Chris Hattam, (1968 - 2020) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Let the memory of Chris be with us forever.

52 years old
Born on November 9, 1968
Passed away on December 15, 2020

This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Chris Hattam, 52 years old, born on November 9, 1968, and passed away on December 15, 2020. We will remember him forever.

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January 4, 2021

Chris was one of those rare individuals who always had a smile on his face, was keen to help in any situation, and radiated positivity to all around him. He will be hugely missed by all who knew him.

Sending all our love and condolences to Helen, Florrie, Harry, and all of Chris' family.

Chris, Takako, Mia and Tasha

January 4, 2021

Chris's warmth, positivity, selflessness and genuine compassion for others had a great impact on me and anyone who had the privilege of interacting with him.

I have some very fond memories of my time with him during camping and hiking trips with students on Outward Bound: the conversations we had on those long hikes, his sage advice to me about life and family, his seemingly limitless and contagious enthusiasm for life, and the strong rapport and meaningful interactions he had with every student on the trips.

My deepest condolences go out to Hattam family. He was a wonderful man and he will live on in all of our hearts.

Rest in peace, Chris.

January 4, 2021

Mr Hattam was honestly one of the best teachers I've ever had. He always made me laugh, smile and just feel happy in general. He was such a positive influence on many students and other teachers. I hope that he really did impact lot's of people and he won't be forgotten. I miss him a lot and I hope he rests well.

January 4, 2021

Dear Mr. Hattam,

Thank you for always helping me in class when I'm struggling and always encouraging me to do better. You were probably the best teacher anyone could ask for. Thank you for teaching me and many others Mr. Hattam, you are very well missed in the KGV community.

-Jacqueline

January 4, 2021

Dear Mr.Hattam

You were such a nice teacher, I always enjoyed your lessons. You taught us ASDAN from year 10 to 13 and did lots of fun LEC stuff with us in the years before. Thank you for being so fun, patient and caring. We will all miss you so much. You will never be forgotten.

Bryan x

January 4, 2021

Dear Mr Hattam

Thank you for everything, you were an amazing teacher. Thank you for helping us in our ASDAN lessons with Ms Kam, I loved your lessons, they were always so fun and I learnt a lot. You were always very funny and even though I pretended like I didn’t, I did like it when you called me silly sausage. Thank you for welcoming me to KGV from JCSRS. I will never forget you and I will miss you so much. You will always be my favourite teacher.

You will always be remembered.

Eva x

January 4, 2021

Dear Mr Hattam
Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher. You were always so kind and taught us really well. Thank you for everything, we will miss you so much, KGV won’t be the same without you. Love from Mr Lok shum.

January 4, 2021

Mr. Hattam was always an inspiration to me. He didn't fail to show care for everyone to spoke too. He always had the time to start a quick conversation, making everyone feel special and remembered. Mr. Hattam really was one of the kindest souls I knew. I know he would do so much more good with the time he had left.

In hockey he was always such a mentor. The car rides to training would be the event that made my day, I would look forward to that day for the whole week. Even if something bad had happened before, the car rides with Mr. Hattam would be the best way to cheer me up. May He Rest In Peace.

January 4, 2021

Dear Mr Hattam

Thank you for being such a kind teacher and for looking after me for the last 5 years. I loved the nicknames you called me, they always made me laugh. I feel very lucky to have been taught by you, I learnt so much. We will never forget you, Mr Hattam, we will always remember who you are no matter what we do.

Thank you for everything.

January 4, 2021

Dear Mr. Hattam, you were a really wonderful teacher in KGV school, you taught me DT for 3 years and ASDAN this year. I really liked your sense of humor that made me laugh whenever I felt a bit down. I loved that you helped me build a small car with a propeller engine, you know how much I love aviation, those were the days.

Thank you for being such an amazing teacher.

Rest In Peace. You Will Always Be Remembered.

January 4, 2021

May he rest in peace and best wishes to his family.

