Eulogy for Hans Paul Loewen 9 APR 2014
For those of you unable to attend Hans's funeral last Wednesday, we offer here the eulogy delivered by his Company Officer, Major Carrie Stocker, USMC. Eulogy for Hans Paul Loewen Good afternoon, my name is Major Stocker. I am the 7th Company Officer and in this leadership role the family has requested me to deliver the eulogy for Midshipman 3/C Hans Paul Loewen. It is truly an honor and a privilege for me to do so today.
First, I want to welcome all who have come here today to celebrate a beautiful soul and a life that was full of love and laughter. When we lose someone dear to us like Hans, we instantly start to think about the last time we talked to him; the last encounter we had with him. We fumble and grasp for these memories because they are so precious and meaningful to us. We want to hold them close and never forget those “lasts.”
We also start to recall the first time we talked to him and the first encounter we had with him. I am guilty of both of these. Outside of everyday “hellos” and “how are yous,” my first real interaction with Hans was in the fall when he submitted a chit to go to the Maryland Downhill Longboarding competition. I have already confessed to Hans’s parents that I disapproved the chit because he was academically UNSAT at the time; however, CAPT McGrath approved the chit since Hans’s mother had already made travel plans to be there.
Hans did what I would do if my Company Officer disapproved my chit and then my Battalion Officer approved it. He hung that chit on his cork board and said he was never taking it down. Peter and Zeke, his roommates, confirmed how proud Hans was of that chit. To further show his Company Officer that it was meant to be he went ahead and won first place at the competition. Mrs. Loewen videoed the whole competition and Hans proudly wore his NAVY sweatshirt at the top of the podium. He was also never academically UNSAT again after that.
The mission of the United States Naval Academy is:
“To develop midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor and loyalty in order to graduate leaders who are dedicated to a career of naval service and have potential for future development in mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.”
My role as Hans’s Company Officer is to support that mission in developing the leadership potential of the 157 midshipmen of 7th Company.
Hans became a member of 7th Company on June 28, 2012, and died as a member of 7th Company on March 29, 2014.
Today, I share remembrances of Hans’s moral, mental, and physical development, both before and while at the Academy.
“To develop midshipmen morally, mentally and physically.”
As the Superintendent told us when he visited Hans in the hospital just after his accident, every member of the Brigade and Naval Academy staff are threads in the moral fabric that uplifts our midshipmen, and we know that it is woven into the cloth that Hans had woven since his baptism, confirmation, and spiritual journey with his Episcopal church families everywhere he lived. Hans’s dear friend, Ben, who was close at Hans’s side from middle school through high school, and is currently serving his mission in Brazil, tells us:
“Hans was the definition of a best friend for me growing up. Hans was a teacher to me, showing me early on that hard work and hard laughter are not mutually exclusive, and he integrated this philosophy into all the great things he accomplished. To be taken from us at 20 years old to me truly embodies the meaning of the word tragic; however, it is not to be said that we are meant to stay in mourning. Here´s why. Hans’s life was thrilling. It was bold and admirable, setting higher precedents for living with all whom he interacted. His life is not to be regretted nor mourned; but celebrated, cherished, and remembered. His capacity for good does not rest with his body, but continues on in the success of the lives that he touched as his spirit continues on into the eternities. As we read in the Bible, ‘For as in Adam all men die, even so in Christ shall all men be made alive.’ Hans lives still. For just as solid as his quest for fun in this life was his moral foundation, and for this I know that he will continue on to receive his reward in the next life. Life is radical, Hans taught me that. To his life, I raise my most sincere salute. I thank him for all the good times and take comfort in the fact that if anyone can find good times in the next life, it’s him.”
Christina, a close friend since birth, provides more insight:
“Hans, you were one of the most genuine, kind, and loving people I have ever met. You showed me a way of living that was so beautiful and soulful that I had trouble understanding it.”
Will, one of his former roommates here at the Academy, shares that,
“After returning from youngster cruise I was sure that my semester as a second year plebe was going to be downhill until I met Hans. Hans had the aura of a guy who could do the impossible. Anything he put his mind to he attacked with a fire unlike anyone I’ve ever known. He showed me that impossible is something that we tell ourselves when we are afraid. He showed me that impossible is nothing. He showed me how to live my life outside of the confines of fear, and for that I will be forever grateful to him.”
We learn from Hans himself where he believed he was with the journey of his moral development. A week before the accident Hans shared with his dear girlfriend and fellow third class midshipman, Alexis, these words in a journal to her with a picture of his Bible:
“This is of increasing importance to me….religion is a part of our relationship and I am looking forward to it blossoming. Religion has shown me kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in the same way you have. There is infinite wisdom we can find in God to help us have the healthiest relationship possible.”
And he continued,
“Thank you for the ‘Forward Day by Day’ book. Although it is a light read, it has a lot of information. Since it so concise, I can apply each lesson to my day. I will continue to practice the lessons in hopes of growing as a Christian.”
“To develop Midshipman morally, mentally and physically.”
We hear now again from Hans’s good friend Ben about his mental development before he arrived here on the Yard and in its distinguished classrooms:
“We reigned as kings of school projects…. Our one-of-a-kind chemistry uprooted various middle school seating charts and tap-danced on not a few school teachers’ last strains of patience with our relentless adolescent wit. We were duly dubbed Hans and Franz, two men with one cause. Hans was so gifted with so many things - math, science, sports, etc., and, truly, he was disciplined in these things, but along with them Hans added his own element that gleamed of mischief and humor. With Hans pushing us along, he and I traversed our small territory in North Carolina, always with Hans leading the way, hungry for the next adventure, the next memory.”
