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PHILLIP HANSEL Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for PHILLIP HANSEL
Paul David Bergen
August 2, 2025
Phill was the head chaperon on my first international trip for US Swimming to the World Championships in Guigui, Ecuador. Being a "rookie" and not knowing very much of the ins and outs of National Team procedure or policy I was totally lost and fortunately Phill helped me navigate through the training camp and the competition. The net result of Phill's help and guidance allowed me to avoid appearing like a complete idiot. His kindness and gentle ways of dealing with resolving complex issues of international competition benefitted both Staff and Swimmers alike. In the following years I was able to continue a close relationship with Phill while he was coaching at the University of Houston and I at Texas - Austin. A "Class" individual with a warm personality that had time for everyone.
Mike Jachimczyk
September 8, 2022
It looks like the Coach was well remembered. I swam on the Shamrock team when I was around 12. Green speedo. I appreciated the comment about the work-outs. A skinny 12 year old kid swimming the Shamrock pool length wise back and forth, back and forth..., while Coach walked shirtless in his trunks. How did I ever make it through those? My mother would drop me off at 8 am, give me a dollar for a Shamburger, and pick me up at 5 pm. She should have made pasta every night for supper as rigorous as those work-outs were. He treated us like college kids. Probably why my shoulders are broad to this day. Rest well Coach Hansel. Thanks for making sure my body fat was always less than 1% during the summer. It had to be.
Jerry K Deutsch
August 2, 2022
In the early `70s shortly after the `72 Olympics, I asked Phil Hansel, Richard Quick, Pat Patterson, and Mark Spitz to join me at the Houston Jewish Community Center Swim Complex to conduct the first Southern States AAU Swimming Clinic. When it became apparent Mark could not come, Phil´s presence became particularly helpful to me and all of the many attendees. I´ll never forget how unselfish all of these coaches, especially Phil, were of their time and expertise.
Rest In Peace Phil.
Paul Bergen
August 2, 2022
Phil and I met when he was Team Manager on my first international trip with USA Swimming in 1975. As a "Newby" I didn't have a clue as to what I was supposed to do or where to be, Phil with his normal genial self, made me feel at home and gently guided me through the process of being part of the "Total Team". We had since hooked up on several other trips and then locked horns when I took on the role as coach of the University of Texas when Phil was at the University of Huston. Phil not only was a great coach but also a class individual as to how he conducted himself with his athletes and within the coaching community. I will forever be indebted to his kindness and his professional manner.
Paul Bergen
Craig Lubach
December 2, 2010
I tried out for his team at UH in '72 as a walk-on for two weeks. His notion of a warm-up was twice as long as my idea of a workout and he wanted you to do it twice a day.
Six months later, his daughter, Ginger, recruited an intramural team called the David Weiner Defense Fund. We swept every event.
I think it was a way of reminding his failed walk-ons that we were always welcome to come back and give it one more try. He believed in people, even those who didn't always believe in themselves.
Best wishes to his family. May he rest in peace.
nancy hermann
October 31, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Susan Forester Brauchle
October 25, 2010
Coach Phil Hansel was a wonderful man who inspired all of his swimmers. He was a positive influence on many kids in the swimming sport. I really enjoyed my years swimming at the Shamrock under his coaching. He will be well remembered by many who benefitted from his expertise.
Alicia Burrell
September 26, 2010
To the Hansel family, from 1958 through 1964, the Shamrock, Bellaire High School, and Coach Hansel were my life. Coach Hansel was and will always be such an inspiration to me. I can remember our practices at the Shamrock when it was so cold he could almost lay into the wind, the weekend swim meets all over Texas, his humor, his firm instruction, him introducing me to the importance of "isometric" excercises at the age of 8, the annual award parties (Thank you Mr. House and your daughter Marilyn for putting up with us), the long drive from Pasadena that my mother made every night to Bellaire High School during the winter because she also saw the positive effect this great coach had on her daughter. The list is endless. I remember spending the night with Ginger at Coach's house and feeling like a "rock star" because even though I was just a kid and had no clue how really important this man was, I knew that I was in the presence of someone great every time he walked by. I remember our green Shamrock swim suits and our "100 miles in the month of May" patches. I still have mine as well as my original Shamrock Hilton patch. It is a treasured part of my past. There are so many wonderful memories of Coach Hansel - the one thing I am so sure of is he was a positive mentor in my youth that to this very day, when I think of Coach Hansel I sit up straighter, I work harder, and Lordy I smile,,,,how that man could make you smile, giggle, and yes, even hee haw. I love you Coach Hansel. How comforting to know that I'll see you again some day. Rest easy Coach - you deserve it. Alicia "Gaye Snelson" Burrell
Joe Hale
September 1, 2010
My first memory of Phill was the phone call I received inviting me to join the University of Houston Men’s swim team as part of the first Southwest Conference team. This started years of memories of his never ending energy and guidance. Many times over the next few years I was encouraged or cajoled into meeting each new challenge both in the pool or in the classroom. His positive example has been an inspiration in my life to this day
Never to be forgotten
Eugene Watson
August 31, 2010
Loss of another Texas swimming founder. Phill, was seemingly a gental giant in our field for many years. Our Killeen Dolphin Club competed in the original Shamrock long course meets back in the late '50s, and it was always a pleasure speaking to Phill at different meets over the years.
