Although we left Hong Kong over 3 years ago Chris left a mark on me that will never be forgotten. Chris was quite simply one of the most genuine and generous people who was always willing to put his hand up to help out .

- I coached mini Rugby with Chris at HKFC and it was always Chris who had the time to coach but also to take responsibility for kit ordering / refereeing or helping with team organisation .
- I helped out at school functions but it was always Chris who would be there to set up / clear up and ensure everyone felt included.

In Chris we have lost a shining example of authenticity and selflessness. Chris had many strengths but I will always remember the energy and passion he had to help and include others .

Sending love and condolences to Helen and the family. Chris has sadly left us but he and the example he set will never be forgotten .

Neil, Heather, Oliver and Ben

One thing I've been mulling over trying whilst trying to write something here is the probability of ever crossing paths with another person and just how truly lucky anyone who had the fortune to know and spend time with Chris was. He made everyone feel like they were his best friend and to steal someone else's words 'it was his superpower'. Your day was always better having spent any time at all with Chris and I count myself as immensely lucky to have known him. Even the most mundane things were better if they involved Chris.

I'll miss silly things like bumping into Chris at lunchtime as he tries to make fried rice taste better by adding as much chilli sauce as he can find or just talking about football and life.

His example as a husband and father is one for those in a similar position to emulate.

My deepest sympathies to Helen and the kids. You are in our hearts.x

From attending the beautiful and moving service at St. Anne's on Saturday and reading many of the tributes on here, I can tell that Chris touched the lives of everyone that knew him.

Chris was always in a jovial mood when we would cross paths at our apartment complex in Stanley where his family and mine are neighbors. He would greet us with a warm hello and genuinely seem happy to run into you. 

We'll miss waving at Chris from the kids' school bus stop in the mornings when he'd drive by in his SUV on his way to work each day. We'll miss seeing Chris as a regular fixture at the pool on spring and summer weekends.

My heart breaks for Helen and his children, and my sincere condolences to his entire family. I don't understand why he is gone so soon and so suddenly. 

Chris you were a true treasure - loved by all. It was wonderful working with you in Learning Support - you were one of a kind. I always will remember the first time I met you - I couldn't understand a word you said, but I knew you were passionate and caring by the way you spoke! So full of humour with a ready smile and a big hug. You were a wonderful mate.

Take care dear one. You're the best! Karen, Kevin, Alex and David xxoo

We shall always remember Chris as being one of those people who touched our lives in a very special way - he always made the day feel a brighter one whenever we were in his company. His warmth and zest for life was infectious. We shall miss Chris and feel so privileged to have known him.
Helen, Florrie and Harry we send you all our love and deepest condolences .
Annette and John xx

Chris, I was saddened to hear of your passing. It was a privilege to work with you at KGV. You were always cheerful and caring. Your uniqueness, kindness, positive energy and sense of humour will always be missed.

Sending my deepest condolences to the family of Chris'.

You will always be in my prayers.

Bertha

Chris, you were the best colleague anyone could ask for; supportive, caring, encouraging and very funny! You gave the best bear hugs and made up the most original nicknames! You were special and managed to make everyone else feel special as well. My heart feels broken for Helen, Florrie, Harry and family but also for all of those students who benefitted from having you in their corner. Love always, Tracy, Chris, Naomi and Maria Shannon

Carolyn and I were very shocked to learn of Chris' passing. We both worked with Chris between 2007 - 2012 at KGV school, and remember him as warm, funny, delightful colleague. Our thoughts are with his family, All love, Paul & Carolyn Tattam

Chris you will be missed by so many. A huge man with a huge heart. There are many great memories from teaching together at KGV. I will treasure the times we spent together working on and racing the Pedal Cars. I doubt you ever realised the impact you had.

Our very own
‘Angel of the the North’.
Principled, kind, generous, and ‘fixer’ of all things .
We are devastated to have said a premature farewell to our friend. Time to reflect on the life lessons he taught us. We shall strive to be calmer, kinder and better people. Chris, you will remain forever in our hearts. Life goes on with your spirit with us.
Mangetout Marjorie xxxxx

Dear Helen, Florrie, and Harry,

Just incredibly sad news and no words can really express how sorry I am to hear of Chris' passing.

The world has lost a bright, bright light and the most kind and gentle soul.

