For Father’s Day I wrote Dad a tribute poem. It begins with: “Everything I ever needed to know, I learned while sailing with Dad. It wasn’t that sailing taught me everything about life. Rather, sailing provided a metaphor for life’s experiences. A way of reflecting. Making sense of life. Dad taught us to sail. First, in a little tiny boat, not much bigger than a bathtub. On a little tiny lake. Then bigger boats. From the safety of the harbor, to the wide-open sea....” And ends with, “All this I learned while having fun. Sailing with Dad.”

Day after day Dad was teaching us. Not just family nights where he and Mom taught us the gospel—mingled with treats, music and silliness. Most happened outdoors having fun together--sailing, flying, walking, playing music, or working. His positive influence flowed from exemplary character, a cheerful disposition and love. Dad simply invited: Let’s go...! Give it a try...! What do you think about...? No lectures. No shaming. He was curious, well read, both teacher/student in the same conversation. He bid Sundays off not to play but to worship. He made things look easy, but was a disciplined student. Building, fixing, innovating. He took care of Mom’s “honey-do” list and us out of her “hair!”

Dad couldn’t help grinning while telling a story on himself—mishaps that happened while wholeheartedly living. Then, sensing a teaching opportunity would say philosophically, “It was a lesson learned.”

With that perpetual twinkle in his eyes, Dad used to joke, “I’m a Jack of all trades, and a master of none.” In fact, he was a master of many trades, including teacher extraordinaire. Sailing with Dad I learned some very practical lessons—that capsized boats (and lives) can be righted, fixed up, to sail again. It does not matter on the sea or in life which way the wind blows—pick a point on the horizon and thus set your sails. Life and sailing are risky, but pray as you go; the grace of Christ, Jesus, can bring you home safe to the harbor.


Dear Laurie & Rich,

We wanted to express our sympathy and love to you and your whole family at the passing of Hank. We had the opportunity to watch the funeral. Thank you for that. What a wonderful experience that was to remember Hank and Ethel and the whole Schilling Family.

Listening to your thoughts about your dad and watching the video brought back so many great and happy memories for me in particular.  I had the opportunity to sail in the Bay and fly over Santa Cruz with Hank.  My funny story is that when we were flying he let me have the steering wheel for a while.  As I was holding the wheel as straight as possible, the warm air and hummm of the engine put me to sleep.  I don’t think I would have been a good pilot… 

We have the best feelings toward your family.  I remember Hank always having the kindest smile on his face.  And your mom was the nicest person in the world.  To this day my mom, Carolyn, says that Ethel is her dearest friend.   

Steve and Maren Smith


Dear Wendy and family,    
I was saddened to hear that Hank had died last fall.  I wasn’t too surprised when Ken gave me the news as I missed his annual Christmas card.  It usually had an appropriate airplane theme.
I first met your Mom & Dad in 1948 when George and Hank were classmates at the P.I.T.A. (Provincial Institute of Technology and Art) now Known as S.A.I.T.
Upon graduation we all went our separate ways – I think your Mom & Dad went to California, George to Toronto and I embarked on a 3 year nursing program – a long 3 years.  We were married in 1952.
Over the years, George and Hank kept in touch by mail, S.A.I.T. reunions and their conversations and memories just took up where they left off.
Because of your parent’s marriage George had to find new living accommodation.  This is why he ended up at my mother’s boarding house and as they say “the rest in history”.  When George died in 2012 we had been married 60 years – your Mom & Dad much longer.  
I was happy when Edith and Ken were able to meet with you three years ago.  They are so helpful to me in my later years.   “92 this year” and I suffer some mobility problems.  So far am still in our original home of 65 years!  And have the same neighbours on both sides.
Our 5th son died three years ago (2019), but his daughter had a little boy 15 months ago.  A real delight, so busy.  Maybe her next one in April will be a GIRL!  But I wouldn’t count on it.
My condolences to all of you.  Cherish your memories for years to come.
In friendship
Doreen Ryning


My Dad was the best dad a son could ask for. The day he passed away, I lost not only my dad but my best friend. Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be just like him in every aspect of his life, from being a pilot to how he conducted himself as a person.  There seemed that there was no obstacle insurmountable to him. He often referred to himself as an incurable optimist. His integrity, hard work and selfless sacrifices he made for his children and grandchildren were exemplary. He showed unconditional love and respect to my mom and brother and sisters. He was well-liked by everyone who had the good fortune to cross paths with him. His physical and mental strength allowed him to accomplish anything he set his mind to. I am forever grateful for everything he has taught me and done for me. I learned how to drive a car, fly a plane, sail a boat, shoot a gun, and he helped me in acquiring my Eagle Scout award. Some of the adventures that stand out were the sailing/fishing trips we made to Angel Island, and to Santa Cruz in his wooden sailboat, learning to fly aerobatics in his Decathlon and Chipmunk aerobatic planes, and spending the summers at Lake Tahoe towing and flying gliders. On one particular occasion, I flew with him in an open cockpit biplane called a Great Lakes from Florida to California at very low-level making several stops along the way. Lastly, his sense of humor continued with him until his last days. He had a joke for every occasion. We wanted to do a fly-by for the funeral service, but due to the poor weather, we were unable to do so. That didn’t discourage him. He said with a grin on his face that he would use his angel wings and do his own fly-by! We knew he was doing his fly-by as there was a gust of wind that came by during the service. His never-ending optimism showed through until his last day! I love you and miss you very much, Dad. I look forward to the day we can be reunited again!

