Werner Hans Huiras

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Celebrating the life of
Werner Hans HuirasSeptember 21, 1936 - May 25, 2016

Werner was born September 21, 1936 in Munich "Bayern", Germany in a country preparing for war. He was the only child of Hans Werner Huiras and Terese Bieglemeier Huiras, now deceased. Werner passed away May 25, 2016 at the age of 79 after an extended illness, under the compassionate care of Hospice Savannah.

Werner's early years were spent in Munich. As a youngster, if shelling and bombing were occurring, his mother would hide him in a laundry basket in the basement of their apartment building. When his father was drafted in the army, he and his mother moved to his uncle's farm in rural Bavaria where the war didn't reach them. One of his chores was stomping sauerkraut in a barrel in his bare feet. After the war the family moved back to Munich. He grew up in the out of doors, hiking, biking and skiing in the Alps. He completed his education through middle school, then entered Germany's apprentice school program in automobile mechanics. With gypsy feet, he immigrated to America when he was 16 years old, sponsored by an aunt and uncle who owned a restaurant-inn in New Hampshire. At that period of time, the US was heavily into the draft and Werner, not speaking a word of English, was drafted into the Navy. Marching left while everyone else was marching right, he slowly learned the language and with the help of his kind buddies, made it through basic training. After finishing his tour with the Navy, Werner enlisted in the USAF where he developed a keen interest in aviation started pilot training, attained his GED, became a US citizen and attended some college courses. Upon finishing his enlistment, he attended the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK and attained a license in AP airline mechanics. He then joined Sabreliner as a technician based in Los Angeles. It was there, living in the same apartment complex, he met a Continental Airline hostess, Theresa "Terri" Hoffman, at a party and ten months later they were married in Las Vegas. Werner left Sabreliner to work as a mechanic with Western Airlines with a schedule allowing him to pursue his pilot's license and instrument rating. In July 1965 Werner took a job as a Service Manager with Cessna Aircraft Co. and the couple moved to Wichita, KS beginning his aviation career and where their beloved daughter Gretchen was born. With Cessna they were based in Brussels, Belgium for five years including a short stint in Germany, and Werner transitioned into Sales. In 1973 Werner joined American Aviation Corp. in Cleveland, OH as Director of International Sales and traveled the world selling his little Tigers and Cheetahs. Being a subsidiary of Grumman Aviation the company was transferred to Savannah, GA. in 1976. Under new owner, Allen Paulson, the company became Gulfstream Aviation, the small aircraft manufacturing was discontinued and Werner joined Gulfstream International Sales in 1981 with the territories of Europe and Africa. Through the years he progressed to Regional Vice President for Marketing and Sales. In 1989 he opened a Gulfstream office in London, England and headed it until January 1994 when he and Terri returned to Savannah, and Werner retired acting as a consultant until 1996.

He could regale tales for hours to a captivated audience of his extraordinary exploits as an aircraft salesman around the world for almost twenty years. Werner enjoyed golfing, badly, saying "but I could drive the golf cart", taking care of his house and garden (he could repair anything), and traveling with Terri. They had wonderful adventures around the world. After Werner's first bout with throat cancer in 2000, he fulfilled a lifelong dream and bought a K75 BMW motorcycle, the "Red Baron." He made wonderful, lasting friendships, rode all over the U.S. with his bike buddies, and a few years ago, rode thousands of miles by himself across country to BC, Canada and back. The most important thing in his life was taking care of his two girls. If Terri was his life, Gretchen was his soul. He will be missed beyond measure by his girls and his many, many friends in America and Germany and his memory treasured forever. There are few with his patience and strength of character.

Safe home, dear one. You were very special and very loved.

A Memorial Service will be held at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel officiated by Father Patrick O’Brien on June 9, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. with one hour’s visitation prior to the service. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the service at the Wilmington Island Club.

Remembrances may be made to Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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My sincere condolences to the Huiras Family on the passing of your dear loved one. May Jehovah God, the God of comfort grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28(to resurrect those who have been asleep in death. May fond memories of Werner linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come.

- Henry, Lawrenceville, GA

Terri, I wanted to extend our sympathy for your loss of Werner. We could not make the service due to a last minute problem and hope you got my message to Jim Keller to pass to you. I was proud to have known Werner and to pleased I had the chance to say goodbye at the Hospice. There were many good times as well as hard work with Werner while at Gulfstream. You and Gretchen will have good memories to remember. All the best, Lee and Barbara Johnson.

- Lee and Barbara Johnson, Savannah, GA

We will miss a good friend. Ron has many fond memories of the miles of roads traveled with his riding buddy. It took a really good man to put up with Stuckey. Terri and Gretchen, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

- Ron and Cynthia Stuckey, Brooklet, Georgia

From Wichita to Savannah, Werner was always the cool head, and ready to pitch in. We shared an eccentric boss, and Werner was always able to get a chuckle out of otherwise miserable co-workers. He was our guide and poltergeist in a business trip to Bonn. Auf wiedersehen, mein Feunde. And my deepest sympathy to Teri and Gretchen.

- Laurel Smith, Hopewell, VA

Patience and strength of character, yes a man who had my upmost respect. If you had made a movie of him with his biker buddies, his family would be proud to see his conduct. Every bit the Southern Gentleman always proud to be in his presents. He had the ability to charm without trying, I wish I could be more like Werner, my friend.

- john roach, Red Level , Al

Dear Terri: We were deeply saddened to learn of Werner's passing and just wanted you and Gretchen to know that we are thinking of you. Werner was just the BEST in every respect and was a joy to know and be around. We feel blessed to have known him, and you, and will keep you in our hearts and prayers.

- Joe & Judy Villari, Trussville, AL

Dear Gretchen, IWas so sorry to read about the death of your father. IM sure that he was a special man and will be greatly missed by you and your mother. PLease know that you have my deepest sympathy. Love, Ramona Mackinnon

- Ramona Mackinnon, Savannah, GA

Terri and Gretchen, we can't tell you both how sad we were to get the phone call that our dear friend had passed. I have such fond memories of working with Werner at Gulfstream. We will miss him so much and know that you will too! Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you both!! Let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

- Gary and Linda Arms, Guyton, Ga

I had the great pleasure of meeting Werner during his first fight with cancer many years ago. He had the difficult time you would expect with his treatment but never got down and never stopped fighting. He always had a smile even on the worst days. He whipped that cancer and over the years I got to know him as a friend as well as a long term cancer survivor. I was greatly sadden to learn of his passing. He was above all a good man. I will miss him. Please accept my thoughts and prayers during this time. He will be missed by many.

- David Weems MD, Savannah, Ga

To Gretchen and Family, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Wonderful memories are everything. Sincerely, Sherry and Mike from your neighborhood Unit 10.

- Sherry Shealy, Savannah, Ga.

Terri: Judd & I are very sorry to hear about Werner's passing. I was a Sec. in Marketing Dept. and I can tell you he was a wonderful person to work for. One of the BEST. He was very highly respected and we all looked up to him. Remember all theGOOD TIMES you had together.

- Evelyn Kessler, Springfield, GA