Hans Ulrich Podzun
April 11th, 1954 ~ August 24th, 2021
Our beloved Hans passed away at 6:00 AM August 24 in the presence of his loving wife Colleen after a brave, year long battle with cancer. In his final weeks at home, Hans was cared for 24/7 and was surrounded daily by many loved ones. Hans’ children relentlessly shadowed Colleen in seeing to his needs and spent many hours comforting their Father. Hans was often kept company by his loving brother and sisters-in-law. "Auntie" Kathy came almost every day. Close family friends Guy and Robyn and Dave and Andrea lent unconditional support and love during these days. A special mention to Dr. Guy Eriksen, who pulled out all the stops during this time and was a beacon of light to Hans.
Predeceased by his parents, Ollie and Inga Podzun, Hans is survived by loving wife Colleen, sons Brody (Dana) and Conor, daughters Bailey (Graham) and Brogan, and his brother Fred. Also very dear to Hans was his granddaughter Avery and many nieces and nephews.
Hans was born in Princeton on April 11, 1954 after which the family moved almost immediately to
Revelstoke. It was here that Hans began his lifelong habit of establishing lasting friendships.
After several years of successful careers in real estate and marketing positions, Hans obtained his certification as a Notary Public and proceeded to build a practice that spanned over 25 years and would include a clientele of lifelong friends and many news ones.
Every August, the large extended family and friends would head up to Mabel Lake and Hans would spend countless hours hauling young and old around on his boat “Mabel”, often accompanied by an oldies soundtrack dominated by Bobby Darren or "Danger Zone" from Top Gun. His best friend Dave was the only one trusted enough to share these duties.
Hans’s passions were many and included secretly creating paintings for Colleen, tending to huge flower pots hung front and back of the house, year round bird feeders including a special one for hummingbirds, and spending time with his children, granddaughter, and extended family. Hours spent puttering around the garage or enjoying time on the deck while listening to a large variety of music on a vintage Hi-Fi console found Hans at his happiest.
In their formative years Brody and Bailey would be treated to visits from Santa Claus each Christmas, a practice later repeated for Conor and Brogan and all the cousins. Hans stayed totally in character and even adults were in awe of Santa.
Hans was an extraordinary, beautiful and much loved man.
A Celebration of Hans’s life will be held at a later date.
Messages:
We are both so saddened to hear of Hans passing. We have know Hans for about 25 years. Our kids went to school together! Hans was such a great friend. We used him many times when we sold our homes and needed our will done. We will miss Hans ! RIP Hans
We are saddened by this loss. Condolences to the family .
We will miss Hans and his generous personality. He was an endeared son-in-law and his countless acts of kindness will be remembered. Always in our hearts ❤️ Gerry and Doreen
Our sincere sympathy. John and I were so grateful to know and to love this beautiful soul. Hans was not just our Notary but a friend. He will be truly missed. Hope you are having a OP. Forever in our hearts Kiddo❤
Colleen and Family We are sorry for your loss. Sincere condolences to you all. May Hans Rest In Peace. The Irish Club of White Rock
So sorry to hear of Hans passing. He was truly the rock and core of your wonderful family. Gentle in nature, firm in spirit, with love to last all your lifetimes. Adieu. Condolences to all.
My family and I have known Hans for over 40yrs and he was a great friend to us all. I worked with Hans for a few years and he was a very good employer. He had a kind and generous nature and if you needed help, he was always there. He will be greatly missed. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Fred, Patti, Brody, Bailey and family.
I met Hans on his visits to Ireland with Colleen. He was a gentleman and memorable to meet. My deepest sympathy to Colleen and family and 'am thinking of you. Love Paddy
Colleen and family, our deepest sympathies to you all. We had the great opportunity to meet Hans a couple of times and really enjoyed his welcome to the family. He will truly be missed, praying that the memories will bring comfort to all that knew him and strength during these difficult times. All our luv cuz, Rita and Scott.
I met Hans in the late 90's at his office and we became friends. Coffee meetings a couple times a year over the years became a habit along with Ginger and myself seeing him for notary work. What a gentleman - one of the kindest souls I have met in my life. We also went to a few financial conferences together and Hans in his gentle manner would pick my brain for investmemt advise. His trust in my judgememt sits deep in my heart . I can still hear the sound of his voice when I think of him and my heart aches. Bless his soul.
Hans knew how to live life, work hard and love deeply. I was so grateful he shared his passion for painting with me. The world needs more Hans! You will be deeply missed❤️
I worked with Hans for the past 17 years. He was not only a great Employer but an amazing person. He always used to say, "Kiddo you a like a little sister I never had". Hans I will miss you dearly.
Hans will be missed by all. He was such a beautiful, kind person. My kids adored their Uncle Hans. Always in our hearts. ❤️
I never got a chance to meet Hans something that I regret deeply now. It was through the countless beautiful stories Nicole O’Keefe told me of what an amazing man he was and how he reminded her of me. I hope that I can live up to how Hans lived and who the man he was in so many of your lives. I was saddened to hear of his passing, and send my deepest of condolences to all who knew him and loved him. May he be remembered forever. ❤️
My deepest sympathy for the loss of Hans who fought so bravely. Colleen, his family and friends stood fast; Never giving up. Though he had to leave he left with his heart full, feeling blessed because of all of you. I met him only briefly. I was struck by his warmth, kindness and how he radiated love and pride for his family. May god speed the healing of the many hearts he touched so deeply.
My deepest sympathy for all those in Hans' large family and friend network. Thank you for writing such a wonderful tribute. I went through school in Revelstoke with Hans and I remember his exceptional drawing and sketching talent. He also was the crush of many girls from Grade 1 to graduation. I saw him at a few Revelstoke gatherings over the years and he always was a positive and happy soul.
Hans, you are an example of what we all should be in life. Thank you for the memories we have had, we will cherish and hold on to them. God bless your soul, see you on the other side. Love the Weiss Family
Hans was a great person to be friends with and do business with we will all miss him very much you could see all the love he had for his family and friends I will miss him. Love to Colleen and the family
A Quality guy, lots of great memories from our previous work life. Will be missed!
I’ll miss catching your eye and fun-loving smile at family events Hans and know that the warmth and generosity that you brought to the O’Keefe family will be missed and remembered always. I picture you dancing in the stars.
While I only met Hans a few times I always enjoyed his calm nature and generous spirit. As father in-law to his lovely daughter I know he must have been a wonderful father.
Hans was a wonderful father to my niece and nephew, Bailey and Brody. Thank-you Hans for being part of our family. We will always appreciate and love you.
Our sincere condolences to all of Hans’ family for your loss. We will cherish the memories of special times spent with Hans and Colleen, forever friends ❤️ Paul and Cindy
‘Hans was an extraordinary, beautiful and much loved man’. So true. He is dearly missed and always loved.
my dearest uncle, who has been a father to many, i owe you my largest gratitude- you have helped bind our family i do love you always.
Beautiful obituary❤️ He will always remain in our hearts and so will all the memories he created for us at Mabel Lake. Miss him and love all of you❤️
Our sincere sympathies to all of Hans’ loved ones. He was a wonderfully kind, loving and uplifting person. He will always be remembered with love. Thanks, Uncle Hans
Love you Uncle, Always have, always will. Can't ever forget Mabel and danger zone. Having an "OP special" for you tonight, I'll pour one out for you.
We will cherish your memory and miss you forever until we see you again Mansy
Saturday June 3 will be our 50th grad reunion . Hans will be remembered at our memorial table for members of our grad class that have passed on . Rest easy Hans