Sending love and my condolences,

Karen x

One of the kindest and most genuine blokes you could ever meet. Rest in peace mate. Tony and Jack Scott

Chris,you were genuinely one of the nicest people I have ever met. You might have lived in Hong Kong but whenever I did see you at home it was like you’d never been away. I’ll never forget you helping me with my DT projects when I was in secondary school and the kindness that you have always shown me.
To Helen,Florrie and Harry, please know that although you are far away you are in my thoughts and prayers. The world has lost a diamond.
Love Julie,Ian,Florrie and Sam xxx

So difficult to put this into words. I admired Chris's ability to put everyone around him at ease with his warmth and generosity, and his ability to immediately see the best in everyone. My thoughts and love are with his family.

To Helen, Florrie and Harry and all of Chris’s extended family please accept our sincere condolences. We can’t quite believe the news that Chris, our cherished friend, mate, colleague, Crozier co-tutor and ‘corner’ buddy has passed. We have so many memories of great times shared in HK and beyond. Feels so surreal to see Chris’s larger than life grin and know that he’s smiling down on us even now! Massive hugs to the Hattams as Chris did daily for us. Thinking of you all. With love. Lee and David Grady❤️

Although Chris and I only occasionally saw each other at school, I was able to feel his energy even from steps away. When I did bump into him, he was always on the way going to help out different students doing different things. 

There was a time when I had the chance to go on a field trip with him, his staff, and some of his students to a local institution in Hong Kong. His genuine passion in helping everyone around him and constantly appreciating all around him were obvious to us and even the staff at the institution. 

Chris, you were very down-to-earth. You will be missed, will be remembered by all of us down here. Rest in peace.

We have waited a while before leaving our thoughts, partially due to the shock at this unfair and untimely loss but also to read and reflect on all the other hundreds of tributes. What has struck us is the remarkable number of people touched by Chris and the overwhelming feelings of gratitude and love expressed. I can think of very few other individuals who would elicit so many positive adjectives; kind, genuine, caring, thoughtful, cheerful, smiley, friendly, loving, warm, funny, the list goes on and on but it is one word that we think encompasses it all – generous. Generous with his time, his love, his friendship, his compassion, his wit. Chris really made everyone feel special no matter who they were and that is the reason everyone loved him back.

For us as a family when we moved to HK, Chris was one of the first welcoming faces to greet us, and with the most infectious smile we’ve ever known. Always happy, funny with an amazing energy and a zest for life, he and Helen helped guide us through our lives in Stanley and we feel honoured to consider Chris a really good friend of ours (although it seems his gift was to make everyone feel this way!).

We have so many memories with Chris, Helen, Florrie and Harry - all of which are filled with the joy and laughter that Chris would bring to each occasion - whether it was around the swimming pool, on a junk, hanging out on the beach or having a meal out at a local gem he always managed to sniff out. He had the ability to put everyone at ease instantly. Chris was always the entertainer injecting fun into everything he did, especially with the kids with whom he always managed to have a real affinity and connection to.

Chris, we love you so much, we will miss your laughter, amazing sense of humour, companionship and of course that gentle Geordie voice. You leave the most amazing legacy behind.   

Joe, Soph, James and Emily Oakenfold xxxxxx

A great man and contributor to the rugby community - especially for the many Po Leung Kuk kids would never have found rugby without Chris, but will always remember what he did for them.

In the 15 years we have had the pleasure of knowing Chris, Helen, Florrie and Harry, they have been nothing but the embodiness of kindness, generosity, humility and fun!

I first met Chris when the family lived on top of the sweet shop in Stanley. I would buy sneaky wee packets of sweets for the children and would often bump in to Chris then and a “how are you” conversation would always turn into a rich beautiful chat and you would leave Chris feeling that you’d spoken to a brother - such was his understanding of people and deep care and concern for each individual who was blessed to have known him.

We have beautiful memories of being on Stanley main beach with our dogs, Stanley and Gypsy - and talking for what seemed like hours about hockey, rugby, sport, and always the children. Chris lived for his children and Helen. He was a beautiful soul - a “gentle man” in the true sense of the word and those sparkly blue eyes and fifty million dollar smile were synonymous with the man who shall always be associated with the Southside.

As an avid marathoner Chris would often shout words of encouragement to me as he’d whiz past on the bike. Hearing that magnificent Geordie voice would always spur me into action! I shall miss hearing those encouraging words however I feel blessed to have known a figure I truly to believe to be legendary. Rest in peace “gentle man”.

Beks, Rod, Ela, Joni, Harri and Gypsy. X

Coach Chris has been one of the main people who stuck by Wyn when he was feeling unsure about hockey and had not yet developed his love for the sport. Often when a person has not matured as fast in their love for a game, their perceived performance is underwhelming. Chris never judged, he just cheered and encouraged, he also was critical in a way that made you work harder. As we all know he had this magical "way".

