Hans Oswald Eichler

Hans Oswald Eichler - The Legacy of a Great Man

It is with great sadness we share that Hans Eichler passed away on April 22, 2024. 

Born in 1936 in Germany, Hans was the oldest of 3 children and had many responsibilities of caring for his younger sisters, not uncommon for young children of war. Seeing so much suffering early on in life shaped him into the hard working man he was, so his wife and family could have a better life. 

In 1956, the Canadian government was recruiting young men as lumberjacks so Hans packed up and was posted up in the Manitoba high country. He didn’t even have a winter coat or boots when he arrived. After working hard a few years cutting trees, Hans went back to Germany to marry his high school sweetheart Hannelore on October 31st, 1958. Together they went back to Winnipeg, Canada where Hans had a job lined up working in his masonry trade. His employers quickly noticed his talent and made him a foreman in short order. In 1963 they decided to visit a friend in California and stopped to see another friend in Denver along the way. There Hans received a job offer that he couldn’t refuse so the Eichler’s stayed and lived in a tent at a friend's house in Denver until they could afford to move into their own place.

A loving husband, father and grandfather (Opa), Hans is survived by his adoring wife, Hannelore,  3 children - Anke Eichler-Corbin and husband Kurt, Dirk H. Eichler, and Marc Eichler and wife Kristy Eichler - and 5 grandchildren Mika Eichler-Corbin, Noah Eichler, Maddie and Paul Eichler, and Nathan Eichler. First and foremost, Hans was a family man who adored his clan. He was always ready to be a horse or dinosaur whenever any of his grandkids wanted to play. Hans and Hanne had a special relationship that lasted through the many ups and downs of life. They danced together almost every day whenever a favorite song came on throughout their 65 years of marriage. 

Hans was a true craftsman at heart which showed in everything he built. As a young man he trained as a Master Mason. Those who knew him and his work will agree his craftsmanship was incredibly beautiful and unmatched. His reputation as a skilled mason took him to remote areas such as Winter Park where clients wanted his special touch at their exclusive properties. Hans was a quick friend and was very respected wherever he went.

The winters in the mountains are hard for outside contractors so in 1963 Hans and Hanne began their new adventure with their first bar and restaurant, the Coachman Tavern (now Deno’s), then later in 1986 built their last, the Gasthaus Eichler Restaurant, Hotel, and Ski Shop in downtown Winter Park. Hans and Hanne poured their heart and soul into this community to serve thousands of happy guests over the years. Employees were also dedicated and remained year after year.

Hans and Hanne retired in 2010 and fell in love with Arizona winters. As retirees, they found a new passion with shuffleboarding. They both excelled to become part of championship teams and quickly became Regional Senior Olympians. The trophy collection overtook their guest room!

Hans will always be loved and remembered as a pioneer, a rebel, a successful artisan and entrepreneur; but most of all a loving husband, Dad & Opa, friend, employer, and all around funny and amazing man.

We love you, rest in peace.

There will be a private family service later in the year.