HKIS FOUNDING MEMBER
Mel Kieschnick
DECEMBER 10, 1927 - DECEMBER 26,2024
Mel Kieschnick died peacefully, the day after Christmas, and shortly after his 97th birthday. His hope was to make it to Christmas.
Not long ago, Mel told us in his own words:
"God has been good to me. My family of origin, my married life with Jane, my children and their families, the people with whom I have shared life and above all the God who gave me life, sustained me, and leads me to eternity—all of these cause me to say “God is so good. God is so good. Good is so good to me.
I do not fear death nor existence after death. I believe that there is an afterlife—the details of which I know little about and which do not concern me. I trust God completely—knowing that God has demonstrated God’s love for me throughout my life. After death I will be with God and that is enough."
God has been very good to both Mel and me all these 73 years of our marriage and we know that God will continue to hold Mel close in this, his most exciting adventure.
The livestream of the Memorial Service (program) on January 18 can be viewed here.
Memorial gifts may be made to:
Written by Jane Kieschnick, Mel's wife.
FORMER HKIS TEACHER
1974 - 1980
Judith Ann Stringer
SEPTEMBER 17, 1939 - SEPTEMBER 14, 2024
Judith Anne Stringer passed away at Hospice House in Kelowna (Canada) on September 14, 2024, a few days before her 85th birthday. Judy survived breast cancer and ovarian cancer for many years, living life as fully as possible through pure, unadulterated determination. Throughout her life she was a willing ally to anyone who needed a hand, and her generosity impacted many lives.
Judy was an Okanagan girl, born on September 17, 1939, in Vernon, to Essie and Christian Shunter. She grew up in Rutland with three sisters and a brother, graduating from high school in 1957. She returned in 2001 to Kelowna, living in Joe Rich and downtown for the rest of her life.
As a teacher, Judy brought her sense of fun and enthusiasm for learning to classrooms in several different school districts in British Columbia and at Hong Kong International School. Judy received a master’s degree from the University of British Columbia and later worked on a further degree from Gonzaga University while teaching in the Shuswap.
Judy was an adventurous traveller, loving to meet new people and see new places. In 1962, she flew to Spain and married Terence Neil Stringer (1937-1977) in Gibraltar. After travelling all over British Columbia (thanks to Terry’s job with the forest service), Judy lived overseas for 10 years, and continued to visit countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Central America throughout her life. While she lived in Sorrento with her second partner Charles Richard Farnsworth (1930- 2012), Judy and Dick explored Canada and the U.S. (with a special emphasis on golf courses) in their motorhome.
Judy loved to entertain. Judy and Dick’s golf tournaments and Boxing Day open houses in Sorrento are remembered by many. In the 1980s and 1990s, they hosted many friends from all over the world at their lakeside home, and both daughters were married in their gardens.
Judy’s loss is deeply felt by her daughters Shannon Stringer (Larry), Sheila Stringer (Bruce), her sisters Patsy Kyle, Chrissie Park (Bob), and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She will especially be missed by her grandchildren Terry, Keene, Will, Ted and Fiona, as well as many honorary kids and grandkids, like Laura, Ted, Mike and Kaitie, who she took under her wing.
Huge thanks are due to the Palliative Care Team at Interior Health, whose support meant Judy was able to remain in her home up until the last days of her life.
An Open House was held on Sunday, October 20 at Judy’s apartment to celebrate her life and remember her passing.
Michael Jude Hebert
December 28, 1961 - July 20, 2024
Michael Jude Hebert passed away in his sleep on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Mike was born in Flint, Michigan, to parents Victor and Judy Hebert.
Mike was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and devoted caretaker of many rabbits and dogs. He was the first of six children and excelled at the big brother role, especially when the final two siblings arrived when Mike entered his teen years. In his youth Mike enjoyed watching cartoons, horror movies, camping, and building radio-controlled models.
The family moved between Michigan and California and eventually moved as far away as Hong Kong and the Philippines. Michael graduated from Hong Kong International School in 1980. His passion for electronics and computers grew during his high school years while in Mr. Kung's electronics class and the AV club and continued back in the States at community college. He was an electronics wizard who enjoyed creating all sorts of interesting gadgets.
In Silicon Valley's infancy, Mike worked for companies specializing in circuit boards and power supply development. He loved constructing and racing custom mini cars like the famous “Dinky”, a shortened Honda 600 sedan and “Weird Foot” created by putting a Honda 600 sedan body on a Suzuki Samurai chassis. Michael was renowned for his Halloween displays, which he assembled each year, that featured animatronic figures, lighting, and sound effects. He was enthusiastic about Tim Burton's work, especially The Nightmare Before Christmas. Many of his nieces and nephews attribute their love of Halloween to him.
Michael is survived by his mother, Judy Hebert; father, Victor; brother, Gabriel (‘81); sister, Carolyn (‘82); brother, Raphael [Raymie] (‘84); sister, Katy; brother, Matthew. He will be forever in their hearts.
FORMER FACULTY MEMBER
Lawrence "Larry" Eichert
September 1940 - May 28,2024
Lawrence “Larry” Eichert was united with his Omnipotent Lord on May 28, 2024, to receive the worldly answers he sought throughout his lifetime. Born in September of 1940 to Phillip and Anna Eichert in Philadelphia, PA, Larry’s life was defined by his love for the Lord and passion for teaching God’s children. For more than eight decades, Larry exhibited a thirst for knowledge and a commitment to the wonder of knowing. He received his BS and MA from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois; NEST certification from MIT; UNESCO certification in virtual learning, and numerous professional designations within elementary and secondary education. He was recognized by his peers for his innovative approach to teaching the arts and sciences, while simultaneously leading his athletic teams to championships.
For nearly 50 years, Larry enriched the lives of his pupils and student athletes beginning at St. Paul Lutheran Elementary School in Melrose Park, IL, before accepting a position at Valley Lutheran High School in St. Charles, IL and taught evening methods courses at his alma mater. He was called to serve as Science Department Chair at Hong Kong International School (HKIS), after 17 years he retired and settled in Bradenton, FL. Throughout his career, Larry never lost sight of his goals to foster critical thinking in the classroom, connect the word of God with the wonders of the world, and integrate Christian principles within competitive athletics.
As an Eagle Scout, Larry was passionate about experiencing and exploring God’s natural creations. Whether diving the Great Barrier Reef, photographing the beauty of Bali, enjoying an African safari, or interacting with the various cultures of indigenous people around the world as a missionary, Larry lived life to its fullest.
Upon his return to the US, Larry continued his commitment to sustaining the environment by leading the landscape committee in his Florida community and producing a monthly scientific newsletter for its residents. He expanded his role as an elected official of the Community Development District (CDD) Board, committed to caring for the ponds and protected wetlands throughout the development.
A true Renaissance man, Larry’s legacy is defined as an artist, coach, education, explorer, steward of the environment and devoted Lutheran servant. He will be remembered as a man of integrity, energy, vision and service by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched over the course of his lifetime.
Larry is loved and cherished by many people, especially those closest to him. He is survived by his loving wife Carol, children Kimberly Eichert Walsh (Rob) and Erik Eichert (Halle); grandchildren Hanna Walsh and Lindsey Walsh Miller (Mason), Mitchell (Rachel), Ean (Leslie), Asher and Bennett Eichert, as well as extended family members Cheri Borchart (Mark), David Hanneman (Karen) and Brian Hanneman.
While life on earth is filled with questions, today we celebrate God’s grace in the knowledge that Larry is now in heaven and has found the answers.