Dr. Diether Haenicke
Mar 19th 1935 - Feb 24th 2009
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Sheppy Douma
February 16th 2009
Dear Haenicke family,
All Doumas are so sorry for your loss. We remember well your arrival in Kalamazoo in 1985. Maury Parfet, WMU regent, had asked me to think of a way to welcome WMU's new president's son, Kurt, to his new school, Kalamazoo Central High School. At that time in his life Kurt was not looking forward to moving from his comfortable existence as as a junior in high school in Columbus, Ohio. Therefore, I enlisted my son, Jaan Douma, to write Kurt a letter of welcome as a junior to be at K Central in the class of 1987. Since Jaan was on the K Central varsity soccer team, he assured Kurt he would love playing soccer in Kalamazoo and would consequently have an instant group of friends on the K Central soccer team. By September 1985 Kurt and Jaan were not only Maroon Giants together but also best friends for the last 24 years. Therefore, we knew Deither in the early days as Kurt's father. Losing your patriarch makes us very sad.
Sheppy Douma
February 16th 2009
Memory From: Kannaporn Pam Amoraseth (Thailand)
amorapam@gmail.com
I was doing my M.A. in Political Science at WMU in 1991. Although I didn't experience a direct contact with Dr. Diether I saw him around the campus from time to time checking out on his students and the campus itself. The picture impressed me and made me feel warmth of his caring. I felt assured that I was in good hand though very far away from home. Dr. Diether has geared up WMU's fame and recognition that was very beneficial to me and other Thai students from WMU when we got back home. I am grateful to you Mr. President and you will always be in my pray. May God receive you warmly and protect your family behind. Go Bronco Go!
Pam
Bruce and Audrey Glover
February 16th 2009
I'm a 1950 graduate Of Western and my wife and I only met Dr Haenicke once a few years ago when he addressed a meeting of the Shepard Center and we had a chance to chat with him briefly after his talk.
We both have read his weekly columns in the Gazette the past ten years with great interest. My wife and I would like to express our sincerest sympathy to the family. Dr Haenicke will be sorely missed not only at Western but in the community and by everyone whose life he touched in so many ways; missed but surely not forgotten.
Trent Kynaston
February 16th 2009
I have so many fond memories of Diether. His support and encouragement over the years, to me, the School of Music, and to our flowering Jazz Studies Program was special. Diether didn't really like jazz, and told me so on numerous occasions. But he really liked success, and enthusiastically supported it. In 1990, the University Jazz Orchestra was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. Diether decided to invite several friends to accompany him to New York City, take in a couple Broadway shows, and attend our performance. At the end of the concert and a rousing standing ovation, Diether hurried onto the stage to congratulate students and faculty. Unfortunately, concert goers are strictly forbidden on stage at Carnegie Hall, and as he expressed how thrilled he was and what a great representation this was for Western Michigan University, two very large stage hands came up, grabbed him by both arms and shuttled him quickly out the back door and into the street/alleyway. I'll never forget the look on his face as he tried to explain he was the President of the University.
Ana Gil-Garcia
February 16th 2009
I am seating at my desk reading the email sent by one of my best friends, a WMU graduate also, informing me on Dr. Haenicke' s passing. I cannot avoid my tears. As a foreign Fulbright student in 1987 doing my doctoral program, I was always very much impress by the fact that the President of WMU walked around campus, said hello to everybody, advised students on his way, and seated among students in the cafeteria. Coming from a foreign South American country, with different cultural rules on higher education management and leadership, I developed great admiration and respect for this giant man who was a lesson itself. Dr. Haenicke was the best example of leadership I received in my leadership training at WMU. My deepest condolescence to his family. He will be missed forever ...