Chris was someone we loved to see in the stands, because I knew that I would have a great conversation that day and plenty of loud encouragement from the sidelines. (Maybe the only one louder than me?) We talked about real things- family and values and life.

His life was about lifting up others, this is very rare. Most of us are good people, but we do our work and sort our family out. Chris chose to centre his life around the motivation and development of other people. Loosing Chris from this existence is hard to come to terms with for this fact amongst many.

Having loved and been loved by someone so special is a gift for Helen, Florrie and Harry. But only time can allow this truth to crystallise in the heart. For now, I am broken beside you in the reality of this senseless loss.

Much love, Jacqueline, William, Wyn & Beatrice Furniss

Chris Hattam died too young - but his contribution to human kind is evident from the colleagues and students he worked with. I will always recall his commitment to students - commitment to the underdog - commitment to community - commitment to exercise. Who could forget his work on the 24 hour Pedal Kart race! He was a proud father and husband too and Jane and I really feel for Helen and the children and want to shout from the rooftops - it is NOT fair! Thank you Chris for what you did for KGV and ESF and condolences to all that knew him. 

If you don't light up a classroom as well as Mr Hattam did, you haven't done your job as a teacher.

All he wanted was for everyone to succeed, and by coming into a classroom with such positive vibes, it made anyone and every one thrive.

We are so sorry that this has happend to such a lovely family.Everytime we saw Chris he had such an infectious smile and was so loving .He genuinely was interested in you and cared. He was such a lovely man and will be missed by so many. Thinking of you all x
Love Natalie Billy and girls xxx

Chris was always there as an extremely good friend and colleague, but especially so after I lost my husband E to a brain tumour. He would watch out for me and my children Xantha and Ben. All I can say is that if I was to ever replace E it would have to be with a Chris Hattam. No more needs to be said - what more could you want in a person?
Forever in our hearts.
Love and miss you big time. XX

Dearest Helen, Florrie, Harry and the whole Hattam Family,

I just wanted to reach out to say that our love, thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you all at this most trying of times.

Chris was truly one of a kind. Simultaneously the most frugal bloke I've ever known, but also the most generous. He was equal measures charming and cheeky; serious and daft. He was immediately disarming and witty and made a lasting impression on those he met.

Although cruelly short, his was a life well-lived and a life to be very proud of. Like anyone who ever met Chris, I am grateful to have known him and to call him a friend.

Love

John & Christy Sharp

I knew Christopher as a family friend, growing up in the same estate as kids. My memories of him back then were he was someone I looked up to. He always had a warm smile and a kind heart. Reading the comments, it looks like he continued to bring so much joy and happiness to so many people”s lives and will leave an everlasting legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends. With love, Joanne (nee Tumelty)

We were so shocked and saddened to learn of the loss of Chris. On our visits to Hong Kong Chris and Helen went out of their way to take us, and show us, many places we would have otherwise missed. It was obvious that Chris was dedicated to his work with young people and they loved their life there. They were so gracious, kind and enthusiastic and we were privileged to have seen them with Florrie as a baby and then Harry as a baby, such a happy family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Helen, Florrie, Harry and all the Hattam family. RIP Chris xxx

Chris was one of a kind, he had such a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Everyone's day was that much brighter after having had an interaction with "Hatts". He had a personality that lit up the room and was such a positive man who was so giving with his time. Chris was an authentic, genuine and caring gentleman who had a huge impact on so many lives. Chris you will truly be missed by so many who have benefitted from your time, generosity, positivity and care. My thoughts are with your family and loved ones.

Chris translated into action a treasure trove of human qualities that made him such a wonderful husband and father, and a guiding light to the many special young people whom he adored.
Chris’ legacy will be profound and lasting to those of us privileged to be a part, albeit small, of his life.

Calon lan yn llawn daioni - A pure heart so full of goodness.

Jim

I didn't know Chris well, but I had the pleasure of working with him over a number of years. I don't think I've ever met someone more naturally friendly, and with such a rapport with the students he taught. I can't really do this justice with words, but myself and Moira are so very saddened by this. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.

Mr Hattam was one of the nicest and most thoughtful teachers I've had in KGV and it breaks my heart to see this tragic accident. He made all of us smile when we entered the class and made us felt safe. Even though I only had him as a teacher for a few short years, he still stays in my mind as the most genuinely contented and delightful teacher and person around. Rest in peace Mr Hattam.

