Dr. Carl Gustaf Hellerqvist

Dr. Carl Gustaf Hellerqvist (83), a distinguished Swedish biochemist and educator, passed away peacefully on October 6 at his home in Nashville surrounded by his family and dog. He was born in Sundsvall, Sweden, son of Gustaf Rune and Ingeborg Hildur (nee Olsson) Hellerqvist. Carl devoted his life to science, making significant contributions to biochemistry, medicine, and education.

Carl is preceded in death by his sister, Ann Charlotte Larsson, and his parents. He is survived by his wife Christine Vilmerding Hellerqvist; daughters from his first marriage to Charlotte Hellerqvist (nee Strandberg) - Dr. Monica Hellerqvist (Stephen Smith) and Anna Carin Hellerqvist (William Stoup); and stepdaughter, Dr. Trina Schmidt (Alexander). He is also survived by his sister, Marianne Fredby of Sweden, and his cherished grandchildren: Carolyn Hellerqvist Smith, Claire Laura Hellerqvist, Catherine Hellerqvist Smith, Christopher Stoup, Jensen Schmidt, Gunnar Schmidt and Callaway Schmidt.

Carl received his Ph.D. in chemistry from Stockholm University in 1968 and the Ph.D. docent designation in chemistry and molecular biology in 1971. He held the position of assistant professor of organic chemistry at Stockholm University before moving to Johns Hopkins University as a visiting assistant professor and research scientist in 1971. He joined the Vanderbilt University Medical School faculty in 1974 and was a professor of biochemistry until his retirement in 2009.

During his career, Carl published over 80 articles, gave over 100 invited lectures, and was awarded 14 patents. He also developed two biotechnology companies, CarboMed, for which he was director/consultant from 1989 to 2001, and AngioPath, Inc., for which he served as director and chief scientific officer from 2000 to 2006. He was a long-time member of the Society for Glycobiology and served as the society's secretary from 1987 through 1993. Carl's service to Vanderbilt and his contributions to the broad area of research are substantial and will benefit future generations.

Carl was a lifelong sailor and loved sharing this passion with anyone he could - family, friends, students, and future generations of sailors. He grew up sailing and racing on the Baltic with his father and competed in the Gotland Runt offshore race. After moving to Nashville, his sailing home was the Percy Priest Yacht Club (PPYC), for which he served as commodore in 2004, but he happily towed his boat from Michigan to Miami to race. He won over 80 trophies sailing but later in life was just as happy teaching kids (including his grandkids) at the PPYC sailing camp and sailing recreationally in Nashville or the Caribbean with his beloved wife, Chrissy, and other family and friends.

Carl also had a passion for woodworking, His love for crafting with his hands in the workshop provided him with peaceful moments of creativity and reflection and produced cherished pieces of furniture for his family.

Dr. Carl Gustaf Hellerqvist will be remembered for his brilliant mind, dedication to his work, and the warmth he shared with those who knew him. His contributions to science, education, and his creative hobbies will continue to inspire future generations.