Obituary

Hans Wilkinson, obituary

Tue, 08/02/2016 - 3:30pm

AUGUSTA — Hans Jurgen Wilkinson, 35, slipped away quietly in his sleep in the early morning hours of July 26, 2016, at his residence in Augusta.

Born July 9, 1981, in Fort Hood, Texas, he was the son of Gudrun Schneider and John W. Wilkinson Sr. Hans attended local schools, and with a strong work ethic and drive to succeed, he left school just a half a credit shy of graduating.

Through hard work and perseverance, Hans did earn his high school diploma with high honors and was attending Kaplan University, where he was working towards his bachelor’s in business management. Hans starting working at the age of 16, and after multiple jobs, he entered Pine State Trading Company as a temp worker, starting as a picker. Over the years Hans has worked his way up through the ranks at Pine State to the position of fleet manager. Hans was extremely proud of the work he did, the friends he made and the community he was involved in at Pine State. His family said it wasn't just work, he truly considered everyone there family, and they loved him right back.

He had a zest for life, he was always dressed sharp and was proud of who he was and where he came from. He was extremely proud of his German roots, and thrilled to meet his family in Germany during a trip in 2008. Hans was always trying to better himself and the lives of those around him. He had a huge giving heart that gave him a magnetism that drew everyone to him. His family said he was their “go-to person” and the glue that held everyone together. Hans would often say, "Why can't we all just get along?" He was always there with a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen and great advice. He would do anything he could to make others feel loved. Hans was instrumental in the development and building of the Teen Center in Camden. He also worked with one of the local businessmen to implement the computer system at the Camden Library. Hans was ahead of his time when it came to computers.

Hans loved to kick back in his fishing boat and would never missed a chance to go fishing alone or with his fishing buddies. He loved to reel in a few good ones. He loved being on the water in his boat and always welcomed anyone who wanted to join in the fishing fun. He even tied some of his own flies.

Family was his number one priority and he loved all his family deeply. He had special and meaningful relationships with each of them. His greatest accomplishment and pride and joy was his son. Hans became a true dad and the man he wanted to be the moment Kelden was born. He had an unconditional love for him and he was his whole world.

Hans was a bright light in this world, a shining star in the lives of all he met, and in the words of an ancient Chinese proverb, The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long. He will be sadly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have loved him.

Hans is survived by his loving mother, Gudrun Schneider of Rockland; his father, John W. Wilkinson Sr. of Denver, Colo.; his beloved son and his mother, Kelden Van Doren-Wilkinson and Melissa, both of Augusta; his siblings, John W. Wilkinson Jr. of Augusta, Christina Robbins and her husband, Milton, of Rockland, Jessica Webb and her husband, Darren, of Rockland, Vicktor Wilkinson and his companion, Jesse, of Gardiner, and Serena Wilkinson of Auburn; a nephew who is being raised like a brother, Oskar Schneider of Rockland; his companion, Sarah, of Augusta; many nieces and nephews; several aunts and uncles, including three special aunts, Rita, Veronika and Susanne; a large extended family both in the U.S. and Germany; his Pine State “family” and far too many friends to count.

Family and friends are invited to visit Thursday, Aug. 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. The Rev. Wayne Sawyer will officiate.

Those wishing to assist the Wilkinson family, may do so at gofundme.com/2gs3fzs9.