From Hollywood to Aberdeenshire, people across the globe are paying tribute to “one of the north-east’s greatest custodians”.
Helen Chavez, who curated historical artefacts for Aberdeenshire Council, died at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary aged 61.
She had been diagnosed with coronavirus, although her cause of death was attributed to underlying health conditions.
She spent her final weeks sharing an “isolation diary” with friends on social media, and thanked the NHS for its support.
Over the past 20 years the Methlick archivist had, through her love of film, struck up a friendship with Hollywood actor Doug Jones.
Best known for his roles as zombie Billy Butcherson in Hocus Pocus, Abe Sapien in Hellboy and as the amphibian creature in The Shape of Water, Mr Jones paid tribute to his “big sis” online, and explained how Mrs Chavez’s presence on internet message boards in 2003 led to their friendship.
He wrote: “I took special note of the witty, gentle, sarcastic, encouraging posts from this woman I found myself wanting to know more of.
“She jokingly described herself as ‘windswept and interesting’.
“When we finally met in person the first time, around the premiere events (director) Guillermo del Toro had arranged for these fans of Hellboy in April 2004, I found this description of her to be true.
“All I had to hear was that Helen had sold a cow to finance her flight from Scotland, and I knew I was right about this one. Yes, she and her husband Mark raised cattle on their rural farm.
“She leaves a void that no one else can fill.”
Ms Chavez went on to create a dedicated website for the actor and their friendship grew – she was even flown to Los Angeles in 2008 for the premiere week of Hellboy II: The Golden Army.
She would always regale her international friends with tales from home and told them all about her work as a museums collections officer for Aberdeenshire Council.
Troup councillor Mark Findlater said he bonded with the historian over their shared interest for military artefacts.
He said: “She was one of the greatest custodians Aberdeenshire has had – she was brilliant and had a great enthusiasm for her work.
“She has preserved our history for generations to come.”
She is survived by brother David Spiers and niece Kirsty.
Mr Spiers, who lives in Oxfordshire, said: “Helen was always the clever one growing up.
“Her husband Mark worked offshore and, when he died three years ago, her work became her life. She always had a passion for history, and of course through her love of films had a very interesting life.
“It’s been wonderful to read the tributes online.”
Avril Nicol, interim head of service for Live Life Aberdeenshire, said the organisation had been “inundated” with tributes from far and wide.
She said Mrs Chavez had “inspired” countless students and volunteers with her experience and knowledge.
She added: “Helen excelled the most when she was out and about in our communities giving talks and hands-on demonstrations, the enthusiasm and passion she had for her work was infectious.”
Prior to working with Aberdeenshire Museums, Mrs Chavez worked in Aberdeen University’s special collections department.
Jane Pirie, rare books curator, said she saw historical research as a “vitally important part of life, linking the past to the present”.
“Helen knew her stuff, but she never failed to make it about human beings,” she added.