Rest in peace now, Phill
Eugene Watson
Dana Abbott
August 29, 2010
I first met Phill after Sheila Reeves signed to swim with him at UH in the late '80s. I happened to be seated next to him on a flight to an ASCA clinic and he one-lined me almost the whole trip, my sides ached from both laughing at his jokes and grimacing at his frequent bad puns. Over the years, Katy High had more than a few swimmers under his guidance at the old pool in Melcher Gym. We scheduled 2 summer swim clinics there in '94 and '95, and it was right before the latter that he had his stroke. We had become pretty close during and after that '94 clinic, and along with a TISCA friend, I got him set up in his new apartment with a computer he used to stay in touch with his family and friends via email. We chatted often over the years, and when he left a message on my answering machine, he would always say, "Hey, Abbott, it's Lou" (after Lou Costello).
Phill was always upbeat, always had positive words, encouraging words, always had the captivating grin and big smile, and was -always- like a kid in a candy store, full of energy.
It's apparent from reading the many wonderful comments in this guest book that Phill touched many lives in subtle and profound ways. His contributions to swimming in Houston are staggering, from the (probably) thousands of Phill Hansel Swim Academy graduates to the highest echelons of NCAA and USA swimming.
Phill Hansel was definitely one of a kind, and we are all better for knowing him. I am going to miss hitting the "play" button on my answering machine and being greeted with "Hey, it's Lou. Give me a call."
John Vogel
August 17, 2010
Phill Hansel has touched so many of our lives. He along with Gene Shumway were my first swim coaches. I owe them both so much. I was blessed to have Phill Hansel in my life.
Dana Curtis
August 16, 2010
Phill Hansel was a great swim coach and instructor on life. I first met Phill on a trip to Texas from Florida and bought one of his Aqualogs. When I moved to Houston in the mid 1960’s, I immediately joined the Shamrock. He not only improved my swimming times but also my life. I was part of a group he took to Ponca City for the National Long Distance Championships which the Shamrock won. What a number of great memories. You will be missed Phill!
Carolee Collen
August 15, 2010
Mr. Hansel had a positive effect on everyone that crossed his path. He was part of what made University of Houston a great school.
August 13, 2010
Mr. Hansel was such a huge part of my youth. As so many have stated, he taught us so much more than swimming. I cannot begin to count the number of
"Phill-isms" that cross my mind on a daily basis. I am so grateful to him
and the impact he had on my life. And I am grateful for all the fun times at the Shamrock, Gateway, and Sharpstown.
My heart goes out to all the Hansels.
God bless you Mr. Hansel.
Kate (Greene) Barrett
Ted Hilton
August 13, 2010
My deepest condolences go out the Hansel family for our loss of such a great man. I was honored to be the families dentist for many years. Ironically, swimming was a big part of mine and my sons lives, swimming at the Gateway, Shamrock, and with the Sugar Land Sharks. I would have loved to have been under his tutelage, as I knew he was a great coach. I will always remember him for his kind ways, compassionate nature, and of course his sharp wit. May he rest in peace and God bless him and his family.
Dr Ted R Hilton
clay rich
August 12, 2010
i swam for Mr. HANSEL for over 10 years;from the time at his academy,to the shamrock,to gateway in the winter,to sharpston under his bubble,to pools all across the state of texas. no person ever taught me more,as he taught us more than how to swim fast,he taught us how to live. i never called him coach, he was more than that.