I struggled with academics for most of my life, but I started getting good at it once I went off to college and got my act together. I remember getting letters from my grandmother and grandfather sending all their love and expressing how proud they were of my academic achievements. I always saw my grandpa as a strong and hardworking man. He encouraged his children to work hard and that was passed on to his grandchildren.

On December 15th, 2021 I graduated from college.

Before I had graduated, I thought I can’t wait to hear what they will have to say about me graduating. I never got to physically see that reaction, but I know that they are proud of me though and I didn’t give up.
I had amazing role models in my life. My grandpa Hank is one of them. He encouraged me to do hard things and to stay with them even when I wanted to drop out and give up.

I miss you, grandpa.

Love your granddaughter,
Leah  


I have, of course many memories of life with Dad.  Picking up rocks to fill the wheelbarrow (fun?!) and playing in the creek while he worked on our house in Bellevue. Driving from Chicago to San Jose in a U-Haul truck towing a station wagon – who wants to ride in a truck for 5 days?  With Dad it was fun!  Driving out to the Santa Cruz mountains where he bought me a puppy.  Sailing in ever larger boats from Lake Vasona to the Pacific Ocean.  Spending many afternoons sanding said boat (only Dad could have made that fun).  Dad dropping by for the weekend when I was at BYU and taking me skiing.  Having Dad camp out at our house in Livermore after a day at the airport  (we bought that house after he took us to the Livermore Air Show)!   Watching Dad be as delighted with the addition of each of our children as we were.  Introducing me to fiddle music and playing together.  These and many other memories will always be with me.  

Dad had qualities that made me look up to and be like him.  He was always cheerful.  I don’t think I ever heard he or Mom say a bad word about anybody.  A challenge was something he was always up for whether it was fixing a car, building furniture, pouring a concrete patio, building a shed, building a plane – the list goes on.  I always thought he could do anything, and that opinion never changed.  He was outspoken and honest.  He loved and was interested in people and how they thought and lived.  He could see the good in people. He had a soft spot for little kids and thought everything they did was cute.  You could talk to Dad about anything, and he would listen and discuss whatever it was in a way that made you want to talk to him.  He was never bored.  Watching how Dad patiently and lovingly took care of Mom at the end of her life despite his own decline in health will alway be a treasured memory and example.

Nothing will ever replace the feeling of walking in the door and seeing the twinkle in Dad's eyes and smile.  I love you Dad.




One of my favorite memories with Grandpa was around the time he first bought his Jodel and was having issues with the radio. He had to take the antenna off but needed someone on the inside of the body of the plane to do it. I was small enough at the time that I could come through the bottom of the plane, contort myself around the cables, and hold the wrench so that Grandpa could unscrew it from the outside of the plane. It took a few sessions of removing the antenna and tinkering with it to get it fixed, but I was in no rush because I loved feeling like I could help contribute to his world of airplanes and hearing stories from his life as he toted me to and from the airport. 

I feel so lucky to have many great memories of Grandpa. I miss him and he will always be an example of the kind of person I want to be!

Hank was one of those special men in my life.  He was always smiling, and I never heard him criticize or say unkind words about anyone.  When I was courting Karilee, and decided I wanted to marry her, asking Hank for her hand was a “No worries” proposition.  His only question was how I was able to choose between his available daughters.  Ethel on the other hand . . .  But throughout the years, Hank was there to help when we needed him.  He was the one who assembled our metal shed (don’t ever try it), drove critters from California to Washington and took on other projects no one else wanted.  He could fix anything, and regularly did.  He made family gatherings special with his guitar and his smile.  He made life fun with his hobbies like sailing, and airplane and glider flights.  The scripture says “the meek shall inherit the earth” and I hope he saves me a spot. 

Grandpa and I had a lot of adventures.  From that you can extrapolate that grandpa, independent of me, had many, many, many adventures.  He was never one to sit still and always one to find a way to enjoy what he was doing no matter where he was or who he was with.  I learned many life lessons during my time with him, but at the core of those lessons was a single and defining personality trait.  An infectious positive attitude.

I experienced many firsts with grandpa.  My first time working on a car.  My first time driving a stick shift ( if posterity is reading this and you don’t know what a stick shift is, just know you missed out ).  My first time flying a plane.  My first time building a plane.  He was a man of many talents, and he loved sharing those talents with those around him and his family.