This has been such a shock . A lovely Gentleman Chris was Always Smiling , Caring, Such an Amazing Man loved living in Hong Kong brought so many memories to so many people .Our thought are with Helen and Family in Hong Kong , Family in Birtley and the Rest of the world . You will never be forgotten.
Love Pamela Philip xxx

Christopher was happy, loving, caring and thoughtful, fun loving and talented. Dedicated to helping others and loved the school and his life in Hong Kong. He will be greatly missed by so many people. Our love and prayers are with Helen Florrie and Harry. Christopher's Mam and Dad - Dorothy and Harry, sister Caroline and all the family. You will be forever in our hearts Christopher. Love from Margaret Dave and Stephen xx

Such an warm hearted, always friendly, generous person who leaves behind lots of wonderful memories for people in the Hong Kong community. This is hard for me to write as i see the pain in the teachers at Peak School where he didn’t even work but leaves a mark with whoever he had contact with. My thoughts are with Helen and their children at this very difficult time. Sending much loving thoughts.

Chris was a neighbour and fellow cyclist.  Whether it was out cycling, walking around Stanley or just passing by in Stanford Villa, Chris never failed to give a wave, say hello or stop for a chat. A great bloke we will all miss. I shall miss in particular chatting to Chris whilst tinkering with my motorbike down in our car park.  Best wishes to Helen and the children.

I have been struggling to write this - not sure if it is because there are no words, or just not enough words to do Chris justice. Chris started at KGV the year before me and looked out for me from the start. He was ‘big brother’ to so many of us and his special skill was just doing that little bit extra for everyone. My UK friends and family all knew and loved Chris from their HK visits because he always went out of his way to welcome them and make them feel special. I will miss his laugh, his bear hugs that always came at the right time, his endless energy, passion for his students and, most of all, his huge heart. There are too many awesome memories from my first ever junk trip, Yr 7 camp, Chris introducing baby Florrie to his Yr 7 tutor group or holding baby Harry at his 40th to Pedal Kart, the many staff socials and THAT scout outfit. My favourite, however, is Chris at his 50th listening to messages of love from his family and surrounded by people who loved him, especially Helen, Florrie, Harry & Stanley. Wish I could have one of those Chris hugs now. You will be so missed & I will always try to be a bit more ‘Chris’.

It is so difficult to pay proper tribute to Chris; the usual things we say don’t seem sufficient to the memory of an extraordinarily warm, kind, gregarious man. He was the absolute heart and soul of KGV and the kind of person who routinely enhanced and improved the lives of others, whether colleagues or students. More than that, he was a role model as a teacher and as a person- someone who utterly embodied enthusiasm, love and care for others. I personally remember the support and advice he gave me when we adopted my son; the fact he made a point of connecting with me struck me then, as now, as a truly kind thing to do. I later learned it was the kind of thing he did all the time. A truly lovely man. Our deepest sympathies to his family.

Even though I never had Mr. Hattam for a teacher for any of my specific classes, my locker was around the DT office for a few years and I'd always bump into him. He always wore a smile on his face and made my days a bit better. When the pedal kart races were on, he would be encouraging, positive and made sure that we all had good experiences.

I hope you can find peace in knowing that he helped me, along with many others, during our difficult years at school. My condolences to his family and friends.

Chris, Helen, Florrie and Harry - our Hong Kong family. We were blessed to be part of your family and will be forever thankful to God for you. Chris was the best man I have ever known. His kindness and generosity, love and joy brightened any room he was in. Never on time, never able to stay still and never able to be cross with anyone. He made a point of knowing everyone’s name in all his classes asap. He was both the hardest working and the softest heart in Cambodia. Brother of my heart, gorgeous Uncle Chris. We miss you so much it hurts and really don’t have the words that could express this well enough. Love you always. Kirrily and Annie gan canny.

Chris was always a force to be reckoned with. His energy and care filled the room. Chris always had the time for a quick chat and made those around him feel special. His love for his family radiated from him. He loved watching Florrie and Harry play hockey and was so proud of them. God bless

Darling Chris,
We started our KGV journey together, and from the outset, you were like a big brother - always taking time to make sure that I was ok, making me laugh, and offering support when I needed it. You always seemed to show up at exactly the right moment to give a well-needed hug or shoulder rub. Your dedication to the students was paramount in all you did in school; I learned so much from you. But my admiration for you went way beyond work; you approached everything in life with that big Geordie heart on your sleeve - nothing was too much for anyone.
My heart breaks that you are no longer with us and I will miss you so very much, Chris. It has been a privilege to have been your friend and colleague for all these years; thank you. If everyone in the world were just a little more Chris Hattam in their approach to life, the world would be a much nicer, cuddlier place.
Our love and best wishes are with you, Helen, Florrie and Harry.
With Love
Lou, Dion, Alessia and Tahlia xxx

This tragic news has left a void for anyone who ever knew Chris. I met Chris and his beautiful family back in 2009 when my newly adopted son Finn joined our family. Chris's positive energy and outlook on life will be greatly missed, not only by those who knew him personally, but to the student's at KGV who had the privilege to be taught by him .Chris you will be greatly missed by everyone who knew you, sending Helen , Florrie and Harry big hugs and love .

