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Hans Wichary Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Hans Wichary
Uwe Johann
September 10, 2023
I was a German Basketball fan in Goettingen, where Hans played in the mid-80s for ASC Goettingen in the German Bundesliga. He was tall and handsome, and he was a very good player, trusted by his teammates and coaches to take the last shot when the game was on the line. His German was excellent as could be heard when he jokingly argued with the refs at times. I remember giving him high-fives spontaneously after an emotional last second win. Something you didn´t do at the time as a fan very often. If you were a young man, you wanted to be like Hans. Even when injured, he was special, sitting on the bench with a white business shirt, unusual at the time. I am very sad to learn he passed away so early. He left a really impressive and positive mark here. Condolences to his family and friends. Uwe Johann, Germany
Mandy
July 22, 2022
I remember walking to Uni with you from Friars Village every morning.
Barbara Rasmussen
May 6, 2020
A true gentleman. Gone too soon.
Barbara Rasmussen
May 6, 2019
Dear Hansie, You were taken from us too soon. Have a beer with your dad!
ted miller
May 20, 2004
to hans the memories at quality tennis courts will be with me forever; you were my boss and leader. i will miss you. i still have not seen anybody hang 10 foot windscreens without a ladder.hanzel you rule forever. may the good lord bless your family with love ted miller
John and Teresa O'Neill
May 19, 2004
Jo,
We are so sorry to read of this devastating loss in your life. Prayers and warm wishes to you all as you work through the days ahead. The loss of a son has to be one of the most difficult things to get through. Hadn't seen you, and didn't realize that you had moved, so good luck in the north county, and know that you are in our thoughts.
John and Teresa
Judy Stamm
May 18, 2004
Jo: I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your son Hans. I remember how proud your were of him 20+ years ago when we were all running marathons together. He must have truely been a special man. My thought are with you and your family. Judy
Betty Hock
May 16, 2004
Dear Jo: I'm so very sorry to hear about your son's accident. My deepest sympathy and caring thoughts go to you and his family.
Jill Lawrence
May 15, 2004
Dear Jean, Marlie, and Britta,
I am so, so sorry to hear of your loss. You will remain in my prayers for strength.
Love,
Jill Lawrence
Hal Schweiger
May 14, 2004
Jean,
I was so saddened to hear of your loss of Hans. Although I knew him ever so briefly, his true character came out by inviting AJ and I to that Stanford dinner and his gracious hosting of the same. He was such a wonderful person that his loss is felt by all but even more by his family that enjoyed him so much.
Hal Schweiger and family
Mike Thometz
May 14, 2004
Hans always showed a great love for Stanford University and it was a pleasure to visit with him each year at the annual Athletic Department San Diego dinner. He made Stanford a better place and will be greatly missed by all who are proud to be associated with the school and its athletics programs. A very gracious and friendly person who connected immediately with those he met. I am very sad that we have all lost the company of a good man.
Sheryl Sabie
May 14, 2004
Jean and girls,
I was saddened to hear of the loss of Hans. I personally did not have the opportunity to spend alot of time with Hans but did know what a special man he was. I heard many stories, all very special, from Pam and Brian about Hans. Right now it is hard for all who loved hime to try to understand why someone so loving, helpful to others would be taken from us. Hans lived each day to the fullest, enjoying life, helping others and experiencing so many things. He accomplished more in his life then most do. We are blest that God shared Hans with us for these few years. Know that there are many praying for you and your family during this very difficult time.
Sheryl Sabie ( Brian's mother-in-law)
Tony & Des Braca-Giammarino
May 14, 2004
We don't have nearly enough space to say everything that we'd like to. We are devastated by this tragedy. Hans was larger than life, a true friend, and a class act. Hans touched so many people -- including us. It just won't be the same without him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jean, Marlie, and Britta.
Kevin & Yvonne McCoy
May 14, 2004
Jean, Marlie and Britta,
We are shocked and saddened to hear of this tragic news. You have made us feel so welcome in your home and as part of your extended family, that simple words cannot express the depth of our emotions over your loss, and ours. Our thoughts, prayers and offers of support are with you now more than ever. God bless.