January 4, 2021

may you rest in peace

January 3, 2021

Great person, a really good man and we all miss him very much. I want to say thank you for everything teaching me from year 7-11 you were the best I really don't know what to say but thank you. I hope your family is ok and that they know that we are all here for them. I feel tremendously lucky to meet a man like Mr Hattam. He always had a smile on his face, he was patience and caring with all his students in and out of the class room and I am certain he was like this with everyone he met. A true character with an unmatched presence. I only wish Mr Hattam could've taught me english and I could go on forever about what a great man he was, just a great guy like the best. he's one of those people your just gonna remember even if u don't know him that well he's just one of those personalties that sticks with you. Thank you Sir you were and are always a champ, a hero and the best teacher I've ever had
Rest well

January 3, 2021

Mr Hattam was such a kind, caring and supportive person. He was such an amazing mentor and was always super encouraging during run club, he would turn up to every hockey game to support everyone and never failed to say hi in the hallways around KGV. You will be missed.

January 3, 2021

Chris, it was an absolute privilege to have known you. You were a great personality, and put your heart and soul into everything. You cared deeply and had a massive impact on all the students you came into contact with. You listened, supported and made people feel valued, students and also people outside of school. You were at our flat a few weeks ago, sat on our roof looking at the view, massive smile on your face, chatting away to different people. It's an image that sums you up. Every Saturday on our bike rides you were great company. I will miss your friendship very much, the chats, wearing your heart on your sleeve, the no nonsense attitude. You always had a thought, an interesting idea, a plan for the future, and behind it all was your love for your family and friends. It was an honour to have known you and I will always remember you.

January 3, 2021

What a shock what a loss. We worked together very closely when I started at KGV in the SEN department . You were a role model and a friend who could be relied upon to support , lend a ear , have a laugh , ,solve a problem. You were there for the students and staff ,always there .As times changed we ended up in the DT Department sharing classes ,still working together in a great team .
I will never forget you ,it was a privilege to work with you and call you a friend . Just as you were always willing to help those in need . If ever I can help your lovely family I will.

January 3, 2021

Deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Chris. It was a pleasure to have known Chris as a young man in Gateshead in the UK. A true vibrant character full of life who was always genuinely interested in hearing what you were doing in life. His big smile a deep voice and big laugh would always light up a room. A real gent who I admired for his sense of adventure and enthusiasm and will be fondly remembered for the fun times we shared as young adults. My deepest condolences to Helen and all the Hattam family.

January 3, 2021

It is with much sadness that I pass on sympathies and condolences to Chris' family on behalf of The Sai Kung Stingrays.
Chris brought so much time, energy and positivity to the mini rugby community through his HKFC coaching, but it is through his work as a KGV teacher, and unbridled enthusiasm for sports and the outdoors, that he encouraged and inspired so many of our children.
A good man who was taken too soon. We send all our love.

January 3, 2021

Chris was an incredible person who always seemed to have time. Time for questions, time to say hello, time to ask how your weekend was, time to share. No one had more time than him, however, I know this wasn't true. He was a busy teacher, with an incredible family, huge group of friends, his extra curricular activities and his own passions. His life was full and still he made time.

My biggest life lesson from Chris is that you make time and when you are there be present. When you spoke to Chris you felt like the most important person in the moment. You knew that what you said mattered to him and that you had his full attention. I aim to be more like Chris. I didn't know Chris for long but the impact of his time given to me is immense.

Thank you Chris.

January 3, 2021

I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear that Mr. Hattam has passed away. It is now 2021 and the tragic news has not really sunk in. Mr. Hattam was my DT teacher in Year 8 and I remember him as a very kind, funny and amazing teacher, with a big smile on his face and always full of energy. He always inspired us to try our very best.

Rest In Peace, Mr. Hattam You will be missed!

January 2, 2021

Dear Chris, you were one of the kindest and most caring individuals I have had the fortune to meet. Always thinking of others and prepared to give your time generously, alongside an utter devotion to your family and friends. You were one of the few people that I have never heard anyone say anything bad about and everyone would have something to say about you because you would light up the life of all you meet. In addition to seeing you at school, we always seemed to see you at Heathrow Airport on the journey back to Hong Kong, a big smile on your face and invariably discussing how much longer we’d both remain in Hong Kong or whether it was the time to return to England for good. You were always happy to chat, whether in the middle of a busy school day or outside a supermarket in Keswick during a random encounter on a summer’s day in England. Chris, you will be missed immensely and my thoughts go out to your family in this most difficult of times. Thank you for being you, for the unforgettable impact you’ve had on my own life and all the support and friendship you’ve given Joyce over the years.