Mike Stevens
August 12, 2010
I coached with Phil at the Shamrock in the late 60's and remember fondly those early days of Texas swimming. His passing is truly a great loss for the swimming world. I will always be grateful for Phil's friendship, his mentoring, and his encouragement. I am in agreement with Mr. Shumway who noted in this guest book that Phil was and always will be Mr. Swimming in Houston. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. May you find comfort in knowing he was a positive influence in so many lives.
August 12, 2010
Thanks, Coach, for sharing your knowledge and helping so many of us learn "the ropes" of our trade and for giving your time and committment to the sport of swimming. I enjojed working with you, competing against you and more importantly calling you a friend. Relax and enjoy. You have earned it. Eddie Sinnott
August 10, 2010
Phil taught us to respect each other and to strive to do our best. He was a great example. What more could we ask?
Thanks. Dave Myers (Multnomah Club, 1953-6)
August 10, 2010
My most special thoughts & prayers to all the Hansels in their time of loss.
Phil taught me so many life lessons during my years at the Shamrock that have helped me the rest of my life. I still think about the little things he would say to me that didn't sink in until I became a adult. I talked to Carin from time to time at HLSR functions and she kept me posted about her Dad. I will remember him always.
Debbie Stein (Foster) Ware
Niki
August 10, 2010
I'm so sad to hear of Coach's passing, and to not have been able to say goodbye - the last time we spoke, he was joking about not being able to do his 85 birthday laps. He was an inspiration to so many, and his legacy lives on in the lives of thousand of swimmers around the world, as well as in his children and grandchildren. Coach opened the door for me to come to the US to swim at UH - and has remained a source of support and encouragement ever since. I owe so much to him. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends, and to all the Cougar teammates around the world.
Coak Matthews
August 10, 2010
To all of Coach Hansel's family and extended family, my deepest and sincere condolences. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
Phil was and is still a tremendous inspiration and mentor to me. He was one of the major influences in my decision to become a coach. Much of what I have been able to accomplish in my career has been directly or indirrectly related to the things I learned from Coach. I am sure everyone remembers his lisence plate. However, teaching someone to swim and swim fast wasn't the most important thing to Phil. He cared for each of his athletes and was concerned for our future as contributing members of society, yet most importantly, he truly was concerned for our eternal destinies. Phil had a wonderful relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and wanted the same for each of us. I knew that by the love and caring that he displayed as well as the fact that he gave us a Guidepost devotional to help direct us to that relationship with Christ which he knew we all needed. "For what shall it profit a man to gain the whole world yet lose his soul." Mark 8:36.
Besides all of that, he was responsible for bringing people together. Most of my best friends today are those that I met through the swimming days at the Shamrock and Sharpstown. And by the way, it wasn't Bruce and David who egged your house.
So, thanks for the great memories Phil; and now that you are with Jesus and have gained your reward, we will miss you for a while, but look forward to seeing you again.
In Christ,
Heather Spring
August 10, 2010
Coach (aka 'Mr. Peanut Butter') an icon in the community and my idol in my adolescent years growing up at The Shamrock Hilton; I will continue to cherish my memories in your absence. With deep and fond condolences to the extended family.
Phil Flato
August 10, 2010
I was truly saddened to learn of Coach Hansel’s passing. I had the honor and privilege to swim under Coach at UH from ‘74-’76. Those were some of the best years and memories of college I have today. I remember seeing him get in the pool after our morning workout once a year and swim his birthday laps, I thought I hope I can do that when I’m his age. Great memories of riding in his yellow “banana” RV with UH Swimming logo on the side to the Woodlands or the Shamrock pools for a nice long course workout and Coach inviting the “homeless” swimmers over to his house for Thanksgiving dinner. My heart and prayers go out to the Hansel family; you’ve lost a remarkable man who touched and impacted many lives. I will cherish my memories of him at UH, Go Coogs.
Bobby MacNaughton
August 9, 2010
My time with Coach was the foundation and formation of the basis and perspective of rest of my life. He was like a second dad or mentor to me in the way to have a positive outlook and discipline to achieve goals. I have fond memories, as I am sure both my brothers and my parents have had, about workouts and life around the Shamrock pool. I also have very fond memories of my younger brother Chuck, at 6 too young to be swimming in that particular group, walking around behind Coach Hansel trying to mimic his every move without being caught; of course Coach knew he was there. I will treasure that time when my Dad was able to join Mr. Hansel in helping him bring the 1971 U.S. Nationals to Houston. I know my dad loved helping him in that endeavor and was honored in, and thoroughly enjoyed, knowing Coach Hansel. All the swimmers, and others, he coached have been lucky that he was a part of each of our lives. To Ginger & Josh and the entire Hansel family sincere condolences to you all from the MacNaughton family.