A few of our many adventures include a “road trip” in his Beech Bonanza for my high school graduation.  We tried to scud run through mountain passes near Mount Shasta on our way home.  That ended in getting stuck in a small town for the night.  Flying to Oshkosh for AirVenture, we got stuck in Bozeman Montana on our way there as well.  There’s a common theme and takeaway here though.  In flying as in life, if you wait for perfect conditions, you’ll never go anywhere.  Grandpa, always the optimist, never needed perfect conditions to try something.  The challenges along the way just added to his formidable repertoire of exciting stories.

Thank you Grandpa for the time you spent with me and the example you set for me.  You will be missed.

My favorite memory with Grandpa was our trip to orcas island in 2014. I thought it was incredible that he would unexpectedly find a friend there on the Island!!! We had so much fun!😊"

Another time he took me to an airshow! I will never forget him doing flips in the plane! Good times!!!✈💜😇

Dear Grandpa,

I’m struck with deep sadness as I write this letter, knowing that I could never compose myself long enough to express to you what you have meant to me and what a strong example you have been throughout my life. I hope you can understand. 

Thank you so much for all you have given to all of us, your family. Thank you for teaching me about hard work. Like waxing a Cessna 310 kind of hard work. And the rewards that came from such labor and love. I have carried that with me throughout my life and all of my pursuits. 

Thank you for showing me that even though you’re grown up, there is much joy, excitement and adventure to be had. If only you continue to chase it. You have never acted your age (that’s a good thing). I’ll never forget the perpetual twinkle in your eyes as you took on each day like it was brand new. 

Thank you for your kindness and unconditional love. I have never felt anything less from you, and that is an amazing gift. This quality has sent ripples throughout our family and everyone who has ever been lucky enough to know you. 
Which brings me to my Dad. Thank you for my Dad. I couldn’t have hoped for a better one. You and Grandma together raised five exceptional people, one of which I was lucky enough to have as a father. Thank you for imparting the values and lessons that you did that helped make him into who he is. 
Lastly, thank you for so many wonderful memories. Sailing with me in my sailboats, flying in your airplanes, driving to see you in Cupertino. So many Christmases, birthdays, vacations, and family reunions. Growing up, I imagined you would simply fly off over the horizon when your time on earth was done. Have a good flight, and keep the blue side up. 

Love Always,
Brent


An accomplished pilot as a captain for United airlines. A naturally gifted and self taught guitarist. A fine mechanic who assembled, improved, and repaired his own airplanes at his hangar, (which became something of a second career in retirement). Boats, cars and planes took him to many destinations but almost always with loved ones and friends to accompany and share these experiences. All these accomplishments and personal qualities such as humorist, optimist and family man that he is, always made Hank, seem bigger than life to me. As a son-in-law, I felt in awe of him, but also appreciative of the kind care that he always provided to our children and family. One of the highlights I had with Hank, still hangs on our bedroom wall, when I flew with him to Glacier peak on a most beautiful day. There will never be another individual like Hank. I am grateful to have known him and for his many efforts to love, lift, and include everyone he knew.
Phil Sorensen

There are so many memories I could share about Grandpa, from airplane rides, to sleepovers, to Sunday night dinners, to singing songs along with the guitar. One thing that keeps coming to mind about Grandpa that impacted my life a lot was giving me a love for playing music, and supporting me all along the way through my musical journey. When I was nine years old I attended a bluegrass music festival with Mom and Grandpa. In the back, they had tents set up selling different things such as instruments and music books. We passed by the instruments and I said that I've always loved the violin. I didn't expect anyone to take note of that or pay attention since I was just a kid. Grandpa certainly did. He bought me a 3/4 sized violin that I went home with that day! Mom and Dad started me up with fiddle lessons. Soon, I was bringing my violin over to Grandma and Grandpa's, playing along with Grandpa on guitar. I signed up for the Old Time Fiddler Association, and Grandpa and I would go to the jam sessions up in Arlington. These were so much fun, being surrounded by people playing the same music I loved to play. I never felt like I was very good at violin, but in Grandpa's eyes I was one of the best! It was always such a boost of confidence going over and seeing his excitement when I quickly picked up a new song or played the old ones by heart. As an older teen going into my adult years I stopped playing, getting busy with life. In recent years as life has settled down, I started playing once more, bringing over my violin to those Sunday dinners with Grandma and Grandpa. I loved having someone in my life that knew my songs and could play along with me. Having a backup guitarist is not something every violinist gets to experience! Since his passing, I still often play. So many songs I play remind me of him, and so many new ones I learn my first thought is "grandpa would like this one!" I will forever miss having him there to share my love for music. Thank you Grandpa!

