Birth date: Oct 25, 1945 Death date: Oct 2, 2016
H. George Koenig, 70, of Hilo, HI, passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at Hale Anuenue Restorative Care Center. He was born in Hackensack, NJ on Oct. 25, 1945. He was the retired Superintendent of the NASA Infrared Telescope on Read Obituary
My great condolences to all family and friends of George. I knew him professionally as a long-term astronomer at the Infrared Telescope Facility, where I've been observing since 1982. He was always a generous, helpful, gentle person who actively tried to find solutions or work-arounds to all sort of problems. I was always glad to see him when I arrived at the summit during times he and the rest of the day crew were present. I will miss him very much.
Tui and I remember George as a wonderful friend with a great, wry sense of humor, and as an accomplished photographer. We still have, and cherish, his photographs of Tui taken when we were all Peace Corps Volunteers in Tonga. Tui and I send our heartfelt condolences to Tupou and Loni.
Zvi and Tui Weinman
Hendersonville, North Carolina
George used to stop by my house and Zvi and Tui's house in Tonga on a regular basis. We would sit around talking and drinking tea for hours at a time. I will always remember his unique sense of humor. I'm so glad I was able to see him and Tupou back in May. He found happiness in Tonga and the love of his life. Good bye old friend.
Wayne
Aloha,
I am saddened at George's passing. I was fortunate to work with George in the early days of the IRTF in the 1980s. I will always remember George as calm and cool, unflappable. Qualities needed and respected in a high stress, high altitude workplace. And his reserved sense of humor. I can't make the service today, but Ginger will be there. Malama pono.
John Hamilton
Hello Tupou and Family My most sincere condolences to you as I have learned about George's passing.
I chatted with George during numerous meetings of the Hilo United Methodist Men's Group over the last several years and met Loni on at least two occasions. I missed George's very regular attendance at the meetings during the most recent past and was aware his health was failing.
It is certainly our loss, and George will be missed. You will be remembered in my prayers. God Bless You. Jack Ninemeier
Dear Tupou,
Thinking of you and yours; you're in our thoughts and prayers.
May God's love and benevolence comfort you in this difficult time,
and always.
Aloha ke Akua, (God is love)
Me kealoha pumehana, ( Sincere Condolences)
Ed & Ayoung's daughter,
Sharon
My deepest condolences Loni and Koenig family. So sorry to hear about your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Andre T.
I was fortunate to work with George when we were visiting IRTF. I really respected him and all he did. His dedication and ability were obvious. He was always looking out for his visiting astronomers. He made me feel like part of his IRTF family and he would do anything to help. Even though I didn't see him often, I'll always remember him.
Matt Richter
We are so saddened to learn of George's passing. We often remember his humor, his willingness to lend a hand with projects (like re-wiring our run-down house), and his interesting perspective on the world. Our hearts and sincere condolences go out to you, Tupou and Loni.
Much aloha,
Dennis and Rae Lynn Biggerstaff