Paul Bergen
August 9, 2010
I was deeply sadened to hear of Phil's passing. Phil and I were on several International trips together when I was just beginning my career in Coaching - Phil above all took me under his wing, made me feel imkportant, and encouraged me to keep on with what I was doing. I think of him often when seeing some up and coming Coach who feels out of place and think "how would Phil make this guy/gal feel comfortable and part of the Staff.
Sincerely,
Paul Bergen
Bruce Williams
August 9, 2010
Coach Hansel we will all miss you and our thoughts and prayers are with your family. You were such a great inspiration and had a huge positive impact on building our discipline, character and integrity that carried over into our adult lives. And you made it fun. We all have fond memories of the hours we spend working & playing at the pools – the Swim Academy, Gateway, Sharpstown and best of all - The Shamrock Hilton. It was such a great experience to be part of the early days of Texas swimming and to have you as our leader. Thank you so much and God Bless You.
Jerry Deutsch
August 9, 2010
I had the great pleasure of knowing Phil as both a swimmer for him at the Shamrock Hilton in the late '60s, and as a contemporary coach in Houston in the '70s. Just a few short weeks ago we had reminisced about old times and the fantastic swimmers we both had coached. Every swimmer I knew that had swum for Coach exhibited a "top shelf" discipline and character which they attributed to him. I'm quite certain Phil would have considered that one of his greatest accomplishments. He will be dearly missed.
Ira Klein
August 9, 2010
My condolences to the Hansel family, hopefully through the sorrow of your loss you are comforted by knowing how much Phil meant to so many people. He was a leader in our coaching and swimming community and we are far better today for your willingness to share him with us all these many years. He and all of you will remain in my thoughts. Sincerely, Ira Klein, Past ASCA President, Head Coach Sarasota Tsunami Swim Team
Mick & Sue Nelson
August 9, 2010
Phil was a great inspiration to all of us who taught swimming to children and then coached them as teens.
August 9, 2010
phil the father the man ther friend and for us in swimming world the visionary coach and a man who who valued and understood performance and true essence of excellence. he is a legacy in himself to all of us in the swimming world and the world of sport. we the people he touched by coaching mentoring are so much better in life for what he did with him or learned from him and a wo to all he gave us. thank you phil and thankyou family for sharing him. all of us in the swimming community are pleased from phil journey thur life. thank ful and admiring one blessed person who had his life magnified by having phil as a friend and mentor. peter d malone
Richard Sybesma TCU Coach
August 9, 2010
Phil was a wonderful man and coach. He was dedicated to the sport of swimming at all levels from teaching children to the Olympic level athletes. Phil was ahead of his time in the ideas he had for the sport of swimming. He was an icon and mentor to many in the sport. He left his mark in Houston for many families. and his presence will be missed. Right now he is planning swimming activities in heaven.
Steve Montgomery
August 9, 2010
Coach Hansel was one of those who helped me learn how to be a good coach. I will always keep his drive in my life . Dr Steve Montgomery, Exective Director Texas Swim & Dive Hall of Fame
John Santamaria
August 9, 2010
To the Hansel family,
Deepest condolences for your loss, but few people can share memories of a person who touched so many lives in a positive way.
The highest compliment one can pay Coach Hansel is that he was truly a pioneer in changing the mindset of people to exercise by swimming. He started the wave of fitness that most people take for granted these days. Things were so much different back in those early days and it took someone special to "preach" the benefits of swimming and water safety.
Lastly I'll always be grateful for those "special" days at the Shamrock Hilton and how lucky we all were to be a part of a unique experience he helped create and make it a memory we all cherish every day of our lives. Sincerely John Santamaria
David Youngblood
August 9, 2010
Coach Hansel's passing is a great loss for the swimming world. He had a great influence on so many young people. When I was a very young high school swimming coach, he took time to explain so many things about working with young swimmers. He knew I had a diving background and had a lot to learn about competitive swimming. I will always be grateful for his support.
Vicky Bialas
August 9, 2010
I have such wonderful memories of Phil Hansel. All those years at the Shamrock, and even at the Gateways disqualifying me in my 8-and-under 100 IM for a lopsided breaststroke turn, joking around in the Sharpstown bubble, walking up and down the deck in S.A. at Trinity 1965 TAGS meet, and so many other places and times. He was a central person for me in a world that brought out my best--not just in swimming, but in my heart, and in my whole life.