Donna Schafer
February 16th 2009
Dear Jenny, Chris, Carol and other family members,
I had the privilege of meeting Diether on a few occasions when I visited Chris & Jenny's home while living in Kalamazoo in the early 90's. What a fascinating person he was to talk to! He was a wealth of information on so many subjects, and yet he never made me feel inferior when I was talking with him. His love of knowledge and learning, and sharing that love with others, was obvious every time I saw him. Some of the tidbits of knowledge that he shared during our brief encounters still stick with me to this day. I consider it an honor to have known him.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Dr. Betsy Covell Breseman
February 16th 2009
In memory of Dr. Haenicke and to his family: I am truly sorry for your loss. I met Dr. Haenicke a couple times during my undergrad years at Western and once as a grad student. When I moved to Columbus to attend Ohio State, I heard more glowing remarks about him. I was at OSU when Dr. Haenicke appeared on "Home Improvement" as himself in the episode in which Tim Allen's character receives an honorary doctorate. I must say that many of us at OSU were as thrilled by that as his friends and colleagues here in Kalamazoo! You will live on in our hearts.
Jim Zissis
February 16th 2009
Dearest Mrs. Haenicke and Family,
I am at my desk at work right now in tears over your loss and our loss from the WMU family. I don't know if you remember me but I was your waiter at the Kalamzoo Country Club while attending WMU. I always enjoyed waiting on you both. Mrs Haenicke, you told me the month before I graduated to " make sure you go down the isle to Dr. Haenicke so he can congratulate you". Well, I goofed and ended up on the opposite side. So of course I asked if I could cross the stage to say "hi". When I tapped Dr. Haenicke on his back, he turned in great joy and said " Jimmy za Greek!" I loved his accent being a son of Greek immigrants. Well, my photo, you are supposed to get when receiving your diploma never turned out. I called and gave my number issued that day and they said " Sorry. Yours didn't turn out". I then asked do you have one with Dr. Haenicke and two students, a blond female and myself with dark hair?" The photographer said "yes. It's my favorite one. It's hangin on the wall in my office right now". I said "that's me! Send me the photo." Thanks to Dr. Haenicke insisting on a photo with me, I have one from graduation.
Your wonderful Husband and Father couldn't stop there. He didn't rsvp to my graduation party as many didn't, but who walked in the door to surprise me an hour after the party started on that Sunday afternoon? Of course, Dr. Haenicke. My parents, friends and other professors were stunned. My father came and got me from the other room in astonishemnt. I couldn't believe he took the time from his busy schedule to make an appearence. I was not a star pupil, nor in sports or involed as much as I would have liked while in school since I worked and paid for college all on my own. I was an R.A. and involved somewhat in small organizations. Your Husband made me feel like I was president and I will never forget that about him.
My memories of Dr. Haenicke will always be how special he made each one of us feel in the short ecounter he would have with a student. Whenever I discuss my college days I mention Dr. Haenicke to friends and they respond with "I don't even know who my college president was or even had any contact the president. You are pretty lucky". I always felt like a million bucks after speaking with him. I wish we could bottle and sell the attitude in life of Dr. Haenicke for the good of all humanity.
Mrs Haenicke and Family, my thougths and prayers are with you all and I wish I could be there with you as Dr. Haenicke was for all of us.
May his memory not be forgotten,
Jim Zissis
Chicago
BA 1990
Michael and Erin Sudrovech
February 16th 2009
We would both like to offer our sincerest condolences to the Haenicke Family. In any dealings with Dr. Haenicke as students, members of the BMB, RA's, Orientation Leaders, employees of WMU, and alumni, we were always met with a kind word, a smile, and the occassional "thumbs-up". We are both greatful to have attended Western under his presidency. Dr. Haenicke was a true steward of Western Michigan University and he will be greatly missed by the entire Bronco Family.
Amy Remmert
February 16th 2009
Dear Chris, Jenny and family
Although I only met Diether on occasion in my years of business relations with Western, he was always a delightful person to talk to. I remember the wonderful stories he told at several Kalamazoo Optimist Club meetings. He could bring people to tears with laughter reading those silly letters he used to get and his quick witted response to them. But more importantly, he did wonderful things for Western. He was a truly remarkable man and he will be missed.
