I was watching a movie that had a Gliding scene. Thought of your dad. Googled him.  For some reason we would run in too each other. Wegmans. Post office. Good man . 

My ancient refrigerator was no longer performing as expected. Inside I found a label referring me to Schwarz Appliance Repair.  Calling the number, I ended up speaking to a nice voice with a distinct German accent and scheduled a visit to look at the fridge. Hans showed up promptly at the appointed time. After examining the fridge, he diagnosed the problem as a failed door switch leaving the internal light on. Cheap repair! Afterward, Hans commented on the glider photograph stuck to my fridge door as a goal reminder. "I used to fly them." he said. We got talking about gliders and my flying club with the result that Hans joined the club and became a licensed glider pilot. Several years later in 1989, Hans and I became partners in a new glider imported from Germany. We had many memorable experiences with that glider and soaring in general which I greatly miss.  Hans will be remembered by the Rochester soaring community for his many contributions to the sport.

I did learn about Hans's eternal journey from a dear German  friend Monika who told me, that I should no longer correspond with Hans via e-mail. We always had such good dialogs going, a friendship of almost 50 years. Later, when Barbaras Obituary arrived, we were on a cruise from Australia to NZ. My e-mail did not manage to be forwarded. We always had such good times together sailing, skiing, joint dinners and interactions with his interesting family etc.. Unfortunately, in May we will be again on a cruise around England, Scotland and on to Hamburg. As a widower, after talking to the dog for over 3 years, I found a sweetheart through the internet. As we do not live together and are far apart from each other, NH and AZ, we travel once a month. At 88 and Irene's 85,  we are thankful for every day in good health as we are aware, that our years are counted. May Hans rest in Peace.