The special sunshine in many lives left us on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 when Hans passed away peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital. Born April 1, 1929, he will be forever remembered for his unusual modesty and never forgotten for his golden character. He was a doting husband to Gretel — the love of his life and wife of more than 60 years. He was a superhero role model to his sons Thomas and Richard, loved his daughters-in-law Tawnya and Beverley and was so proud of his grandchildren Christopher, Timothy and Chloe. He is predeceased by his mother Gretel (nee Volz), father Emile and brother Heinz and also survived by his brother Peter. Everyone fortunate enough to meet and know Hans was enriched by the experience. A Bachelor of Commerce graduate of Sir George Williams University (Concordia), respected packaging industry professional and life-long lover of sports; Hans swam daily in his pool — for an hour a day — until the day before he was admitted to hospital three weeks ago. Gearing up with his mask, snorkel and fins, he logged more than the equivalent of swimming to Hawaii over the past 10 years and was well on the symbolic way back to Victoria. His contagious smile, humble spirit and gentle touch will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
A celebration of the life of Hans Mayenknecht will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at McCall Bros., Johnson & Vancouver Street, Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
14 Responses
Tom & Rich & Mrs. M,
Sorry to of your loss. My parents send their condolences too. They spoke warmly of your parents visits over the years. I always remember your father as a soft spoken, wise man with a gentle smile to share with us kids.
Thinking of you all at this time.
The Jones’
Tom I am very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Kathy
Tom, Tawnya and Family:
Pat, Alyssa, Carrie and I were so sorry to hear of Tom’s father’s passing. He was a fine man and I know he was a hero and role model for Tom. We wish the family strength and peace in the coming days and weeks. Tom, we are thinking of you and remember your Dad’s engaging smile and love for life, which you have inherited too.
Bob, Pat, Alyssa & Carrie
Our sincere condolences to Tom & Tawnya and Tom’s family in the loss of a special man in your lives. Wish we had met this wonderful man but alas we didn’t get to the wedding! May all the memories of your life with him be a solace to you, Tawnya & Tom, and to all the family. Love endures forever. XO XO
Tom & Family:
Deeply saddened to hear of Hans passing.
I had the great good fortune to live in the suite immediately below him at Shoal Point, in 2014.
On first meeting Hans, he asked me what I did for a living and I told him I had been in the tennis business and worked for Tennis Canada. When he then replied that his son worked there too, I was flabbergasted to learn I was speaking with Tom Mayenknecht’s father.
Hope to see you October 7.
Bob
Tom & Tawnya – so sorry to hear Tom’s father’s passing. I am wishing your entire family peace, strength and lots of love.
We are so sorry for your loss, and we are thinking of you,
Tanja, Steve and Sawyer
I was so shocked and saddened by the news of this beautiful man passing. I don’t think I can ever recall seeing him when he didn’t have a smile and a twinkle in his eye. So gentle but oh so strong, my thoughts and prayers are with Gretel and Tom, Richie and all the family. I have so many memories of Mr. Mayenknecht, who I respected so much. Intelligent, soft-spoken with a physical strength and strength of character; elegant and always a class act. The perfect role model for Tom and Rich. (and me). I will miss him and always remember him fondly.
We wish to offer you and your family our deepest sympathy during your time of loss.
We had the pleasure of meeting your Dad at your wedding and loved his spirit; he will be dearly missed.
Much love,
Christine and Craig
My deepest sympathies to the entire family and particularly to my friend Tom.