Debbie Holmgren
February 16th 2009
Dearest Carol and Family,
Being friends with your daughter, Jenny, for years I have had the great fortune to have met Dr. Haenicke on several occasions. He always had a "twinkle" in his eye. He was one of the kindest, most gentle people I have ever met---a rare quality in these times. His "TWINKLE" will always be remembered, and will shine down on us from above as a reminder to strive to be like him. My sincerest condolences in your heart-breaking loss. "Debbie"
Sheppy Douma
February 16th 2009
Dear Haenicke family,
All Doumas are so sorry for your loss. We remember well your arrival in Kalamazoo in 1985. Maury Parfet, WMU regent, had asked me to think of a way to welcome WMU's new president's son, Kurt, to his new school, Kalamazoo Central High School. At that time in his life Kurt was not looking forward to moving from his comfortable existence as as a junior in high school in Columbus, Ohio. Therefore, I enlisted my son, Jaan Douma, to write Kurt a letter of welcome as a junior to be at K Central in the class of 1987. Since Jaan was on the K Central varsity soccer team, he assured Kurt he would love playing soccer in Kalamazoo and would consequently have an instant group of friends on the K Central soccer team. By September 1985 Kurt and Jaan were not only Maroon Giants together but also best friends for the last 24 years. Therefore, we knew Deither in the early days as Kurt's father. Losing your patriarch makes us very sad.
Sheppy Douma
February 16th 2009
Memory From: Kannaporn Pam Amoraseth (Thailand)
amorapam@gmail.com
I was doing my M.A. in Political Science at WMU in 1991. Although I didn't experience a direct contact with Dr. Diether I saw him around the campus from time to time checking out on his students and the campus itself. The picture impressed me and made me feel warmth of his caring. I felt assured that I was in good hand though very far away from home. Dr. Diether has geared up WMU's fame and recognition that was very beneficial to me and other Thai students from WMU when we got back home. I am grateful to you Mr. President and you will always be in my pray. May God receive you warmly and protect your family behind. Go Bronco Go!
Pam
Bruce and Audrey Glover
February 16th 2009
I'm a 1950 graduate Of Western and my wife and I only met Dr Haenicke once a few years ago when he addressed a meeting of the Shepard Center and we had a chance to chat with him briefly after his talk.
We both have read his weekly columns in the Gazette the past ten years with great interest. My wife and I would like to express our sincerest sympathy to the family. Dr Haenicke will be sorely missed not only at Western but in the community and by everyone whose life he touched in so many ways; missed but surely not forgotten.
Trent Kynaston
February 16th 2009
I have so many fond memories of Diether. His support and encouragement over the years, to me, the School of Music, and to our flowering Jazz Studies Program was special. Diether didn't really like jazz, and told me so on numerous occasions. But he really liked success, and enthusiastically supported it. In 1990, the University Jazz Orchestra was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. Diether decided to invite several friends to accompany him to New York City, take in a couple Broadway shows, and attend our performance. At the end of the concert and a rousing standing ovation, Diether hurried onto the stage to congratulate students and faculty. Unfortunately, concert goers are strictly forbidden on stage at Carnegie Hall, and as he expressed how thrilled he was and what a great representation this was for Western Michigan University, two very large stage hands came up, grabbed him by both arms and shuttled him quickly out the back door and into the street/alleyway. I'll never forget the look on his face as he tried to explain he was the President of the University.
Ana Gil-Garcia
February 16th 2009
I am seating at my desk reading the email sent by one of my best friends, a WMU graduate also, informing me on Dr. Haenicke' s passing. I cannot avoid my tears. As a foreign Fulbright student in 1987 doing my doctoral program, I was always very much impress by the fact that the President of WMU walked around campus, said hello to everybody, advised students on his way, and seated among students in the cafeteria. Coming from a foreign South American country, with different cultural rules on higher education management and leadership, I developed great admiration and respect for this giant man who was a lesson itself. Dr. Haenicke was the best example of leadership I received in my leadership training at WMU. My deepest condolescence to his family. He will be missed forever ...