January 2, 2021

Dear Chris,
You were the best teacher, colleague and friend that anyone could ask for. You were always full of energy, passion and kindness and made everyone feel they were special ones. I am so lucky that I had the chance to work with you (and learn from you!) for all these years… From the very famous Cheung Chau trip, all the weekly community visits that we used to run for our LSC guys (I will never forget that we were in Stanley at 2:30 and you told me not to worry that even with public transport we would be back to school by 3:20 – and we were back before the school buses left!) to teaching LSC ASDAN and DT classes together and writing the LSC timetable together, it was just so much joy and fun! Thank you for inviting me to join your Youth Club back then, so I had the chance to meet all the amazing young individuals, including some of our old LSC friends. All these memories are full of happiness and laughter, and I will never forget them.
You said that I was a legend in our last conversation, but sorry, there’s no way that I am. You were the true legend, CJH! Thank you for all those fond memories, those were the best times that I had in KGV, they will always stay in my heart. Rest in peace, my friend, you will truly be missed!
Joyce (JK as you always called me)

January 2, 2021

Chris, it was such an honour and pleasure to work with you and get to know you at KGV. Such a warm, generous and kind-hearted man. You were such a incredible presence and will be truly missed.

I'll remember your ability to make anyone feel welcome and safe, for your amazing voice; booming yet gentle (impossible for you to whisper anything, especially in staff meetings!), for your big smile, great hugs, cheeky winks and patience with everyone at any time. You made the world a much better place and I'm grateful to have known you. Such a tragic loss.

January 2, 2021

Dear Helen, Florrie and Harry,

I was deeply saddened to hear that Chris has passed away. I am so sorry for your loss.

Chris will be greatly missed by many and our hearts go out to you.

I, for one, will miss running with him, along with the students of the Peak School Running Club. Every single one of us will remember his kind, patient, generous support and encouragement and his smile that lit up even the most gloomy of days and which somehow always seemed to give us the strength to want to run that extra lap!

My thoughts and love are with you all at this very sad time,
Sue

January 1, 2021

We were truly shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news of Chris’ passing. It hasn’t really sunk in, the fact that we won’t have the pleasure of bumping into Chris with his warmth and big smile. Chris was one of the kindest, most genuine and inclusive human beings we’ve ever had the pleasure to know. We just started enjoying sitting on the side line together cheering on our girls on Saturday afternoons playing hockey. Forever supportive and encouraging them in their endeavours to take on the ladies teams.

His legacy lives on in his wonderful children and we hope Helen, Florrie and Harry can, in time take comfort in the wonderful memories of their truly larger than life husband and father.
Forever in our hearts ♥️

So much love, Mel, Hamish, Jasmine, Xanthe and Sebastian

January 1, 2021

Dear Mr. Hattam,

You have been one of my most favorite teachers in KGV, because of your funniness and kindness. Thank you for teaching me DT in Year 7 and 8. It was been really a great experience for you being my teacher because how kind you taught and helped us. You have been also making a lot of jokes during lunchtime in the LEC, and I really enjoyed that. I also enjoyed having you being my Running club teacher in Year 9.

Thank you for being an outstandingly kind teacher in KGV, and you will forever be missed, and never forgotten.

Remember in piece,
Austin Hui

January 1, 2021

We are so sorry for your loss Helen, Florrie and Harry. Whenever we saw Chris he always made time to chat and laugh with us. We have shared lots of memories about Chris with many people who knew him. With every single person they have spoken of his warmth, friendship and kindness. Our thoughts are with you all.
We feel so priviledged to have known him.
Andy, Jane and the girls.

January 1, 2021

A big man with a big soul. You have touched many people's lives in such a positive way. My prayers go with you

January 1, 2021

It's 2021 now, Mr Hattam. I've lived through another Christmas and seen another new year arrive. And I can't help but wish you could have too. I know you'd always valued spending time with your loved ones. You were robbed of so much time, and yet, what a great man you had established yourself as being in the time you were given. Perhaps, truly, the gods first pluck the best flowers out of the garden of life.

January 1, 2021

Mr Hattam thank you for everything teaching me ASDAN and DT in KGV School i will miss you and rest in peace xxx love Jonathan

December 31, 2020

Dear Helen, Florrie and Harry,

We are incredibly sorry for your loss. You have been in our thoughts ever since we have heard this terrible news about Chris.

We wish you lots of strength.

Lodewijk, Wei Si’eu, Felix & Nova Meens

December 31, 2020

Chris was a larger than life person with a heart to match, taken far too soon. Dear Helen, we hope that you and the children find comfort in knowing what an amazing impact Chris has had on so many people, and how many lives he touched. We will always remember his big smile and infectious joy and feel lucky to have known him. The world has lost a rare gem.
With lots of love, Rach and Pete

December 31, 2020

Prayers and condolences to the family. Take care.