I was fortunate enough to have my grandpa for three decades of my life. I always looked forward to seeing him and I have nothing but positive memories of him. I loved going on airplane rides, going to see him and grandma for Sunday dinners, and hearing his incredible life stories. One of my favorites: When grandpa was a young boy, he tied a basket to a kite, put a kitten in the basket and let the kitten take a flight! Grandpa loved adventure and lived his life to the fullest - flying, sailing, traveling and raising a family. When I think of an optimist, grandpa is the first person to come to mind. He was always positive and looked at the bright side, no matter the situation. I miss you, Grandpa and I’ll love you forever. Xo Maren

I always loved the stories of Dad growing up in Ontario, Canada, where his dad owned an auto mechanic shop, yet died young at age 27. Dad was almost 4 when his father died. Dad attended school in a country one-room school house. They didn’t have indoor plumbing. He did not want to follow in his step-father’s footsteps and become a farmer. But despite these difficulties, he remained optimistic, cheerful, and passionate about his family, friends and flying, and music!!!
Too many fun memories to list, but here are just a few: 
-	Dad loved to play the guitar and sing with us, and I loved to sing! Who can ever forget singing Moonlight Bay, Little Shirt that Mother Made for Me, O By Jingo, El Paso, and others! We never got tired of hearing him play!
-	I remember him taking us to see different puppy litters before we got our first dog, Sonja! 
-	I remember a camping trip to Lake Almanor where we had a small row boat. Dad, thinking that rowing was too much work, made a make-shift sail out of a shirt so the boat could go via wind power! 
-	Dad was a master story-teller! I could listen to stories about all of his flying, sailing, and adventures of every kind!
-	I was able to accompany him on a trip ferrying a motor glider across the country! We saw fields of cotton, animals close up, and staying one night in Sedona, Arizona! 
-	In 2009, Dad invited me to go to Canada with him to visit his family in Ontario. We had a blast! We stayed with Auntie Marg at her farm, where she had a nice dinner waiting for us! The next day, Uncle Ken joined us. We drove all over and I sat in the backseat while Dad, Uncle Ken, and Auntie Marg shared stories about growing up on the farm! Such a wonderful time! So grateful the stars lined up so we could have this adventure together. It changed my life!
I love you forever, Dad! You are the BEST!!!


It was a blessing to know Hank and Ethel through our years in the Harbour Pointe Ward.  It is hard to think of one without thinking of the other.  They were/are a lovely team.  They complemented one another.  The love they had for each other, and their family was evident in their actions and their conversation.  We were lucky to be their friends.

The time I was able to serve in a bishopric with Hank in the late 90's was a great blessing.  His judgment for what was important in the gospel of Jesus Christ, his humor, his sincerity, his love for people, and his friendship was an inspiration for me and a cherished time I will never forget.

Ethel was a constant and supportive friend to Kathy.  She always felt a kindred spirit with her.  The way she lived her life was and continues to be an inspiration to Kathy.  We will never have Lindor chocolate without thinking of the many gifts we received from Ethel.  She was always interested in our family and how we were doing, not just politely, but genuinely.

As much as we miss them, we are so happy they are together.  They live on in our memory and continue their work beyond the veil.

Love, 
Jeff and Kathy Lee

Sandra and I loved Hank and Ethyl and particularly loved visiting them.  Gospel topics and life in general were always great areas we could discuss.  And we could always depend on some chocolate to munch on and one of Hank's little jokes that he always told with great pleasure.  Since Hank was ten years older than me I always appreciated his activity and enthusiasm level - it gave me encouragement and hope for the future. I do miss them but know they are happy and free from all troubles, all care and all sorrows as described in the scriptures.
My prayers and thoughts  are with the family,
Ronald H Bean
  

It is hard to imagine how much knowledge and how many skills grandpa accumulated over his lifetime. Not only was he proficient in what seemed like everything, he was available and present to share with everyone he came in contact with.  He was always giving any chance he had. He lent me his camera when I showed interest in photography.  He brought his pilot friends together to fly in formation to take aerial photos of his airplanes. I spent a day with him at the Museum of Flight. As I was taking pictures of the airplanes trying to include grandpa in the photo he would try and get out of the frame.  “Why would you want a picture of me?” was his question.   He will never know how important he was to all of us. We love you. 
Eric Schilling-grandson 

I wrote this to Hank shortly before his death. 

Dear Hank,

In this very uncertain world, there are but a few things we can count on. The looming certainty for us all is that we will leave this life. I am sorry to hear of your transition to Hospice. I suppose that there was a certain amount of denial in me; I thought surely you would be with us indefinitely.  As you (and we) approach this event in your life it seems appropriate to tell you what your life has meant to me and my family. 
 
The very fact that you have made it to this age is a testament to the healthy life-style that you have lived. I still remember you telling our kids about the Canadian Air Force physical fitness workout that you adhered to. Do you remember doing exercises with our kids when they were little? Standing on your heads, the 3 of you in a row, what a fond memory.
 
Your unflagging cheerfulness and optimistic nature have been constants. I don’t remember many times seeing you “down” and that has been only in the last few weeks, understandably so. I have tried to keep the same attitude in my life and to pass that vigor for life on to our children. 
 
You have been a seeker of knowledge as long as I have known you. There were always books on the tables at Grandpa’s house. And when the internet arrived, you embraced the chance to learn even more. The list of topics you have mastered is long indeed, from aviation to music, you have excelled. 
 
