Page created by: Nancy Gunderson

It is with great sadness that the family of Henry (Hank) James Eichin announces his passing on September 8, 2023. Hank was born on July 18, 1939 in Troy, NY to Anne Dougherty and Henry Eichin. He and his brother, Jerry, were raised in Lake George, NY; the perfect environment for two active boys to grow, explore, and thrive. The epitome of a scholar athlete, Hank graduated from Lake George High School in 1957 and Springfield College, MA in 1961, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. Upon graduation, he began a career in teaching and coaching, and was commissioned in the United States Air Force in 1962. A lifelong learner, he also earned a Masters Degree in Physical Education from Columbia University, NY and a Masters of Theology from Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Hales Corners, WI.

While teaching in the Albany, NY area, Hank met the lovely Carol Ann Cain of Jamesport, NY; and they married in 1962. Together they had four children, Mark, Ann, Nancy, and Gary. His military career transported the family to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he was an Assistant Professor of Physical Education and Varsity Soccer Coach at the United States Air Force Academy. While at the Academy, the family met and formed a lifelong friendship with Robert (Bob) Schaller, one of Hank’s star athletes. Upon leaving the Air Force in 1974 after nearly 12 years of service, the family relocated to Green Bay, Wisconsin where Hank was the Director of Physical Education and Varsity Soccer Coach at the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay. Hank was well ahead of the times when it came to soccer in the United States. While at the UWGB, he created a co-ed summer camp for children - including his - to learn and become great fans of the sport. In 1978, wanting to be closer to their home roots, the family returned to New York and settled in Glens Falls. There, Hank recreated himself and began a new career as a financial advisor, which culminated in him working in what is now the Glens Falls office of Morgan Stanley.

In the foothills of the Adirondacks, he and Carol supported and unconditionally loved each of their children as they all matured and began their own lives, families, and adventures. Hank and Carol were enthusiastic fans on the sidelines of the kids’ many sporting events, including of course, soccer! As a couple, they enjoyed traveling, tennis, and sailing, as well as the company of their many dear friends and the St. Mary’s Catholic Church community. Hank was also a former President of the Glens Falls Kiwanis Club, Director of the Adirondack Region Chamber of Commerce, and Trustee and Treasurer of the Crandall Library. In September 1995, however, Carol passed away following a sudden and brief illness with Leukemia. This understandably sent Hank adrift, so he retired from his career at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and ventured to Wisconsin where he began seminary studies.

God had other plans though, as Hank met and married Nancy Patten in 1999. In 2000, Hank and Nancy answered a call to serve as missioners in the Dominican Republic. Hank loved helping others. Here the couple lived amongst the people in remote campos and helped to educate them about health issues, pre and post-natal care, and food sustenance-providing programs. Toward the end of their mission, they met and fell in love with baby Maria whom they adopted. In 2003, the three returned to WI and later moved to NC. The three bonded over their profound love of animals after moving onto a large farm that had horses, sheep, goats, alpacas, and many other animals. In Durham, Hank continued to serve his community as a former President of Durham Congregations in Action, a facilitator of Just Faith, and a member of Durham CAN and Friends of St. Francis. He was also a participant in Moral Monday marches and a volunteer at Hillcrest Convalescent Center. When Parkinson’s took its toll, he moved into Hillcrest and was still affectionately known as Pastor Hank. During this time, and throughout his trials with Parkinson’s, Hank and Nancy were greatly supported by their friend Bob Schaller, now a former physician; and the family will be forever in his debt.

Collectively the entire family enjoyed many occasions to reunite. The most recent family reunion occurred in 2019 to celebrate Hank’s 80th birthday on Lake George and enjoy a day at the Saratoga Race Track, which was always a family favorite tradition.

Hank is survived by his wife, Nancy Eichin of Hillsborough, NC; his brother and sister-in law, Gerald (Jerry) and Ann Eichin of Fort Edward, NY; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Rita Cain of Jamesport, NY; his son and his wife, retired USAF Colonel Mark and Judy Eichin of Gloucester, VA; his daughter and her husband, Annie and Joe Meola of Lithia, FL; his daughter and her husband, Nancy and Richard Gunderson of Alexandria, VA; his son and his wife, Gary and Elissa Eichin of Queensbury, NY; his daughter, Maria Eichin of Hillsborough, NC; his grandchildren, Derek, Andrea, Ashleigh, Joseph, Amanda, Brittany, Nicholas, Caila, Arianna, and Luke; his great-grandchildren, Eva and Peter; and his many nephews and nieces. All of whom will miss him dearly, and fondly remember the man he was and the grace with which he faced the worst of his ailments and embraced the best that life has to offer.