Parent at the ESF

December 31, 2020

Chris, I will miss your warmth, positivity and larger than life character. Your smile could light up a room and your caring nature had an impact on so many. You always had time for me and everyone around you. The world is certainly a lesser place without you. It has been a privilege to know you and you will forever be an inspiration in our hearts and minds. Wishing your loved ones my heartfelt condolences.

December 31, 2020

Dearest Helen and kids- we’ve known you and Chris on and off for nearly 20 years. Our paths have crossed personally and professionally.
Chris was always the most amazing person, his energy and zest for living was present in everything he did.
We are utterly heartbroken for you and the kids. We send you our love and you are in our hearts.
Lorne, Rachel and kids x

December 31, 2020

Mr Hattam, it was truly an honour to have had you as my form tutor. I'll always be grateful for the support you showed me and my family when my father lost his job back in 2008. The tributes here speak volumes about the mark you left on those lucky enough to have crossed paths with you. Rest in peace, and thank you for making the world a better place.

December 30, 2020

Dear Helen, Florrie and Harry,

We are just heartbroken for you. Chris was the most kind, generous, excellent man. We will never forget the contributions he made at Peak School events, and of course as a leader and coach at HKFC mini rugby. He was so genuine and thoughtful. He always had time for you even when juggling a thousand things. Although we have now left Hong Kong I can still hear his supportive loud Geordie voice booming around the training ground. We send all our love and are holding you all in our thoughts many times a day. Much love from Trish, Isaac and Beatrix Darling.

December 30, 2020

Helen, I’m so terribly saddened to hear of Chris’s tragic passing. Sending my thoughts to you, F and H. Love, Kelly

December 30, 2020

We will always remember Chris' warmth, kindness and his way of making everyone feel special. Helen, Florrie and Harry, we are so sorry for your loss. Lots of love from Naomi, Julian, Georgia and Rose.

December 30, 2020

Chris was well-respected and loved in many facets of the Hong Kong community. He has touched so many lives and always tried his best to make a positive impact. His sudden passing is truly heartbreaking. I will miss his chat on our bike rides and his ongoing banter.

Rest easy.

December 29, 2020

I have been on here every day. Meaning to write. I’m not great with words
Chris. ‘Hats’. The hugs. The squeezes. The laugh. The love of life.
As our best man at the wedding
‘Come on. Hurry up. Photos. It’s getting dark’
‘Chris. You’ve still got sunnies on’!!
His speech!!
Maddi’s godfather.
Gone way too soon.
We are not in Hong Kong anymore but our hearts and thoughts are with you all right now. Love.

December 29, 2020

I went to Uni with Chris, and although we were never close during that time I’ll always remember him for his humour, his laughter, his ability to make you feel part of something and his calming qualities. He really was one of those guys who lit up the room when he walked in.

Reading the tributes here it’s clear that he never changed. He will be sorely missed.

December 29, 2020

I’m struggling to find the right words but can only repeat what so many friends and family have already expressed about Christopher. He always greeted everyone with a huge hug and the biggest smile and although I didn’t get the opportunity to see Christopher very often, I’ll miss those hugs. I hope it brings comfort to everyone, especially Helen, Florrie, Harry, Auntie Dorothy, Uncle Harry and Caroline knowing that this is how we all remember him. Although he will be missed dearly by so many people, Christopher’s approach to life and way with others is something we can all emulate as we bring comfort to one another in these sad times.

December 29, 2020

My sincere and deepest condolences to the Hattam family.

I had the honor of working with Chris at KGV. He was always so welcoming and always had a smile on his face. What stood out to me when I first met him was his caring nature and his kindness towards his students. He was always ready to listen and lend a helping hand. He went above and beyond to help his students in any way he could and he knew when someone needed encouragement or support. That was just one of the many reasons he was so special. I always heard students mention how kind and fun of a teacher Mr. Hattam was and how much of an impact he had on them. Chris was not only kind to his students, he was kind to everyone. He had a heart of gold. He will always have a special place in our hearts and will be missed by so many of us. We miss you so much our dear friend!

