Flag lowered outside Calgary school as staff mourn slain teacher

CALGARY – The flag in front of David Thompson Middle School is flying at half-staff, after teachers learned one of their own was killed in a weekend murder in Auburn Bay.

Popular teacher Harvey “Craig” Kelloway has been identified by family members as the victim of Calgary’s eighth homicide of the year.

The 31-year-old was found dead at a neighbour’s home in the 100 block of Auburn Springs Close S.E. around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Police allege Kelloway was killed after some kind of altercation at the home, owned by one of his neighbours, and say Kelloway met his accused attacker earlier that day.

“We believe that the suspect went over to the victim’s residence earlier in the afternoon to introduce himself, and then they continued to associate throughout the day and into the late evening,” says Homicide Staff Sgt. Doug Andrus, who adds that alcohol was involved.

Police say a 911 call was later made from inside the suspect’s house, but haven’t said who made the call. There was one other person in the home at the time, but police say they weren’t near the altercation when it happened.

Police have charged 30-year-old Nicholas Rasberry with second-degree murder, and confirm Kelloway died as a result of a stabbing.

Kelloway leaves behind his girlfriend and a young son. He moved to Calgary from Cape Breton six years ago, after graduating from St. Francis Xavier University and Acadia University.

The science teacher is being remembered fondly by family, who say he was a ‘wonderful guy.’

Students have described the 31-year-old teacher lovingly on the website ratemyteachers.com.

“Best teacher I ever had. Always so nice and helpful,” posted one student.

Another student posted “Always will be my favorite science teacher. Lots of love. Rest in Peace.”

The Calgary Board of Education says grief counselors are being made available to staff and students at David Thompson Middle School.