Most certainly, stories of Grandpa’s many adventures will be passed back and forth and your grandchildren and great grandchildren will enjoy chuckling at your intrepid forays on land, water, and in the air. These accounts fill pages in our family history.
 
It's been 47+ years since you graciously welcomed me to your family.  You have always been so supportive of us and our efforts to have a family of our own.  How can I say thank you enough for your kindness and love. This is your legacy and it will outlive you in our hearts. 
love,
Kathy
  

Dear Schilling Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.  Henry and Ethel were two our favorites.  Henry was fortunate to have such a supportive family.  We appreciate the family support and decision making, particularly in the last months.  Henry was one of those who got the most out of his life.  Hard to believe he would fly his airplane into his 90's!  He was energetic, inspiring and active.  He will be missed by all of us.  
My most sincere sympathy to all of his family and friends.
Robert McKnight M.D.

Dearest Schilling Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss.  I couldn’t have loved Henry or Ethel any more if they were my own family, as that’s how they have always felt to me and always treated me as such.  It’s been the biggest blessing having been part of their care for nearly 13 1/2 years.  I will forever cherish the memory of being the last passenger to fly in Henry’s plane.  He will be so greatly missed!!  Sending my love and deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.   
Jeena  CNA

This was our last flight together before my airplane's annual inspection. Hank performed three perfect barrel rolls. He was still critiquing his performance. 

My Dad was both a father and a friend to me. He was not the kind of father who was a friend to his children because he needed their approbation, he was much too self-confident to need his children as a crutch. 
He had standards which he shared with us mostly by example, not by preaching. That made him an unmistakable beacon in our lives, and he combined this with friendship because he liked and accepted everyone; especially his family. 

I always wanted to do the right thing not because I was afraid he would be disappointed or angry at me, it was because I wanted to be the kind of person he was. 

We talked about everything our whole lives. We could talk about any topic from airplanes to politics to religion whether we agreed with each other or not without criticism or anger. We shared points of view, added to each other’s perspectives, and enjoyed a fraternal bond our whole lives. 
Gordon Schilling (son)


I guess what I remember most about grandpa is his good nature. He always had a smile and/or a joke. I’m not sure why I remember this one in particular, but he told me once with his little smile and laugh (maybe a couple times) that if 5% of people were crazy, that’s 15 million people in the US. Or when Rob and I brought Martha and Alyssa home just before we were getting married I think he told all of us multiple times with a laugh that if polygamy were still around he’d marry both of them.

He was always trying to make things better. I am more prone to just deal with something and work around it, but grandpa would take the effort and tinker till it worked just right. Then there were the countless airplane rides, air shows, and family dinners (I specifically remember some of the specific phrases that were common in his prayers). I remember him setting Angie and I loose behind the house one day with an old machete to cut trails through the bushes. Most of my memories are of grandma and grandpa together. I can only hope to live up to the example he set of his relationship with grandma. Thanks grandpa! Till we meet again.

We adore your parents.  We heard in our sacrament meeting of your dad's passing.  I leaned over to my wife and whispered...."one of my favorite people ever."  What a special father you have.

Your dad was a sweetheart and showed us that life can be enjoyed thoroughly!  I'm sure you will all miss him.

Sorry to hear of your father's passing.  He is the one pilot of pilots I admired.  Then after retirement hearing of the fun you had going places with him on flights.

It was a beautiful zoom funeral this morning.  I felt your family's sweet spirit and love for Hank.  I feel like he is still there and will answer the door with his shirt (most of the time plaids) and pants - he always dressed so nice - and tell me to come in.
Hank and Ethel are always great examples to me.  I really miss them.  May the Lord be with you and your family always.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I was so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing.  As I was reading your message this morning I got goosebumps up and down my arms and then feeling extremely sad for all of you guys.  On the other hand as I go through the day today I'm happy to know that your parents are together again.  And that would make your mom very happy I'm sure as well.  That is something I always tell myself  when I think about my parents.  You guys had such wonderful parents and so many beautiful memories that I sometimes reflect back on.  Sometimes it's just something your mom said or maybe something we had talked about.  I had gotten the chance to actually FaceTime with your dad probably about three weeks ago or slightly more.  I am bad with time sometimes...I'm not sure if he'd mentioned that to any of you guys but it surely was a surprise to me and it made me feel really happy!!  We had a conversation and got caught up a bit. He said he still missed coming up my driveway and seeing us.  Please give my condolences to your whole family.

Grandpa was always full of love and joy.   He set an example to me of kindness and compassion, and I will always be grateful to him for that.  I will miss flying with you, Grandpa.

