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Geert Prinz Obituary


Hank has left the building……his strong spirit and sharp wit will be missed by all of us. He was born in Holland 73 years ago. At the age of 18 he immigrated to Canada with a close friend. When they got off the boat they spoke no English and got into lots of trouble because of it. Hank said they went into a grocery store the first day and saw oranges for 79 cents a dozen; they bought a dozen and ran like the devil thinking the store made a mistake in the price. He eventually crossed into the US and made his way to San Francisco where he met his wife, Joan. They had one child, Eric……when asked if he wanted more kids, Hank said "Why? This one's perfect"….Eric and Ursula gave Hank two grandchildren, Calliope and Wyatt. They loved their Opah so much, he cracked them up with his quirky jokes that made no sense to grownups but were perfectly logical to a 4 year old.
One of his favorite things to do was offend people, his best friend once said, "I love Hank dearly, but I can't take him anywhere". But, anyone who took the time to get past the curmudgeon found a huge generous heart. To know him was to love him.
I could fill up this paper with Hank's sayings…. here are few, "if that's dinner, I've had it." "When the wine is in the man, his wisdom is in the can." "For nothing, the sun comes up."
When asked if he'd like a memorial Hank said, "No thanks, I just had a bar of soap".
Please sign the Book of Memories, light a candle and leave your condolences for the family at
www.jernsfuneralchapel.net
Jerns Funeral Chapel
and On-site Crematory
Bellingham, WA

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bellingham Herald from Nov. 11 to Nov. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Geert Prinz

Not sure what to say?





November 14, 2011

Hey Joan,, My love to you

Melissa Lukeris

November 12, 2011

My thoughts have been with your family all week. I have known you Eric since I was a teenager. You are a dear friend, even though I don't get to see you and Ursula much- you will always be the kind of friends that are family. I just wish you and your mom, and everyone who was close to him- as much comfort and peace as possible. His sayings you included certainly made me chuckle. much love, Melissa Helzer Lukeris and all of my family.

London Family

November 12, 2011

Hank will surely be missed, he was one of a kind. Out of the mouth of babes, Calliope once told me that "Opa can't help being so funny since he was like that even as a boy". What a great way to be. Happy to have known him. Deepest condolences to all of you.

Marla Bronstein

November 11, 2011

OH....Joanie..I am so so sorry for your loss..sending you lots of good thoughts in the days to come....

Jody Wills

November 11, 2011

My sincere condolences to Joan and her son Eric. I have very fond memories of Hank during our years at the Old Coloma Theater. I'll always remember how he made us laugh.
With love, Jody (Mikula) Wills

November 11, 2011

How we shall miss Hank! You bet your kitty-kat! His unique sense of humor, his big heart and his wonderful devotion to his family and friends were a great example to all of us!

Love to Joan, Eric, Ursula, Calliope and Wyatt.
. You are in our hearts.
Love, Ernie and Rosey Calvillo

Linda Hatcher

November 11, 2011

Thinking of you Joan.

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