peacefully in his sleep on April 17, 2018 (age 95) in Colorado Springs, CO. Born to parents Helena and
Franz Schwartz in Oberhausen Germany, December 4, 1922, Werner immigrated to the United States
through Ellis Island on May 8, 1929 along with his parents and younger brother, Gunther "Skip".
While growing up in Brooklyn, New York, he would help with the family finances by playing violin and
singing in pubs and cafes for tips (beginning at age 8). He graduated from Richmond High School in 1940.
Like most men of the Greatest Generation, he served overseas (England) in World War" as an Army Air
Corp soldier with a final stateside assignment at Camp Carson in Colorado Springs. Not long after, he
met "a stunning, tall drink of water" at a City Auditorium dance. That "tall drink" would later reminisce
that he was so handsome and funny and that "Boy, could he sing and play that guitar". Six months later
"Hank" and Lois "Jean" Harris were married on AprilS, 1946 at the First Presbyterian Church.
Hank's post WWII career included 25 years as a Budget Analyst in Government Civil Service splitting time
between NORAD and the Chid law Building. He and Jean enjoyed an active social life; bowling and
golfing on leagues, dancing at the VFW, hosting 20+ years of shows for the German American Cultural
Society, playing cards and later travelling with friends and family. His greatest long-time passion,
however, was the ever-present love of music. Over the years, he sang and played violin in the Colorado
Springs Chorale, First Pres and Grace Episcopal churches and was an active tenor in a senior choir right
to the end. He frequently expressed his gratitude ... "Each night, I say a little prayer of thanks to the Lord
for giving me such a delightful gift". The evening before he passed away he said, "It's been a great life !".
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, three dear sons, Larry (Karen), Fred (Linda) and Frank
(Elizabeth) of Colorado Springs and devoted daughter, Karen (Schwartz) Hallway (Fred) of Ann Arbor, MI.
A memorial service will take place at Swan-Law Funeral Home, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado
Springs, CO on Saturday, May 26th at 3:00 p.m. A family hosted reception will follow the service.
A private burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs.
