Hans Gartner

I was saddened by the news that Hans Gartner had passed. I first met Hans in 1999. If I have the math right he would have been 84. Hans was a cross between a Massotherapist and a chiropractor and he got me through some bad times, as he did for so many people over the 50 years he practiced. He also worked at Goodyear research. He played violin in the Akron Symphony Orchestra, had his own dance band and played with other bands throughout the Akron area. To quote from his obituary: "His second family was the Akron Pops Orchestra which he conducted for 46 years of which he was most proud. He will always be remembered for his jokes and story telling that brought smiles and laughter to his audiences."

Yes, he loved to tell jokes. In an hour-long session he would tell you 5 or 6 jokes and seldom repeated one at your next visit. I always struggled to think of a good one to tell him in response.

"People don't know how to relax," he would always tell me, in answer to why our bodies always tighten up on us. He was in amazing shape for his age. A few years back, it may have been around 2004 or 2005, he fell on some ice while walking his dog, Spitzer, and broke his hip. For many people his age that might have been it. Hans came back from that.

He stayed young at heart, curious and active. I have to believe those were some of the things that accounted for mental sharpness and good health. I see people in their 60's who could not do the things he did. He was also more fun to be around and talk with than most people who were half his age.

His wife had passed many years before and it was obvious he missed her, but he found another companion with whom he shared many trips and outings. She was tragically killed in a car accident several years ago. This was very hard for him too. They had a special bond and it was obvious when he spoke about her.

But I don't want to dwell on the sadness. Hans lived a full and long life, that was filled with friends, family and happiness. He had amazing health till the very end. We'd all be lucky to live his life. I'm just so grateful I had the chance to know him because I am a better person for it.

Here are a few photos of Hans. Click the image to see a larger version.

Hans in 2003. I photographed him after he worked on my back.

Hans with me and my wife at our wedding in 2005.

Another photo from the wedding.

Obituary and Guestboook for Hans.