Like sunshine personified, he made swimming really FUN, and he helped make the Shamrock full of magic.
Hansels, my Mom and I offer our sincere condolences and love to you all. Our thoughts are with you, and with Phil--a great coach, and a beautiful person.
Kelly Voss/Schuler
August 8, 2010
Coach,
Thanks for the opportunity to swim for you at UH. Those were truly some of the best years of my life. You always brought a smile to my face and made me try just a little bit harder. You will be sorely missed by so many. Love and Prayers are with your family.
Joni Waggoner (Dennis)
August 8, 2010
Dear Nancy & Josh,
Sorry for you loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Hansel family.
Anne Jardin Alexander
August 8, 2010
My sincere condolences go to the Hansel family. I was a member of the UH Cougars swim team from '76-'81 and I vividly remember Coach Hansel as always being upbeat and caring about his team members. I remember watching and cheering as he swam his laps on his birthday each year. He had so much energy and an incredible spirit. Thank you Coach Hansel.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
God bless.
GENE SHUMWAY
August 8, 2010
IN 1964 PHIL HANSEL OFFERED ME THE JOB AS AGE GROUP COACH FOR THE SHAMROCK SWIM TEAM WORKING OUT OF THE OLD SOUTH MAIN POOL. I ACCEPTED THE OFFER. PHIL AND I HAD SEVERAL WONDERFUL YEARS WORKING WITH YOUNG HOUSTON SWIMMERS. I LEFT THE SHAMROCK TO BEGIN A FLYING CAREER BUT WITH THE EXPERIENCE LEARNED AT THE SHAMROCK, I COACHED TEAMS IN DETROIT, MICHAGAN AND DAYTON, OHIO. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE HOUSTON I COACHED THE CLEAR CREEK SWIM LEAGUE WITH DAVE FORESTER AND PAT HALLISEY AS ASSISTANTS BEFORE PHIL ASKED ME TO COACH THE HOUSTON SWIM TEAM. HE GAVE ME A WONDERFUL OPPUNITY TO WORK WITH MANY YOUNG SWIMMERS WHO HAVE KEPT IN TOUCH WITH MY WIFE AND ME NEARLY FIFTY YEARS. IN THE RECENT MONTHS, I STARTED INQUIRING ON HOW TO REACH PHIL AND AM DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED I DID NOT FOLLOW THROUGH MORE STRONGLY. PHIL HANSEL WAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE MR. SWIMMING IN HOUSTON. THE SWIMMING WORLD HAS LOST A GREAT SUPPORTER AND I A GREAT FRIEND AND MENTOR.
GENE SHUMWAY
Martha Greenwood
August 8, 2010
Dear Hansels,
In 1975 Coach Hansel, took a group of girls at UH and called us a swim team. While I could swim I had no competitive experience. But competitiveness burned in my heart and he encouraged my effort. Now almost 30 years later, I continue to swim 5 days a week and still compete occasionally. On his birthday, he would rise early and come to the pool and swim the number of lengths of his age. His spirit lives on every lap I swim. Thanks Coach, for believing in me.
Joel O'Connell
August 8, 2010
Phil Hansel is one of the great legends in acquatic. When the nationals were both for swimming and diving combined, Ward and I would always chat with Phil. If he saw you on the pool deck, he'd always come over and greet you. It didn't matter that we were diving people..He was such a genuine man.
His memory lives on and will never be forgotten.
Sincerely, Joel O'Connell
Elbert McKinlay
August 8, 2010
Phil Hansel, a great coach & honorable man touched lives in my family. My mother, Doris, was a lifeguard at the Shamrock pool. Coach Hansel was my club coach for 5 years & prepped me for college swimming. My sister, Mary Lou, also swam for Coach Hansel for 12 years. He inspired in us, a sense of commitment & dedication to achieve success in swimming that could not help but spill over into our personal lives. This invaluable legacy is one that we can proudly to pass on to our children.
Sincere condolences to the Hansel family.
Pat Hallisey
August 8, 2010
May God Bless you Phil!
Joan Spillane Postma
August 8, 2010
I will remember Phill Hansel as being very instrumental in helping swimming develop in Texas. He made all of us swimmers much more concious of National Level Swimming and brought a much more broad perspective to swimming. I really enjoyed working with Phill at the Phill Hansel Swimming Academy. He touched many lives in a very positive way.
melanie hauser
August 8, 2010
my thoughts and prayers to the family. phil was an original. he was also quite a character -- on and off the deck. he had an amazing life and an excellent career. he touched more lives than he knew.