Donna Schafer
February 16th 2009
Dear Jenny, Chris, Carol and other family members,
I had the privilege of meeting Diether on a few occasions when I visited Chris & Jenny's home while living in Kalamazoo in the early 90's. What a fascinating person he was to talk to! He was a wealth of information on so many subjects, and yet he never made me feel inferior when I was talking with him. His love of knowledge and learning, and sharing that love with others, was obvious every time I saw him. Some of the tidbits of knowledge that he shared during our brief encounters still stick with me to this day. I consider it an honor to have known him.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Dr. Betsy Covell Breseman
February 16th 2009
In memory of Dr. Haenicke and to his family: I am truly sorry for your loss. I met Dr. Haenicke a couple times during my undergrad years at Western and once as a grad student. When I moved to Columbus to attend Ohio State, I heard more glowing remarks about him. I was at OSU when Dr. Haenicke appeared on "Home Improvement" as himself in the episode in which Tim Allen's character receives an honorary doctorate. I must say that many of us at OSU were as thrilled by that as his friends and colleagues here in Kalamazoo! You will live on in our hearts.
Jim Zissis
February 16th 2009
Dearest Mrs. Haenicke and Family,
I am at my desk at work right now in tears over your loss and our loss from the WMU family. I don't know if you remember me but I was your waiter at the Kalamzoo Country Club while attending WMU. I always enjoyed waiting on you both. Mrs Haenicke, you told me the month before I graduated to " make sure you go down the isle to Dr. Haenicke so he can congratulate you". Well, I goofed and ended up on the opposite side. So of course I asked if I could cross the stage to say "hi". When I tapped Dr. Haenicke on his back, he turned in great joy and said " Jimmy za Greek!" I loved his accent being a son of Greek immigrants. Well, my photo, you are supposed to get when receiving your diploma never turned out. I called and gave my number issued that day and they said " Sorry. Yours didn't turn out". I then asked do you have one with Dr. Haenicke and two students, a blond female and myself with dark hair?" The photographer said "yes. It's my favorite one. It's hangin on the wall in my office right now". I said "that's me! Send me the photo." Thanks to Dr. Haenicke insisting on a photo with me, I have one from graduation.
Your wonderful Husband and Father couldn't stop there. He didn't rsvp to my graduation party as many didn't, but who walked in the door to surprise me an hour after the party started on that Sunday afternoon? Of course, Dr. Haenicke. My parents, friends and other professors were stunned. My father came and got me from the other room in astonishemnt. I couldn't believe he took the time from his busy schedule to make an appearence. I was not a star pupil, nor in sports or involed as much as I would have liked while in school since I worked and paid for college all on my own. I was an R.A. and involved somewhat in small organizations. Your Husband made me feel like I was president and I will never forget that about him.
My memories of Dr. Haenicke will always be how special he made each one of us feel in the short ecounter he would have with a student. Whenever I discuss my college days I mention Dr. Haenicke to friends and they respond with "I don't even know who my college president was or even had any contact the president. You are pretty lucky". I always felt like a million bucks after speaking with him. I wish we could bottle and sell the attitude in life of Dr. Haenicke for the good of all humanity.
Mrs Haenicke and Family, my thougths and prayers are with you all and I wish I could be there with you as Dr. Haenicke was for all of us.
May his memory not be forgotten,
Jim Zissis
Chicago
BA 1990
Michael and Erin Sudrovech
February 16th 2009
We would both like to offer our sincerest condolences to the Haenicke Family. In any dealings with Dr. Haenicke as students, members of the BMB, RA's, Orientation Leaders, employees of WMU, and alumni, we were always met with a kind word, a smile, and the occassional "thumbs-up". We are both greatful to have attended Western under his presidency. Dr. Haenicke was a true steward of Western Michigan University and he will be greatly missed by the entire Bronco Family.
Amy Remmert
February 16th 2009
Dear Chris, Jenny and family
Although I only met Diether on occasion in my years of business relations with Western, he was always a delightful person to talk to. I remember the wonderful stories he told at several Kalamazoo Optimist Club meetings. He could bring people to tears with laughter reading those silly letters he used to get and his quick witted response to them. But more importantly, he did wonderful things for Western. He was a truly remarkable man and he will be missed.
Debbie Holmgren
February 16th 2009
Dearest Carol and Family,
Being friends with your daughter, Jenny, for years I have had the great fortune to have met Dr. Haenicke on several occasions. He always had a "twinkle" in his eye. He was one of the kindest, most gentle people I have ever met---a rare quality in these times. His "TWINKLE" will always be remembered, and will shine down on us from above as a reminder to strive to be like him. My sincerest condolences in your heart-breaking loss. "Debbie"