December 29, 2020

I didn’t know Chris very well, a junk trip here and a few exchanged beers there, but well enough to say hi at mini-rugby and get a big hearty handshake - usually because I heard him before I saw him !! His larger than life character shone through as a coach and I always looked in awe, as his team stood to attention, whilst mine were running around like mad chickens !! I stopped on my ride today, along Brides Pool Road where the flowers were, and stood in silence, watching as birds chirped, on a beautiful blue skied morning and couldn’t help but say out loud: “I’ll never forget your huge handed handshakes - may you Rest In Peace”. I am sure he’ll be missed by so many and my heart goes out to his family. He’ll be in my thoughts as I ride Brides Pool Road where so many tragedies have been written. RIP CH.

December 29, 2020

I had the pleasure of teaching Chris at Newcastle University many years ago, before he and Helen moved to Hong Kong. I remember him well and was privileged to be able to call him a friend as the years went by and I managed to see them a few times in Hong Kong.
I will always remember him as caring helpful and thoughtful individual who always looked on the positive side of life and I find my life is richer for having known him.

December 29, 2020

As close friends of Christopher’s parents, Dorothy & Harry, we have known Christopher since he was a child and it is not surprising to us that he turned out to be such an incredible person because of the love, guidance and example he received from his parents and family. Christopher was a gentle giant of a man, with a big heart to match, which cared for everyone he came into contact with. He was absolutely devoted to his family with a wonderful sense of humour, great camaraderie, he was extremely talented, achieved so much, had the most infectious and welcoming smile and subsequently was highly respected by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. God bless you and keep you safe, Christopher, until we all meet again. With fondest memories. Catherine & Jim Tumelty

December 28, 2020

I first met Chris when I was on placement at KGV in April 2019. It was my first teaching experience and Chris went out of his way to introduce himself and welcome me to the school. He even helped me set out the PE equipment on one occasion when I had my hands full.

When I started at the school full time in August 2020, I saw Chris across the staff room and he just winked at me and said “Good on ya Bonny Lad” in his warm Geordie accent - I can still hear him say it now. A lovely man and a true gentleman. My heartfelt condolences to his family and close friends x

December 28, 2020

Dear Mr Hattam, I am very glad I was in your year 7 DT class. Even though I have not known you for long I know you are a kind and fun teacher. I will miss you.

Rest In Peace

December 28, 2020

We were very fortunate to have met Chris through mini rugby, and then KGV and close friends in Sai Kung and during our brief friendship he made an incredible mark on our family through his support for the kids, his amazing sense of humour and zest for life, and, as so many others have noted... his personality was contagious, always leaving you wanting to spend more time with him!
He sent us a lovely personal message when he heard we were leaving HK to move to Portugal, and Alfie recalls that on his last day of at KGV it was Mr Hattam who he gave his last cookie too. As Ruby’s DT teacher he was more than encouraging and highly supportive.
He will be missed greatly, he was a top bloke and I only wish we’d spent more time with him.

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Recent Tributes

March 1, 2021

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

February 4, 2021

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

January 25, 2021

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.

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Gallery

Explaining Rugby to Suzanne during a birthday celebration at the China Club, Hong Kong 2009

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George Mitchell

December 29, 2020

I ha dthe great pleasure to admit Chris to the university and enjoyed my on going contact with him. I also has links with his extended family which I valued! Chris will missed dearly by all who knew or met him!

December 27, 2020

I met Chris last year during the KGV service learning trip in Thailand. Managing these programs for students, I've met and worked with hundreds of teachers from international schools around the world. Chris stands out and left a lasting impression on me in our week spent together.

He immediately became passionate about a home that we were building for a local family in a rural village. He wanted the job done right and rather than rotate around to other activities he spent nearly the entire week at that one project, supporting students to lay brick and pour the foundation. We reached a point where the students couldn't build the walls any higher, meaning local engineers would need to step in to complete the job. Chris wouldn't have it. He found his way to a hardware store with one of our staff and constructed scaffolding for students to continue working. He was so proud of the kids and the progress they made on the home that week. His heart for service and drive to simply make things happen will remain unparalleled in my eyes.

Chris's life was so much more than I can understand from our short time spent together, but the impact he had on myself (and I believe many others that week) was massive. I get the impression that this was just his nature. For those who were closest to him, I am deeply sorry for this loss. His positivity, kindness, work ethic, warmth, and empathy will live on in each of his students, colleagues, friends, and acquaintances like myself.

I won't forget you Chris.

-Jake

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