I am sorry to share that I recently received word of the death of a very dear friend from Germany. Rolf, the owner of the Hotel and Restaurant “Zum Hirsch” recently died over the weekend while vacationing on the Red Sea. Apparently, Rolf suffered a heart attack on the dive boat and was flown out to a hospital. Unfortunately, we have lost Rolf. He will be dearly missed by many in Germany and around the world.

Rolf was an avid hunter who always warmly welcomed people staying at his family’s hotel or dining at their restaurant in Römhild, Germany. Many who have traveled to participate in the Heym Challenge, to visit the Heym factory for a tour, or to purchase a rifle may have stayed with Rolf at his hotel.

While staying in Römhild, I greatly enjoyed my time with Rolf in the mornings during breakfast at Zum Hirsch while starting my days before heading to the Heym factory, shooting events, or other activities. I loved sitting with Rolf and his family in the evening, tasting “medicine,” or enjoying a shot of vodka. Often we would enjoy his homemade beers, while eating barbecued bratwurst and sharing stories together. We would constantly be sliding the electronic translator back and forth trying to find just the right word to explain something.

Spending time with Rolf was something I looked forward to and I was always excited about seeing him whenever I traveled to Germany. I remember the time in April 2012 when Rolf hauled me out to the forest and taught me about picking Bärlauch and Schnittlauch.

Rolf was a great man who had a deep sense of family, responsibility, and kindness to others. He was very loving to those he met and I will remember him always. I will share the virtues and goodness that he shared with me to others that I meet. Rolf was my friend and I will miss him deeply.

I find comfort in remembering all of the great things about Rolf. Rolf would have wanted us to remember him with happiness and joy and I will try to do so while mourning his passing and my personal loss of a dear friend.

If any of you know Rolf personally and have the families email I am sure they would appreciate receiving an email from you. For those that would like to post something, I will be sure to share the link to this thread with his family. If you would like me to pass along a personal message just send me a PM and I will be sure to get the message back to his family.

Legt alles still in Gottes Hände,
das Glück, den Schmerz,
den Anfang und das Ende.

Herzliches Beileid,
Shawn

(Put everything quietly into God’s hands, happiness, the pain, the beginning and the end. Heartfelt condolences)

quote:

Put everything quietly into God’s hands, happiness, the pain, the beginning and the end. Heartfelt condolences

I could not dream of saying it better. I feel your pain my friend.

Scott

Sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and his family.

quote:

Originally posted by chuckmaxman:
Sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and his family.

It is so hard to loose a close friend.

Wish you and his family all the best.

It seems the nicest guys go too soon.
Sorry to hear this. Wish everyone well.
I haven't been to Germany since '73 but,
had a great many friends there, miss 'em
all.
George

Sorry to hear about this Shawn. Condolences to you and his family. Sounds like he was a very special person.

Condolences....


.

Keep the memories close. He's in a much better place.

Sorry to hear of you loss Shawn.

Andrea and I are very sad to hear of this loss my friend, we wish you and Pat and Rolf's family our deepest condolences.

Lost 2 friends last week myself.
As we get older it will happen more often.
Sorry for your loss.

Sincere wishes to family and friends.
Weidmannsheil on his next journey.

So sorry to read this. Just another reminder to enjoy each day to the fullest.

We are very sorry to hear of your friend passing. Cherish the moments you shared together. As others have said live life to the best of your ability. You will not be able to take a farthing with you when the owl calls your name.

Also thank you for sharing a bit about your friend.

Home is the hunter... RIP.

Good friends are hard to come by....may he rest in peace.

My sincerest condolences.

He sounds a lot like the Germans I got to know while in country; a fine fellow.

Condolences to you and his family.

Thanks to all who have taken a moment to read this thread and also for your supportive thoughts and comments. Rolf’s family has been visiting this thread and they too greatly appreciate your kind words and expressions of sympathy.

I will assure that Rolf's family is aware of any future comments that might be posted or emails that I receive.

Best always,
Shawn

Shawn the best to you as his friend. Thoughts and prayers to Rolf's family and friends.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by retreever:
Shawn the best to you as his friend. Thoughts and prayers to Rolf's family and friends.

Mike

Sounds like a neat man. Know that he's in a better place now!!!

RIP