Pat Hallisey
August 8, 2010
God Bless you Coach!
Tena Gardiner
August 8, 2010
What incredible memories I have of my days with Coach Hansel. His silly jokes and puns, his pep talks, driving the yellow "banana" RV and the good times putting up the ole "bubble" at Sharpstown. I'm sad to hear about his passing. May you rest in peace, Coach. My condolences to the family.
Peggy Machol-Bassett
August 8, 2010
As a former swimmer and coach, my memories of Coach Hansel span several decades. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and former swimmers. He will be missed.
Carol Rulfs Vance
August 8, 2010
My years swimming for Phil and traveling with him are always a part of my best memories of my youth. His humor, leadership and great coaching were gifts that I was one of many to enjoy. With his family, I celebrate his life and am saddened by his passing.
Sven Schultz
August 8, 2010
I first met Coach Hansel at the Shamrock when I was 8 or 9 years old. My mother Kuni took me there to perform diving shows with Nancy Duty and Joy Cushman. At that time, I had no idea that I would get to be on his college swimming and diving team. Coach was a swimming pioneer and a neighbor. Yesterday, it is with great pleasure and respect we performed a similar show with over 30 kids where we dedicated that effort in his honor. Thank you Coach.
Berkeley Powell
August 8, 2010
I swam 6 summers for the Shamrock swim team largely because Phil made it so much fun. He also gave me my first job as a life guard (pool attendant, really) for an indoor pool on South Main, used mainly by septuagenarians looking for low impact exercise. It was not the life guarding job I envisioned, but I was proud he had trusted this teenager with the responsibility.
Three decades later, his Academy water-proofed my kids as well. I was delighted that he had played a role in two generations of our family. He was always a delight to be with and could inspire even when you weren't the best in the pool. Like all those who knew him, we will miss him immensely - but not forget him. My heartfelt sympathies to the Hansel clan. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Berkeley Powell, MD
August 8, 2010
I spent much of my youth with Phil, Nancy (diving coach), and Joy (synchronize swim coach) at the Shamrock Hilton. Thank God for all of them. The world is a better place because of Coach Hansel. Cynthia Potter
Nancy and Thom Clark
August 8, 2010
The memory of Coach Hansel will live on in the hearts and memories of students, colleagues, and friends.
Jenifer Webb
August 8, 2010
So many of us swimmers have positive, indelible memories of Phill. He lived an amazing life with an upbeat attitude and winning smile. I am grateful for his presence in my youth. Hansel family, I am very sorry for your loss.
Bill Robertson
August 8, 2010
From all of us at the Texas Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all that mourn the passing of a true Texas Aquatic legend. Thanks Phil for all you did to promote swimming in our great state and the legacy you left. It was a pleasure knowing you and being able to induct you last year into the Texas Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame www.tsdhof.org
God Bless,
Bill Robertson, President, TSDHOF
[email protected]
Betsy O'Brien
August 8, 2010
Dear Hansel Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences from all of us in the O'Brien family. My brother Jon went to college with Josh Hansel, and I remember Josh always speaking so highly of his Dad, whenever he was over our house in Connecticut visiting. It was obvious to us all how tight Josh and his father were, and our heart breaks with yours to hear of his Dad's passing. I remember how he was an exceptionally well-respected swim coach in TX and how my twin sister and I were always fascinated by this, asking Josh questions and stories about his Dad whenever he was over the house. I think Mr. Hansel would be very proud about the "Splashes on" part, that is genius, and also about the portrayal about how he never lost his sense of humor right up until the end, cracking jokes with the nurses--that says a lot about the kind of person he was. But most of all, I think he would be most proud of his beautiful family who will carry on his extraordinary legacy. Sending love and hugs all the way from Connecticut. We are keeping your family in our prayers. xoxo Love, the O'Brien Family
Kathryn O'Brien
August 8, 2010
To the Hansel family:
My deepest condolences for your loss. May you be comforted by the love you share now and forever.
Kathryn O'Brien
Thomas Fenske
August 8, 2010
I want to offer my sincere condolences to Ginger, Janice and all the family in this time of loss.
SHARON SELINE WRIGHT
August 8, 2010
Dear Hansel Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Hansel's passing. I took swimming lessons from him at the Shamrock. Although he terrified me when he threw me into that huge deep end, it was your father that probably made me overcome so many fears.
So many fond memories. May God Bless you during this time.
Sharon Seline Wright
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