Hans Aigner Passes
As we were eating breakfast this morning at our hotel in Austria, we received the sad news that Hans Aigner had died in the night. Hans had come to visit all of us at diner on Thursday evening, and I had an opportunity to sit with my old friend for about half an hour and talk about fishing, his cancer, and life in general. He was upbeat, and we had a great time visiting and reminiscing about out times together on the river. I am so glad that he was able to see so many of his friends, and have a chance to talk and have a meal with all of us.
Hans was one of two protégées of the late Hans Gebetsroither, the famous Austrian guide on the Gmunder Traun who developed the Elliptical Casting Stroke. Roman Mosier is the other protégée, and life long friend of Hans Aigner. Hans and Roman both taught fly fishing schools under the leadership of Hans Gebetsroither, and Roman continues that tradition. Hans Aigner taught and influenced many fly fishers in the European community, and he will be sorely missed by all who knew this cheerful and forthright man. I certainly shall.
Hans Aigner. Although I first met Hans in person in March of 2013 at the EFW Fly Fishing Show in Munich, I knew of him through the fly fishing community. When we met it was if two old, life-long friends were meeting after many years of absence. There was an instant bonding, and we enjoyed many great hours together, fishing, talking of his history with Hans Gebetsroither, visiting the hotel where Gebestroither met his clients, seeing all the famous places on the Traun, talking about other rivers in the area, and so much more. His friendship will always be a bright memory for me. Goodbye my friend.