There will be a private ceremony in his honor followed by cremation and the spreading of his ashes. 

 

Hans was born in 1944 during World War II in the Netherlands in a town called Arnhem which became the scene of a famous battle with allied paratroopers trying to gain control of bridges and waterways. His grandparents apparently escaped Arnhem and with Hans on board they traveled 100s of km on foot to safety on the other side of the country. 

 

Hans was highly intelligent and could acquire new skills with relative ease. After migrating to Australia he studied to become a surveyor and had a lengthy career totally confident with the imperial and metric measurement systems. 

 

His love of the Victorian Alps was confirmed when he joined Danny Flynn a Warby Orienteering Club member in the 1970's on an epic backpack from Mountain Creek to Harrietville via a most difficult and demanding route.

 

In latter years he became highly proficient with technology and also acquired skills in Australian flora and fauna identification. We have so many wonderful memories of Hans exploits particularly at his two most favored places - Nail Can Hill and Mt Buffalo National Park. We reckon Hans must have identified and photographed just about every flowering plant on Nail Can Hill and Mt Buffalo! 

 

We wondered why Hans was never interested in snow based activities - one evening in the Flinders Ranges he revealed that his childhood was spent cycling to and from school in sub zero snow and ice. Upon arrival in Australia he was thrilled to think he would never have to experience these conditions again! 

 

On the same trip he revealed why he had a passion for Mt Buffalo NP - as newly weds he and Sumiko had their honeymoon in the Chalet!

 

He also developed a passion for geocaching - which married his navigation, and technology skills with the joy of visiting new places and locations. His photos and skills were shared with MVB members on the many walks that he led for the club over the last 7 years. 

 

Over a 7 year period Hans programmed an incredible total of 322 events for MVB in areas as diverse as Vic, NSW, SA, WA, QLD and of course Tassie. 

 

Back home his Tues morning easy walk events were legendary and eased many beginner walkers into the club. 

 

As a prime mover in the establishment of our club we are hugely indebted. The club will plan an event where we will celebrate his massive contribution to our club.

 

The club expresses its sincere condolences to Sumiko, Natalie and family