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This page is a memorial for our school founder, Hans Eide. Hans was full of life and love for the children of Cambodia, and we hope you’ll help us keep his legacy alive by continuing to support the school that meant so much to him.

 

Hans Eide was born July 6, 1934 in Sand, Norway, and passed away March 28, 2016 after a brief illness in Redwood City, California, surrounded by family. Hans leaves behind his daughters Karin Eide and Kristin Eide, his granddaughter Kristina Eide, his sisters Kristin (Arne) Risa and Frida Dahlberg and many relations in Rogaland, Norway. His is predeceased by his parents, Erling and Aslaug Eide.

 

Hans left Norway when he was 20 after receiving sponsorship from his Uncle Harald Iverson to come and work for Harald as a bookkeeper. When he arrived in California, he was immediately drafted into the U.S. Army where he spent a few years stationed at many different posts/cities, both in the U.S. and abroad. When he was stationed in El Paso, TX, he met his future wife, Alicia Acosta.

 

Hans and Alicia relocated to Alameda, California where their daughters, Karin and (Cynthia) Kristin were born.

 

He worked for many years at Kliklok as a sales manager which took him all over the world. After he quit Kliklok, he purchased the franchise Personnel Pool. He worked long and hard, built it up, then sold it to the parent company, securing a small fortune. After that he purchased Apple Health Foods and worked that business into a very profitable entity.

 

Hans was a true entrepreneur, a successful businessman in every way until the very end. He was a thoughtful son, brother, uncle, nephew and the most amazing father and grandpa. His many strong friendships endured time and distance. His love, laughter and generosity survive him. He leaves us with so many memories and is missed immensely.

 

Anyone who knew Hans, knew about his PASSION for the San Francisco 49ers and the Giants! He figured out how to record the games and watch them in Thailand… but he was known to get up at 4 a.m. so he could watch them live. He didn't want to hear the score from anyone else! Hans was also a heck of a poker player, dancer and possessed an amazing singing voice…all characteristics that awed everyone who encountered him.

 

Hans was a member of several Rotary Clubs, notably the Rotary Club of San Mateo, where he also served as a past President. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin in Thailand, and spent many, many hours speaking at Rotary Clubs around the world in support of the Cambodia Academy at Mongkol Borei which he founded in 2004. In his 70s he decided to move to Thailand and formed many new friendships. This close proximity to Cambodia also allowed him to travel to his school by taxi. He was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and most of all he was a Rotarian who at all times put "service above self.”

 

His humorous nature and readiness to help the less fortunate will always live in the legacy he left behind: The Cambodia Academy, a school for the poorest of the poor children in rural Mongkol Borei, Cambodia. With unbelievable persistence, Hans created a phenomenal educational lifeline for hundreds of children and their families that grew to provide meals, an art program, and most recently, eye screenings.

 

In lieu of flowers, we hope you will consider making a donation to the school to continue the legacy of love that Hans created.

 

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