Send us your remembrance about Hank, and we will share it below.
From Mamu and Gramps Kochoff
Those we love never go away, they walk beside us, unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. Rest in peace dearest grandson.
From Sasha Rondell, Mom of Danner, Hank’s Friend
My son, Danner, and Hank met in Kindergarten at PDMSS and became fast friends. They were very similar little boys and got each other. Hank has been at every school with Danner including Santa Barbara. He was present to most big events in Danner’s life. He was an incredible true friend to Danner and always gave me a great hug when I saw him. Any large group photos at school, birthday parties or the play they did, Hank and Danner were always side by side. We will miss you so much Hank, you are forever in our hearts, souls and minds. We love you.
From Josie Jennings
Hank was the most honest, loyal, loving man that I have ever known. The connection we shared was totally unique and turned my life upside-down, in the best way possible. We met through Visions last year, and I believe that we were placed in each other’s lives for a reason. It wasn’t a coincidence that I approached him first that day on the front lawn of Visions EC Housing, and that six months later we were in love, and that six months after that we were slowly rebuilding our connection and supporting each other in building a life that we hoped to one day share again. When I left Los Angeles to get sober, he stood with me and loved me and it kept me alive. He believed that everybody deserved a second chance. Hank’s love is still all around me as I continue to experience the full depth of this life that has been given to me. I will not run from this pain, nor will I bury myself in it. I will experience it knowing that your love is protecting me and guiding me onwards. I cherish every second I spent with you, and I hold you close in my heart. Until we meet again, when I can rest my head on your shoulder and look into your bright eyes, I will continue to live with passion and purpose as you taught me so well.
From Suzanne Gelbart, Hank’s Friend
From Sinan Taylan, Hank’s Friend
Hank was my first friend in the Point Dume Club. Skating together in middle school quickly turned into cracking jokes to get us through our closing shifts at Chipotle as we got older. I’m forever grateful to be able to call him a friend and I’ll never forget the memories we shared throughout the years. Love you Hank.
The picture was from a funny scene in a Film Studies project we shot together some years back, where Hank and I were being chased by a ‘mad killer’.
From Nico Miller, Hank’s Lifelong Friend
My life forever changed the day you moved in the point dume club. I would give anything to go back to the days of us skating down to R quick stop and then coming home to ding dong ditch and fart bomb our neighbors. Nothing beat the feeling we had while we uncontrollably laughed and watched one explode right as they opened the door. Although I didn’t see you as much the past couple years, you were always like a brother. I knew that you were one of the few friends I could always trust with anything, and I appreciated you so much for that. You were one of a kind and I valued our friendship more than you knew. I love you Hank.
From David Budnick, Hank’s Friend & Riding Buddy
Hank was an amazing friend, whenever we were together the world felt like a movie in which we were the stars. I'll cherish that feeling forever. The generosity and kindness Hank spread were second to none, I’m so lucky and blessed to have gotten to experience it. Hank was a beautiful soul that has touched us all. I love you. Everyone loves you Hank. Ride in paradise my friend.
From Mario Romano, Hank’s Uncle
Hank, I'm crying inside. Too much to feel at one time. You are my nephew. You are my family. A part of me is gone, a part is now enteral. Come back, Come back wherever you are. Can't we undo just a few moments. There is a hole in my heart, yet somehow I feel this ray of light bursting through, it's my love for you. Shine on Hank. Your memory will always be.
From Jon Philiposian, Hank’s Friend & Riding Buddy
Hank always had a smile on his face and always had good energy radiating when he’d be around people. Hank was a light in the lives of many constantly bringing a good attitude to the table which made him stand out from others. He was always passionate about everything he did from his work, riding bikes to his social media, he always wanted to push for that extra step, regardless of the challenge. He’d always want nothing but to spend time with the people he cared about.
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From Sasha Tarnopolsky, Hank’s Friend
Hank and my daughter Josie met at a Visions alumni ski trip. They became close. My daughter’s wellness was not solid and she had to re-enter treatment in another state and Hank texted me to checkin on Josie periodically. I just re-read those exchanges and I am blown away by his kind and helpful words. He was truly meant to help others, to care about what people say and how they feel. His advice was gentle and from the heart. I bumped into him recently at Saddle Peak and Stunt, he was with some buddies, on their bikes. His smile was the first thing I recognized, and then came his positivity and ability to connect. He told us about his job at Visions and how he loved it. His many wonderful qualities will be missed. I am touched by the memories printed here, he was loved.
From Griffin Churchill, Hank’s Friend & Riding Buddy
What I remember and will always remember about Hank was his love and passion for anything he desired. His contagious smile and even more contagious laugh. His goofy and spontaneous personality as well. I never really knew his middle name was Aloysius, but when doing a little research I found out that St. Aloysius was noted for his asceticism and quickly volunteered to care for the sick and dying at a Jesuit hospital when plague broke out in Rome. Specifically the young. And thats what Hank did, he gave his love and care to young kids who were battling the the same battle he did, and wanted to see the best come out in everyone despite what they were going through. I will always remember him through the good times we had, because we never had bad times... besides getting in trouble by our parents together. Sorry Kristina and Justin.
I love ya buddy.
From Leo Alexander, Hank’s Lifelong Friend
The memories most far back in my brain are with Hank in the Point Dume Club. Whether we were bombing hills on our Penny boards in the rain or going to get sushi at pavilions, Hank was such a good person to have around. He was such a great friend to me and so many others and never failed to put a smile on the faces of those around him. Spanky will be dearly missed and forever remembered.
From Maria Flora Smoller “Monkey”, Family Friend
Some pictures of Hank and Quinten from when they visited me in London.
Much love,
Maria Flora Smoller, “Monkey”
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From Colin Murphy, Hank’s Friend
Colin took these images of Hank last week around the 7th or 8th and he asked that we share them on the website. Colin and Hank were both really looking forward to getting them developed and Hank would be so stoked on the way they turned out.
Colin
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From The Kline Family
We will cherish the friendship Hank gave to our sons over the years. You are all in our prayers.
With love,
The Kline Family
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From Mom and Dad
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From Anya Romano, Hank’s Aunt
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From William Thonson, Hank’s Friend
Hank has been a continuous inspiration for me throughout my long battle with sobriety. He was a loving person who never failed to put a smile on everyone’s face in the room. His impact on me, the rest of his friends, family, and anybody he ever crossed paths with will always be missed and never forgotten.
From Quinten Smoller, Hank’s friend
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From Anya Romano, Hank’s Aunt
Hank was pure joy. The best kid. Every picture I have he’s broadly smiling. He had such a zest for life. He was cool. He was gorgeous. He was funny. He was light. He will be deeply missed and beautifully remembered. Godspeed Hanky