Robert Roland Tennison
Bob Tennison died in his sleep on August 31 at the age of 93.
Born in Dallas, Texas on August 13, 1923, Tennison graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas in 1940. He spent the next few years in the U.S. Navy stationed in Washington D.C. He then used the G.I. Bill to attend the University of Southern California Commercial Art School.
Tennison worked for the Virginia Helmsley Studios in New York City, where he created sought-after designs in fabrics and wallpaper. He then went to work for Braniff Airlines and was the first male steward for the company. He flew to Hawaii 148 times during his years with Braniff. Later he was a representative for the Outrigger Hotels in Hawaii and finally retired after working for Air France.
Tennison and his life partner of 46 years, Allen Turnipseed, moved to Ajijic in 2000. He was the third person to buy pre-construction in El Parque fraccionamiento. Later they designed and built a home in Riberas del Pilar.
Tennison was an active participant at Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church where he volunteered in several roles. He also was a member of the Ajijic Writers Group and won top honors for his published articles in the Ojo de Lago monthly magazine.
Tennison, who always had a new joke to tell, will be remembered by his many friends for his great personality, bright clothes, love of his pets and his joy of living in Ajijic. He will be missed by all.
The date and time of a memorial service at Saint Andrew’s will be announced soon.
Hans Guenter Boentgen
Ajijic resident Hans Guenter Boentgen suffered a pulmonary embolism and died suddenly on Sunday, August 21 at the age of 66.
Boentgen was born in Frankfurt, Germany on November 28, 1949. He graduated from business school to become a licensed travel agent.
His entire career was dedicated to all facets of travel. In his early 20s, Boentgen worked as a steward for German airline Lufthansa. This provided him with the opportunity to travel the world and make many friends.
In 1978, he became the manager of the Houston, Texas branch office of DER TOURS, Germany’s official tour operator. After obtaining his green card, he continued working in the travel industry in the United States for another ten years. He met his second wife, Karla, a fellow German, while working in Houston.
In 1988, the couple returned to Germany, where Boentgen was employed at the Frankfurt airport in a variety of positions.
Hans and Karla retired in 2009 and moved to Ajijic. He was an avid walker in his first few years at lakeside until a chronic back problem made that difficult.
With his wife employed as event manager at LCS, Boentgen was often seen helping her as the bar manager. He was well known and beloved for his “mean” Palomas.
Boentgen was personable, funny and always entertaining. He will be remembered fondly for his positive approach with people.
Boentgen is survived by his wife of 30 years, Karla Boentgen; sister Sylvia Finke; son Mike Boentgen and daughter Patty Heindoerfer-Pabst.
A celebration of his life is planned for a later date.