Uncle Hans, until we meet again on the other side of the rainbow, please know I Love You and always hold you close to my heart. Thank you for all you have done for me over the years. ~ With Love, Crystal
My story with Uncle Hans truly began when I was 17. I moved into my Uncles home in Ruston, Washington summer of 1986 while I completed my senior year in high school. He and my Aunt were role models of how married couples should get along and deal with life together.
The adventures of that year began when my Uncle took us on a hike to Spray Park at Mount Rainier August 7th, 1986. I loved being able to see the Mountain standing at the skirts of the glacier.
Since I didn't have my license or a car yet, Uncle Hans made a plan for me to save money and he would match my savings when it was time to buy a car. By spring of 1987, Uncle Hans helped me find a good first car, a 71' VW Bug. He had the patience of Job as he taught me to drive a stick.
Uncle Hans and Karen took me up to Crystal Mountain Resort for a weekend stay that late spring of 1987. My Uncle taught me how to ski, he was the best teacher at anything.
He truly invested in my development.
When Jason and I married in 1995, Uncle Hans was honored when I asked him if he would give me away. Never having had a father figure living in the home, and actually never having met my biological father, it made me feel very special knowing he was willing to step in and take on that role.
When Chase was born in 1998 my Uncle become more involved than ever before. He and my Aunt truly stepped up as involved grandparents would. They loved taking Chase to the park, having him over during the summer, and took us all to DisneyWorld in summer of 2002. They were present at almost all birthdays, holidays and our annual Halloween parties. For us, just hanging out in their family room listening to music and engaging in conversations was a favorite.
My Uncle didn't like to be recognized for his Birthday, so they started “birthday in reverse”. This was where for Hans birthday, he took a few friends and family out for dinner and a theatre performance. For several years, we attended some of the best live stage performances and engaging dinners with them and their friends.
Uncle Hans and Aunt Karen were inseparable. When Aunt Karen was diagnosed with ALS in 2005, life began to take a turn in Hans eyes. He retired to become her full time care giver. While Hans was always a respectful, patient and kind husband, we witnessed the utmost caring gentlemen ever. He did everything for Karen, making sure she had her clothes she wanted to wear, cocktails she wanted to sip, make-up on when needed if company was coming over, and always kept fresh bouquet of flowers on the dining table which was her favorite thing to get at the local farmers market. It was true love at its finest. He made her final days full of beauty, love and grace.
My Uncle has always been a part of my life as mentor, friend and confidant. Uncle Hans inspired me to want to get out and see nature more, encouraged setting goals for both education and employment, inspired a love for art and classical music, which I still have today. He leaves me with so many memories and experiences, I can't thank him enough.