Rita Danskin
May 14, 2004
Although I didn’t know Hans well, he was clearly an outstanding gentleman and had a positive impact on the lives of many people. I shall remember Hans as the son of one of the strongest women I ever met (and my favorite Vice-Principal), the man who lit up the life of my friend, Jean, and a kind, loving man surrounded by a strong and beautiful family. God bless you Jo, Jean, Marlie, and Britta, in this difficult time and always. With love, Rita
Larry Belinsky
May 13, 2004
Jean, as I mentioned to you over the phone, Hans was like a member of our extended family. He was included in many of our life cycle events. I had the pleasure to play with and against him on the tennis court and, in both cases, it was always fun no matter the outcome of the match. Anyone who knew Hans became better off as a result. He represented everything that was good in life. I will always remember him as bright, caring, articulate, compassionate, gentlemanly, athletic, respectful, and fair. I feel blessed that I had the opportunity of becoming his friend and being able to share things in our lives together. I will miss him dearly.
brett buffington
May 13, 2004
We are so happy to have known Hans. Our thoughts are with you. I met Hans at the Mission Valley Tennis club in the early 70's where his father taught tennis. We enjoyed playing tennis and swimming. What a great athlete and person. Brett Buffington and family.
Lolitia Bache
May 13, 2004
I knew Hans from what I read of him and heard of him from his mother Jo. From this I know he was a good man who will be very much missed. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Anna Puanani Mau
May 13, 2004
Hello,
I had the pleasure of working with Hans, though it was much too short a time. He was truly a gentle giant, always smiling and willing to help.
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Me ke aloha menemene,
Anna Puanani Mau
Shauna and Anisha
May 13, 2004
Jean - You teach our children so much about life and their world. This week, that is even more true. In this time of unfathomable loss and grief, you continue to teach and inspire them (and all of us)
with your strength and compassion. Thank you for being such an important part of all our lives.
Franco & Melanie Romano
May 13, 2004
We are very sorry. God Bless.
The Romano Family
Franco,Melanie,Marisa,Dante ,Dominic,& Anthony
Everett Hernandez Jr.
May 13, 2004
The world lost a great man this past Saturday-- we will all miss his wonderful smile!
Ann Leon-Esparza
May 13, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, in your time of sorrow.
I took out my year book last night. We were seniors in 1980. I looked at what Hans wrote to me in my book. He last words were "See you on the flip side." Because it is hard to good bye to friends. So, it my turn to say, "Hans I will see you on the flip side."
David Gal
May 13, 2004
I am sadden to hear that a childhood friend and "gentle giant" has been lost. My prayers go out to his family.
Just last week, I came across an old Del Cerro Little League team photo, with Hans anchoring one side of the picture. I remember that he was a fun and imposing player in his youth, especially when standing on that pitcher's "mountain" (well, to a ten-year-old, it looked higher than a mound with Hans holding a baseball and glaring down at you). I can also remember how glad I was that year because Hans was on my team (this way I would never have to try to hit that +150mph fastball of his in a game).
He was a kind and gentle person, a good teammate, and friend. I am glad to have known him and share in our youth. I believe that there is a special place in heaven for him.
Carole LeCren
May 13, 2004
Hans was a very important part of the Class of 1980 at Uni. As reunion chair, I have tried to contact as many classmates as possible to tell them of this tragedy. Our prayers are with you. -Carole
Una Marie Pierce
May 12, 2004
Jo, I am so, so sorry. I'm so glad I have some sweet memories of Hans as a young man. Una Marie
Brian Peterson
May 12, 2004
Jean, Marley & Britta,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Hans. He will be sadly missed in all of our lives. He was always a friendly guy and made me feel welcome in your home. I will always remember his witty sense of humor and his great stories. Your memories of Hans will live on in your hearts forever. God Bless you and take care. Love, Brian
Jim Lindgren
May 12, 2004
Wichary family,
I didn't know Hans well, but what I knew of him as an athlete and sportsman, I truly respected. I played basketball at St. Augustine when Hans was at Uni. (I, at 6-1, even had the misfortune of having a jump ball against him. Guess who won that battle?) Hans was well-known as a great basketball player and equally well-respected as a true gentleman. I am saddened by his passing and sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless you.
Micheal Higginbotham
May 12, 2004
I did not know Hans personally. I knew him from knowing his mother, Jo and hearing about his many accomplishments. I was very saddened to hear of his passing and send my sympathy and prayers to the whole family.
Lisa Guth-Sheldon
May 12, 2004
Jean and family, I am so saddened to hear about Hans’ accident and untimely passing. Hans and I went to elementary school together and whenever I hear his name, I remember his smile and laugh and how he made you feel when he was around. I am sure he grew up to be a wonderful father and husband. Please know that he touched many people and lives on in the memories of many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tammy Rampone-Plummer
May 12, 2004
Jean, Marlie and Britta - our hearts go out to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers each day. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. If you need anything at all, just give a call. All our love to you.