A fellow neighborhood adventurer, Addison, shares,
“Hans taught me how to ride through the waves of challenges that come in our seas of troubles. We all will use Hans’s everlasting light to illuminate our futures in ways that Hans could never have imagined. Hans lived with a mental air of effortlessness, but we all know he tried harder than anyone else. His spirit burned so bright it would rekindle anyone in his presence. Hans was a leader of men.”
Peter, one of Hans's roommates tells us,
“Hans was the guy I wanted all my friends and family at home to meet. He was the one person I could come to and talk about anything and feel understood. Hans taught me everything on how to be free and to live my life to the fullest. Though heaven has received a beautiful angel -- with perfect hair -- a part of him will stay here with me for the rest of my life.”
One part of Hans’s objective mental state was manifested by the heart on his North Carolina driver’s license, a heart that signifies he volunteered to be an organ donor. Warriors show courage every time they face the unknown on the battlefield. Hans will not get the chance to defend our Constitution on any battlefield, but I am sure this unselfish act of valor made as a 16 year-old civilian will manifest in untold valor in the recipients of his organs and tissues, some who may go on to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship or government leadership. Thus, his spirit will continue to be a part of this earthly world a little bit longer as his vibrant organs and tissues are living through others.
“To develop Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically.”
Many of you gathered here today are aware of Hans’s physical talents and may have watched his YouTube Channel. If you haven’t, you need to. I have. I confess to you right now that I Facebook stalked Hans after his accident and watched all of his skateboarding and kite surfing videos. In fact, I purchased several of the songs that bring those videos to life, making them part of my newest play list: “Hans’s Play List,” one by which to live life and be free.
I also showed all of Hans’s videos to my six year old son, Alex, who now slides his GI Joes across our hardwood floors in a very excitable manner, making them jump and do flips, and says, “Look mommy, it’s Hans skateboarding.” When I was playing Hans’s playlist in my car Alex said, “Oh, skateboarding music.”
God brings new life out of death.
Now, why is ‘physical’ on the list? I think outward physical strength shows signs of a strong inward spirit. And it is here, in the physical, that we can get some additional insights into Hans’s inner spirit.
Dr. Loewen shared with me a small anecdote from Hans’s days as a mischievous leader on his high school cross country team. This story was especially funny to me since Hans’s roommates confirmed to me that he hated running. During one practice while running down the busy highway, Hans convinced his teammates to wear the back of their shorts as low as possible to effectively moon everyone as they drove by.
His good friend and fellow mooner, DJ, remembered the incident and how they ended up getting in trouble about it with the school administration. Little did they know that the administration couldn’t talk about it without laughing. Coach Davis, then Athletic Director said this week,
“Hans's joking, mischievous, caring, and witty personality will make the kingdom of heaven a much happier place...he's probably mooning me as I type!”
A favorite beach buddy, Hannah, shared:
“Hans you are really good at EVERYTHING. Except basketball. I always had the best times with you: bike riding, long boarding, off-roading, at the beach, star gazing on your roof, boxing, bonfires, surfing, long talks, fishing, shooting BBs from your window, watching movies, Prom, and making up handshakes. You are so many people’s hero Hans. You inspired so many people you knew when you were on earth to just go for things and now so many more that never even knew you.”
God brings new life out of death.
With Hans and his sister Zatha together at the Academy there are too many midshipmen to mention, all of whom were touched by the Loewen sibling love for life, men and women like James, John, Austin, Ellie, Mary, Rachel, Nathan.
The Loewen family offers their heartfelt thanks to all of 7th Company for the signed surfboard, Heaven Song, the tribute to Hans in company area, and of course the remembrance meal in King Hall; to the Lacrosse team for the signed helmet; to the football team for his signed football.
Lastly, to his brothers in arms, Zeke, Peter, Brandon, Jeffrey, and Sam, the family looks forward to seeing you develop into warriors and attending your Commissioning in just two years' time.
Let us learn from Hans’s spirit, his warrior approach to life, and his skills as a mentor. His interment on this Yard will keep him close to his Naval Academy comrades.
Seventh Company has summed up Hans in one sentence:
Live like a warrior.
Hans’s family wants me to impart to you, Brigade, their full measure of love and understanding as you go forward to complete the mission of the Naval Academy, despite the recent deaths of three shipmates.
They will keep each of them and all of you in their hearts, and they are hopeful that you all will:
Lead like Max
Live like Will
Shine like Hans
How do we find hope when we feel hopeless?
How is God going to bring joy out of Hans’s death?
It is different for all of us. Perhaps some of us will:
- live each day a little fuller;
- maybe we remember to tell those we care about that we love them one more time before we hang up the phone;
- maybe we give just one more hug when saying farewell;
- maybe we flow with kindness;
- perhaps we forgive and make amends to those we have wronged;
- perhaps we love more deeply.
My question to all of you is, “What new life is born in each of you as a result of Hans’s death?”
I end with a prayer from the Armed Services Prayer book about moving to a new position.
God, you led your people as a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. Go before us also, as Hans moves to a new camp. Light our way in the darkness; shelter us in the heat of day and the weariness of travel; be with us at every step and at every mile, lending us your strength for our journey, and your Spirit to lift up our hearts. From Company 7 to Heaven…
Amen.
