Hans Munich, 53, was killed in a plane crash with his partner, Tanya Hutchins, in the mountains north of Juneau, Alaska on July 20, 2024.

Hans was born and raised on Orcas Island, graduating from Orcas High School in 1988. From age 17, Hans was hooked on flying. He loved the perspective it gave him. It took him away from the drudgeries, the traffic, and the people the rest of us face on a daily basis. He quickly realized his dream was to fly in Alaska. After flying around the San Juans for a few years, he began his first job as an Alaskan bush pilot, flying small planes on floats for Rust’s Flying Service in Anchorage.

His son, Tristin, was born in 1999. Hans loved being a father and helped to raise Tristin between Alaska and Anacortes, Washington. Hans greatly enjoyed sharing his love of flight and adventure spirit with his son, teaching him to fly, riding motorcycles together, taking him on traveling adventures, and so much more. Despite his dedicated and busy early working career, Hans made time to be a supportive father.

In 2006, Hans purchased his own air taxi in Yakutat, Alaska. He convinced his new partner, Tanya Hutchins, to join him. Together, they owned and operated a successful air taxi for 18 years. They offered reliable air service to local fishermen and travelers while also attracting hundreds, if not thousands, of fishermen from across the country, bringing important economic value to the Yakutat community. Hans poured his life and spirit into his work. He is respected by many for his distinct entrepreneurial drive.

Hans split his time between Alaska, Washington, and Arizona, with Tanya and their three dogs, Zoe, Ryder, and Picca. His love for his dogs was very apparent, he treated them like his children. He most enjoyed taking them for walks on the beach and snuggling them.

In his free time, Hans played just as hard as he worked. Outside of flying for work, he flew for fun by camping on the beach with his plane, flying into mountain lakes, and generally just exploring. While flying was always his first love, he recently found a passion for motorcycling.

He is known by friends as dedicated, driven, spontaneous, and adventurous. In the wake of his passing, friends from all over have shared their fond memories of Hans, his adventures, and his impact. Though he could be stubborn, particular, and straight-to-the-point, his loved ones know that this was all a part of his undeniable skills and success.

Hans was an incredibly family oriented man, making it clear that he would do anything for the wellbeing and happiness of his family. His presence will be widely missed, and his memory will be cherished.

Hans is predeceased by his father, Bill Munich. He is survived by mother Gaye Munich, son Tristin Munich, sister Heidi Munich, and nieces Sophie, Madeline, Claire, and Grace.

A memorial for Hans and Tanya will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. at the Orcas Center, 917 Mount Baker Rd, Eastsound, WA.

Gifts given in Hans’ memory could be sent to Alaska Airmen’s Association: https://alaskaairmen.org/donation-process/