There isn’t a particular memory that sticks with me when I think of Grandpa. There are so many they come in flashes all the time. What I have noticed with every memory that comes, is a certain theme that emerges. “How would Grandpa do this? Or what would Grandma do in this situation?” This is their legacy. They set an amazing example for how a family should be and what a family should do to stay together forever. There is no greater gift a person can leave than the gift of a good example. I used to take our family for granted when I was younger. I thought most families were probably like our family. This is unfortunately not the case. The older I get and more I look around, the more I see how wonderfully functional and loving everyone is in our family. This was not by chance. Grandma and Grandpa made their example and their life for each one of us and I will forever be grateful to them both. May they rest in peace as we all follow in their footsteps and continue their legacy.

I really appreciated your Dad.  I will never forget many of his humorous comments.  One time at the Primary performance your Dad said "Sam I enjoy the Primary performances because I get to see who will be paying  my social security".

I enjoyed flying with him in the two seater on some pretty windy days and getting to see what an expert pilot he was.  I sure will miss him.  

All my  best to your family

Thank you for letting us know of Uncle Hank's passing.  It feels so lonely to think that, for our family anyway, he was the last of that generation.  All of my aunts and uncles from both my mother and father's families have now passed away.  I feel like an orphan.  I know how you and your family feel at this time; both sad and happy at the same time.  To me, it seemed that Hank had that special attraction that drew people to him.  Never flashy and ostentatious.  I liked him and I liked to be around him.  I liked his stories and his jokes.  To me, the classic will always be the time and his other 80+ year old buddy flew across the inlet and landed the plane but forgot to lower the landing gear.  He said "That wrecks a good propeller in a hurry".  His passing makes me sad and leaves a hole that can now only be filled with great memories.  

I'm happy for him because I know he is happy.  A short time after Aunt Ethel's passing I called him to chat and see how he was doing.  Our conversation turned to Ethel and he told me in the most sacred way, what a wonderful person she was and how much he loved her and missed her.  I will cherish that conversation and the feelings we shared, for the rest of my life.  

Jeanette and I send to you(Wendy), and to Gordie, Jerry,  Karilee, Laurie, their spouses, and all the grandchildren, our most sincere condolences and unite our faith with yours in the sure knowledge that Hank and Ethel are happy and are together and we too in the future will mingle again with them and with all of our dearly departed family members who also wait to greet us with open arms.
Our love to all,
Darwin and Jeanette Earl

(Continued from a previous memory)
....when he climbed into the front and slammed the cockpit door, then Ethel, out in front gave the propeller a great spin and the engine roared to life...when the fragile kite began bumping and lurching down the field, gaining speed second by second and the entire world flashed by in a blur, when of a sudden the plane lifted up and off the earth, angling towards blue sky.  When  our entire planet appeared to be falling away from view and we could suddenly see vast expanses of mountains, foothills, prairie lands spreading out in breathtaking vistas....in that magical moment, Hank progressed from being a mere mortal to being one of my lifetime heroes.

Over the course of many decades and many places of residence, as Hank pursued his dream of becoming a commercial pilot he often sought out members of our family to take them up on airborne adventures.  I well remember a midnight flight with him over the parched deserts of Utah, and a momentous, terrifying foray over the mountainous spine of Vancouver Island...terrifying to me as he flew his Beechcraft Bonanza low into rock walled dead end canyons, the better to see hidden but famous waterfalls deep in the wilderness.

Hank and Ethel were always exemplary in their gracious and generous spirit of acceptance and welcome whenever I had occasion to visit with them.  They would fly frequently to Vancouver Island for a visit with my mom and dad at their Denman Island retreat, often bringing Du'Ell and Garth with them for a weekend reunion.  Hank would bring his lovely Spanish guitar along and serenade us with his artistry

So...Hank and Ethel...my memories of you both are warm and sparkling, filled with love and delight.  Your passing indeed leaves a great void in our family.  I continue to hold you both in love and gratitude for all of your loving selves which you gave to others throughout your lives.

Bryce








When I was a wee boy of 4 and 5 and six, I had two  favorite aunties, DuEll and Ethel, my mom's youngest sisters.  They were only a few years older, still in their early teens, and they delighted in playing rowdy games with me and Bentley whenever we visited Grandpa Earl's homestead in Mountain View, Alberta.  When Ethel reached twenty, she left for Calgary, determined to make her way in the world and become an aviator.  At aviation school, she met a handsome and dashing young buck named Henry Schilling.  He already had his pilot's license and the two of them quickly became a pair, madly in love with the adventures of youth, independence, flying through the air in airplanes, and with each other.

It was not long until the two of them became the talk of the village.  They became monthly visitors in Mountain View,  arriving overhead with a great roar of motor and a flourish of wings as Hank's bright red Piper Cub circled overhead before making a bumpy landing in a broad hay meadow up on "Graveyard Hill."  What exciting times then in 1947 and 1948 for all the Earl family as we jumped in cars and raced down across the creek bridge and up the hill to give them. a joyous welcome.

Grandpa and Grandma were initially quite concerned about such goings on and Grandpa gave Hank grave warnings about the safety of his daughter.