Tammy, Michael, Katlyn & Rachael
Paul & Tracy Jones
May 12, 2004
On a trip to the US in 2001, Hans and Jean gratiously lent their house to us whilst they were away Skiing. The skiing was cut short because of Marlie's fractured leg and this was the first and sadly the only time my family had with Hans. Our memory is that of a sincere and generous man who is one of life's winners. We were saddened to hear this tragic news. We shared similar passions, our family, skiing and an appreciation of life, which Hans lived to the full.
Our condolences to the family.
Diane Weaver
May 12, 2004
Jean, Marlie and Britta,
May you find strength and comfort in each other. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
All My Love,
Patrick, Whitney and Colin Randles
May 12, 2004
We are sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Ben Duke
May 12, 2004
I am very saddened to hear that my childhood friend, Hans, has died in a cycling accident. May his family find comfort in knowing that caring thoughts and deepest sympathy are with them.
Jon Driscoll
May 12, 2004
I have good memories of working with Hans, and his move forward attitude. Always smiling and always willing to help.
gregg rowell
May 12, 2004
I love you and will miss you my friend I loved just hanging with you, talking about our family's, our girls, Stanford ....how big our service are! I will always have a place in my heart with you and your family... will remember to old guys playing the 40 nationals doubles tourney together, losing a tough match, grabing a beer and laughing about the funny things our girls do..talking about when the girls start dating( which we agreed would be sometime in their 20's), how tough that will be on us! I will miss your smile and laughter, your positive energy! I will see you one day soon Hans..gr
jackie unkle
May 12, 2004
Jean and Family,
I have never met Hans but I felt like I knew him thru your mom. We send our deepest sympathy to you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Jackie and Bobby Unkle
barbara rasmussen
May 12, 2004
I am so sorry for this great loss to family and friends.
Chris Salazar
May 12, 2004
I was very sad to see the news about Hans. Hans was a great person and friend. Thou I haven't seen Hans in a while I felt close to him. I went to school at Uni with him and did many things with Hans.I even once tried to teach him how to surf. He made a valient effort, as Hans always did, but he relized it wasn't for him. He dazzled me always with his sking, he could really ski.I will miss him, truly miss Hans. I just wish I could have spent more time with him. Thou I didn't know Jean and his children; I know they were very blessed to have a man like Hans in there life.God Bless Hans Wichary.
Barry & Mary Jones
May 12, 2004
A really nice guy and an absolute gentleman. Hans will be sadly missed by his friends here in the United Kingdom. Our sincerest condolences to those who were nearest and dearest to him.
Love from Barry & Mary
Bobbie Pittman
May 12, 2004
I have known Hans' wife, Jean, since she was 7 years old. I mourn for her and for his daughters and parents. My mother used to say "Only the good die young," but I cannot graciously accept the premature death of such a good decent man. God bless his family.
Ray Lafleur
May 12, 2004
It's always sad to see an athlete's obituary in the paper. I ran with Jo Wichary in the late 70's and remember a after-run party at her house on Adobe Falls where her young 14 year old son came in and had to duck under the door jamb. Being 5'4" tall, it left a memorable impression on me.
If Jo reads this, my heart goes out to your and your family.
Jon Curtiss
May 12, 2004
My deepest condolences to the Wichary family. Though I had not seen Hans recently I always asked about him through mutual friends. I have memories of Hans, the competitor, from the days of our weekly tennis matches of only a few years ago. This was a several month period of time before Hans began his work with Qualcomm and become increasingly busy with his work and his new family. I remember Hans' huge serve and he always being fair and ever gracious win or lose.
There was never anything not to like about Hans and I know of no one of whom ever said a disparaging word about him. Hans had a great spirit and an always positive attitude. I remember him, too, for being a very articulate fellow. His background and travels reflected that.
Several years back Hans and I had one of our weekly tennis sparring sessions. I rarely beat Hans but this day I did and we shook hands and then he dipped into his tennis bag and pulled out a small box and gave it to me; a little gift...a "net-check." It is a silver ball mounted at the end of a silver chain and is the "official" length that the tennis net should be measured at its center on the tennis court. I still have and use that gift today. That was the graciousness of Hansel. He was a class guy.
In his short time here Hans had a great life in all so many different ways and experiences. His was a class act. I'll miss him.
Jon Curtiss
Marilyn and Pat Dunn
May 12, 2004
Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Hans was a unique man. It was a privilege to know him. He will be missed.
Rosemary Braun
May 12, 2004
Jean, Marlie, and Bitta our thoughts are on you! If you need anything, anytime do not hesitate to call.
Jeffrey Chung
May 12, 2004
I am very sorry to hear this news. I attended Uni with Hans. I am gladdened to read how full his life was with his family. Best wishes and condolences to Hans' family.
Pat & Mary Randles
May 12, 2004
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
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