Chris
It was a pleasure to work with you in SEN at KGV. You were very kind and caring to everyone. I remember your greetings, 'how are you today Peggy?' with hugs or pats on my shoulder, which always made me feel warm and welcome. I had enjoyed supporting your DT lessons. Thank you for being a caring, thoughtful and supportive colleague and a great teacher. You will be missed dearly.
Rest in peace.

Peggy

Dear Mr. Hattam,

Thank you for being the nicest, kindest and funniest teacher. Thank you for your kindness and laughter. You taught me DT for 3 years and ASDAN this year. You helped me build a propeller car, wooden box and a clock and I placed these in my room. I always remember your help in the past few years back.

In the LEC we will always remember you.

Rest in peace, Mr Hattam

Helen, I am very sorry for your loss. Chris was one of the most gentle and genuine people I have had the pleasure to meet. You and the children are in our thoughts and prayers.

Helen, Florrie & Harry, we must admit, we have been reading this for a few days now, wondering how to express ourselves in writing. Chris had such a positive impact on everyone he came across, it is clear from the messages on here, from far and wide. His positivity, caring and compassion, will last long in the lives of so many people, and is something to be so proud of, even though it will not bring him back sadly. Our love, prayers and best wishes go to you all from over here in Newcastle. Tony, Kirsty, Adam and Drew Taylor xxxx

Thank you Mr. Hattam for all the good times and memories at KGV. It was a pleasure and delight to be in your tutor group in Y7. I am very lucky to have been your student last year and you have taught me so much. You have given me so much confidence and motivation since the first day of transitioning from primary to secondary school at KGV. You always knew how to make everyone smile and laugh even in the darkest times and brought so much positivity to the school. I was always so excited to come to tutor time and your lessons because you made it so lively and a positive experience for everyone. you always had time to support and encourage students and make a impact on their lives. I will really miss you Mr. Hattam; Rest in peace.

All the best wishes and condolences to Mr. Hattam's family, students and friends
- Misha

Chris, you gorgeous Geordie man you! What an absolute pleasure and privilege it has been having you in my life. You have been my teacher, my colleague and most importantly of all, my friend. You were always there to offer honest advice, point me in the right direction and provide comfort when it was needed the most. The positive impact that you had on my own life and that of my sister has been monumental. The support, guidance and belief you had in us drove us forward, and we have you to thank for the successful lives we lead. You made anyone lucky enough to have cross paths with you feel like the most important person in the world, and this is testament to your humility and caring nature. It genuinely breaks my heart, knowing that we will no longer be able to laugh together, banter with each other or have conversations about anything and everything. I do take comfort knowing how much love you have given to your family, friends, and the rest of the world during your time with us. I am sending my love and condolences to your family. Thank you so much for everything. Lots of love, Seanie.

It has been an honor and a privilege to work on your side for eighteen years Chris.

You are the person who always had time and made time for every single person. What a caring, cheerful, loving and funny colleague you were! You will be greatly missed and KGV will never be the same without you.

Rest in Peace Chris

Chris was a such a beautiful soul. Kind, gentle, warm, and fun-loving.

He could never do enough for those in need, and his strength as a teacher lay in working with the students who needed his support the most. His patience was unbounded, and he saw the best in everyone he met.

Most of my memories of Chris are from extra-curricular activities, Challenge Weeks, Year 7 camp, HKAYP.

It was touching to read the note on here from one of the Challenge Week staff in Thailand, detailing how Chris went above and beyond to make a home more habitable for a disabled member of the community in Udon Thani. I remember being blown away by his energy and perseverance to better the lives of others, naturally selfless with a great love for humankind.

Chris’s passing is a huge loss to every community he was part of. Everyone who had the pleasure to meet him learnt so much from him, he will have a long-lasting legacy of kindness.

My love goes to Helen, Florrie and Harry, as well as Chris’ family back home, and colleagues and friends here in Hong Kong.

Rest peacefully, you left a better world behind you.

Steph x