Hank was outgoing, full of fun and exuberant good spirits.  He dearly loved adventure, and aviation provided a fertile field for unending adventure.  He generously offered to take every member of the extended Earl family up for rides in his crimson bird.  It was just a two seater so there was a long waiting list until it finally came to my turn...after the adults had enjoyed seeing Southern Alberta from the air.

On the magical afternoon when Hank buckled Bently and me side by side into the airplane's back seat,
PLEASE READ THE REST OF THIS ON THE NEXT MEMORY

I think Hank and Ethel were both heroes to us all, because Ethel got her flying license as well.  Last time I was up in a plane with Hank he flew me and a friend across to Tofino and to Clayoquot Sound and the Beaufort Mountains.

I remember one time he flew under some telephone wires and it was very dangerous and he got scolded by Grandpa Earl (and also possibly by Dad).  "You do that again young man and you don't get to marry my daughter!"  

This just added a dare-devil status to his unblemished hero status to us youngers....

He always played the guitar for us - simple sweet melodies.  I don't know if they were improvised or if he learned them.....

Ethel was the only one who called me "Benny" right to the end, even though I told her my name was Bentley. :)

I always thought of Uncle Hank and Auntie Ethel as a package deal and I was always so excited when I heard they were coming or that we were going to visit them, not only because it meant seeing Karilee and Wendy,  but because of who they were.  Auntie Ethel with her welcoming soft embrace and Uncle Hank, the adventurer.  There was always a sportscar to be tried out, a sailboat to be sailed and of course a plane to be flown.  He and my dad would always have their heads together plotting some new adventure and Mom and Auntie Ethel would be somewhere else laughing up a storm.  In the evenings, listening to Uncle Hank playing his guitar and singing was always a treat.

How I loved those visits and wished they would never end!

Uncle Hank you were one of a kind.  I think one of my brothers already said that and it's so true.  I already loved you and when I visited for Auntie Ethel's 90th birthday a few years ago and saw the loving way you looked after her every need as well as finding time to still fly your plane, I loved you even more.  I know you have reunited with her now.  May peace be with you both forever more.

Your niece,
Paula

Our whole family used to sing with Grandpa and his guitar. I thought all families did this. When he sang “The little shirt that mother made for me,” 4 year old me thought it was a true story from his life! 

Grandpa could fix or make anything. When I was little, I told Grandpa it would be so cool to have a slingshot. Right away he cut a glossy brown forked stick off his apricot tree, got some elastic and a pouch, and made one! He also built us a backyard playground.

Grandpa’s optimism was contagious. As a kid, I was too terrified to learn to ride a bike, and was resigned that I’d spend my life running behind friends as they rode. But on the eve of my 10th birthday, Grandpa took me to the school parking lot and performed a miracle—he got me riding a bike, and I rode all the way home.

At one point in his old Mukilteo house, he had us kids make our own path up the hill. How? He gave us a machete, and we took turns carving a path up the hillside like bona fide adventurers. I’m not sure our mothers were aware of that one.

One of the most touching things was seeing Grandpa take care of Grandma in their old age. If I tried to help put away dishes, he’d cheerfully shoo me off with the words, “I have a system!” Grandpa once told me he flew cross country for a flying competition (before they married), and how he would make stops and send letters to her each time. Grandma once showed me the box her wedding ring came in. In it was a note from Grandpa that said (I believe) “With all my love, Hank.” She let me see the box, but didn’t let go of that note!

Before my wedding, Grandpa told Patrick, “When Ethel and I got married, I told her I’d make all the big decisions, and she could make all the little ones. So far, no big decisions have come up!”

Grandpa and Grandma are some of the most Christlike people I have ever known. I hope to become more like them. 

Love, Angela, Patrick, Justin, and Sabrina

Some of my earliest memories are of flying with Grandpa in his sparkly blue Chipmunk, along with Rob, Mike, and Ann Marie. It had a glass dome on top that you could see all around, and when he did a loop or a barrel roll, you could look up and see the ground! Long before any of us got behind the wheel of a car, Grandpa let us steer an airplane in flight.

When Grandpa took us grandkids to airshows, we watched daring aerobatics and saw a kaleidoscope of different planes. He was so gregarious—I figured he must know every pilot on earth!

In the air, we were explorers. He’d just point the nose towards anything, and we could fly over it. In Washington, he’d ask “islands or mountains?” I usually picked mountains, and over we would go. When he took me out for a $100 hamburger (a flight to an island hamburger place), we flew over islands in such reflective water, they appeared to hover in a blue sky. 

His little Washington airplane was a cozy fit. My whole family (Patrick, Justin, Sabrina, and I) took turns flying with him. He would pull the plane out out by himself, declaring, “I have a system!” Then Grandpa would cheerfully comment, “You don’t get into the airplane—you strap the airplane on.” With the wings close enough to touch, and a glass roof, it felt like we actually had wings ourselves. When I shared that thought, he said that’s one thing he liked about the little plane, too.

