Hans Ulrich Podzun

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.