August 13, 1950 - December 18, 2019
Johann (Hans) Harb was born August 13, 1950, in the beautiful Tyrol, Austria village of Weer, the youngest of three children. He was musically gifted and became a professional musician, playing 20 instruments. He loved to play and sing, not only when he was working, but for family and friends, or any time the opportunity arose. He traveled the world, playing in several different bands, even taking a nine month contract in Bangkok, Thailand, much to the dismay of his parents, who would have preferred him to remain closer to home. Hans came to Canada in 1979 to play at the Vienna Schnitzel Restaurant in Prince George, BC, which is where he met his future wife, Lauren. They were married November 24, 1980, and lived in Canada from that time on, although they made frequent trips to Austria over the years. Hans spent many winter seasons playing at the iconic Banff Springs Hotel, and summers at the Black Forest Restaurant in Invermere, as well as the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Lauren joined him onstage in 1988, after they moved from Prince George to Calgary. They became well known throughout Alberta as Happy Hans and Lauren. They moved to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island in 2009, and gradually transitioned into retirement. They spent the last decade traveling, and especially enjoying their new home base. The last trip was to Austria in November 2019 to visit family, and to celebrate their 39th wedding anniversary. Hans passed away suddenly on December 18, 2019. He was predeceased by his parents Agnes and Franz Harb and his mother in law Kay Perrin. He is survived by his sister Luisa (Don), his brother Rudi (Margit), nephews Thomas (Margit) and Martin (Nina), and niece Maria (Thomas). Hans is mourned by his devoted wife Lauren, step son Tony, and grandson David, as well as sister in law Tanya and brother in law Howard Hans was much loved by all who knew him, and his ready smile and genuine warmth will be missed. Though he is physically no longer with us, his spirit remains. For his brief time on this planet, he made it a better place. Hans requested not to have a memorial service, but for his ashes to be taken to Austria. I know he would want all his friends and family to know how much he loved them and how important they all were in his life.