Having “strapped on the airplane,” he’d fly aerobatics. When I asked if he had flown after turning 90, he said he’d gone out on his birthday. Then, with a mischievous look, he gestured rolling and looping motions. Were we surprised? Not at all!


I remember going to grandmas and grandpas house and eating apricots off of their tree. Grandpa would pull one down, retrieve his pocket knife and cut it open to hand to me. Getting an apricot from grandpa felt so special. 

He loved to fix things. If he came over and the dishwasher or something  was broken, he’d fix it. He enjoyed tinkering, making things work. And seemed to have never ending patience. 

My most intense memories  were the terrorizing loop de loops he’d secretly do in his airplane. He’d always ask “Do you want to do something fun?” And I knew what that meant. If you answered yes, the next thing you know, he’s charging up for a loop de loop. I think the last one I did with him was only 8 years ago in 2013 which certainly added to the thrill. I could never say no. 

Grandpa is always full of adventure. I love him and hope to always feel him close. 

I have fond memories of great uncle Hank and aunt Ethel flying above us at Hirschi family reunions when I was younger. I loved to listen to their stories and loved to sit on uncle Hanks lap. They both radiated love!

We were so excited when we bought our first home and found our neighbors across the street  were LDS.  I was always running across the street to the Schillings and Ethel would say, "Are you still running when you are nine months pregnant?"  I am still running and wish it was across the street to the Schilling home.  Jerry and Wendy were the best of friends growing up.  Malissa remembers when she was about 3 years old, and Gordon came home from his mission and took her for ice cream in his  Mustang.  She had such a crush on him.  Ethel and I went to the hospital to pick up the adopted twins for Colleen who lived next door to the Schillings.  The people in the neighborhood were reluctant to invite us over because they said they never knew what to serve us to drink since we did not drink coffee.  We loved your family and will never have neighbors quite like the Schillings.  The funeral was beautiful, and I learned so much about your Dad that I never knew before.  Thanks for allowing us to visit and view the funeral.  We will be glad to meet them again beyond the veil.

We have been greatly blessed to have been able to raise our families together in Cupertino Ward. Today we have been blessed with Hank and Ethel's family sharing, at his funeral.

I have flown with Hank, while in Cupertino and again while visiting them in Washington. Although I was a part time flight instructor for a number of years, I was pretty inadequate compared to Hank, who was a true professional and real lover of flying and sharing sharing this love and expertise with others.

With our love and gratitude to all of the Schilling Family. Marion and Maline Hansen

we have sooo many memories of Hank and his dear wife Ethel plus
all  the children .  Close  neighbors in Cupertino.  Hank was  so kind
to take  Dick and myself in his plane and flew us up to Yosemite  and all over the bay area .  I always felt so safe with Hank. Another trip
with Ellma Hall and Val Summers as we went to  visit with Ethel in
Washington ,  Hank  flew all of us all over that area   (what an amazing  experience .   We love all the Schilling family and hope
to keep in touch  with all the children.   Love Dick and Carolyn Smith

Uncle Hank was the fun and adventure of the Henry A. Schilling family.  With a twinkle in his eye and a corny joke in most of our greetings he invited you to join his world of wonder.  It may be flying upside down in his beloved airplanes or sailing off the shores into the sunset and back or serenading you with his flamingo flair on the guitar and a special vocal rendition of El Paso.  Or he could give you a detailed overview of how he made from scratch a beautiful mandolin or join in at a minutes notice with a fiddle fest with his daughter and/or grand-daughter.  He was the grandest host at family dinners - always insisting that he was the only one could/should clean up afterwards.  His heart was as pure as gold wether it be opening up his home to a needing family member for an extended period of time or genuinely inquiring on the well being of others.  He example of friendliness to all and taking a positive outlook on life will always be remembered as he informed,  befriended and served many.  He was agile and nimble in body and mind all his days!  Always in a position to go and do.  He loved Auntie Ethel dearly and his family.  I always wanted to have a partner that they both were to each other.   I treasure his simple endearments when he spoke to me.  Not often, but enough to know he cared for me.  Many treasured memories will I hold on to of Uncle Hank until we can meet again.  I am so happy to know that he is with his family who have passed before him continuing his happy journey through the eternities.  

Audrey and I are deeply saddened with the loss of Hank and join with many others in offering our love and prayers for the family.
It has been a blessing to know the Schilling  family.
Audrey and I feel like life time friends to Hank and Ethel. As my Relief Society president she was outstanding in her responsibility to the Ward members.
Hank was a person you could always depend on when help was needed. I  remember his boat rides with the scouts,my son Steven and Stuart Barton in particular. Both got sea sick.
I enjoyed his small air plane resides as well.
I always looked to see if Hank was piloting one of my business trips on United Airlines as I was sure I would be  in good hands.  
All of their children were the most helpful and respectful young men and women  I have ever met.
A wonderful family to have known.
With all our love, 
Ed  and Audrey Kullick

OBITUARY

Henry August Schilling

July 31, 1925 – October 23, 2021

Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills Funeral Home & Cemetery

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