, Andy and Daniel have also been there. Phillip Carrol also was there for Pierre, in his loving selfless input and endless hours of support...Not only since his illness, but his whole life. There are many others Many others. Pierre nurtured friendship throughout his life, and became a beacon of light for all that were lucky enough to meet him. We are now missing a part of our life here on Earth, but it surely will be whole, once we meet again. Eric Hellerstedt, Brother Services will be at Mcdonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Dr, Cumming, Ga. From 1:00 to 3:00, Friday Jan. 10th, 2014. Condolences may be expressed on-line at www.mcdonaldandson.com. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886-9899