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Human Interest
This Article Last Updated: Mar 20th, 2014 - 18:43:12
 | | Hans Fogh | It is with great sadness that we announce Hans Fogh (March 8, 1938 – March 14, 2014) passed away peacefully from Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease on March 14, 2014 in Toronto.
A fighter to the end, Hans leaves Kirsten, his beloved wife and safe harbour for 49 years, his two sons, Morten (Debbie) and Thomas (Andrea) and his darling grandchildren, Sarah, Curtis, Marcus, Kaia and Lucas with whom he spent many joyful hours as 'Farfar' attending their numerous special events. Hans is also survived by his family in Denmark, brother Jens Christian, sisters Gitte (Esben) and Annegrette (Christian). Hans leaves behind a niece in Canada, Pia (Danny) daughter of his late sister Inger (John Eastwood).
Born in Copenhagen, Hans has had one of the most exemplary competitive sailing careers ever, winning numerous Worlds, European and National titles in several classes including the Soling, Finn, Flying Dutchman, Star and Etchells.
Hans came to Canada with the encouragement and support of long-time friend, Paul Henderson, who managed to lever Hans’ former career as a gardener to become a sailmaker. Hans went on to build one of the most successful sail lofts in the world under the Elvstrom, Fogh and North banners. His involvement in the development of the original Laser sail and the subsequent Laser Radial sail are only the beginning of his many well-known accomplishments in the sport.
Hans’ competitive sailing career was influenced by his close friend and mentor, Paul Elvstrom. His career spanned seven decades from his first in the late fifties, to his last race earlier this year with his bronze medal crew John Kerr and his godson Johnnie Kerr.
Hans enjoyed sharing his sailing with his family. He was able to coach his sons as they entered the sport, then shared the 1984 Olympics with his oldest son Morten and was able to compete in two Olympic trials with his youngest son Thomas. Hans was most joyful helping his 5 grandchildren learn to sail.
A six-time Olympian, he won his first Olympic Silver Medal with Ole Erik Gunnar Peterson in Rome in 1960 for his native Denmark. In 1984, 24 years later, he won a Bronze Medal in Los Angeles, representing Canada with crew John Kerr and Steve Calder. Hans was extremely proud that he won a medal for his home and adopted countries. Hans also won a Pan Am Games Silver medal in 1987.
Throughout his career, Hans enjoyed giving back to the sport he loved: coaching, mentoring, training and developing sailors at every opportunity. This was definitively evidenced by the many lives he touched and the countless letters of remembrances from sailors and friends that have given the family so much strength.
Recognizing Hans Fogh’s contribution to the sport of sailing, he has been inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, Canadian Amateur Sports Hall of Fame, Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame and the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association Canada Hall of Fame, including a number of other awards he has received over the years.
The family would like to thank Doctors Patel, Borgundvagg, and Houston and the team at Mount Sinai Hospital, Mary Keeber and the team at The Dorothy Ley Hospice for their outstanding care and support.
Visitation will be held on Thursday March 20th, 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Turner & Porter (Peel Chapel), 2180 Hurontario Street, Mississauga ON, L5B 1M8. Funeral arrangements will be advised ASAP.
Donations to the Hans Fogh Endowment Fund, administered by Ontario Sailing (www.ontariosailing.ca) or to The Dorothy Ley Hospice (www.dlhospice.org) would be greatly appreciated.
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Hans Fogh 1938-2014
By John Finch
I am very sad to say that Hans Fogh passed away peacefully with family by his side on March 14, 2014 after a brief struggle with illness.
Hans was one of the great legends of sailing, winning numerous world, continental and national championships in a variety of classes including the Finn, Flying Dutchman, Soling, Etchells and Star. He raced in the Olympics six times, winning a silver medal in the Flying Dutchman with Ole Petersen in 1960 and a Bronze in the Soling with John Kerr and Steve Calder in 1984 (the 24 year span between medals is a record).
Born in Denmark, Hans grew up sailing with his close friend and mentor, another legend, Paul Elvstrom. Just a few weeks ago, Hans reminisced how he and Paul would go to regattas and their boats would always stand out by looking so battered and scraped up. He explained it couldn't be helped, sailing through the ice every day to practice does that. These two had a determination and work ethic second to none.
Hans worked for Paul at Elvstrom Sails in Denmark until moving to Canada in 1970 with the encouragement and support of another long-time sailing friend Paul Henderson. Hans founded the Elvstrom Sails Canada loft which he developed into one of the world's most successful sailmaking businesses, later becoming Fogh Sails and then North Sails.
Giving back to his sport has always been part of Hans' life. He found time to help everybody, no matter their age, type of boat (or what sails they had) or where they stood in the competitive order. He devoted countless hours to helping kids, coaching, mentoring and just being a great inspiration to beginners through Olympians. He loved every minute of it. Above all, his greatest source of pride and joy was his wonderful family.
Hans was a legendary sailor but an even better friend. He will be missed.
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From John Finch:
Hans was one of the great legends of sailing, winning numerous world, continental and national championships in a variety of classes including the Finn, Flying Dutchman, Soling, Etchells and Star. He raced in the Olympics six times, winning a silver medal in the Flying Dutchman with Ole Petersen in 1960 and a Bronze in the Soling with John Kerr and Steve Calder in 1984 (the 24 year span between medals is a record).
Born in Denmark, Hans grew up sailing with his close friend and mentor, another legend, Paul Elvstrom. Just a few weeks ago, Hans reminisced how he and Paul would go to regattas and their boats would always stand out by looking so battered and scraped up. He explained it couldn't be helped, sailing through the ice every day to practice does that. These two had a determination and work ethic second to none.
Hans worked for Paul at Elvstrom Sails in Denmark until moving to Canada in 1970 with the encouragement and support of another long-time sailing friend, Paul Henderson. Hans founded the Elvstrom Sails Canada loft which he developed into one of the world's most successful sailmaking businesses, later becoming Fogh Sails and then North Sails.
Giving back to his sport has always been part of Hans' life. He found time to help everybody, no matter their age, type of boat (or what sails they had) or where they stood in the competitive order. He devoted countless hours to helping kids, coaching, mentoring and just being a great inspiration to beginners through Olympians. He loved every minute of it. Above all, his greatest source of pride and joy was his wonderful family.
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