WHITE STONE—Hein Zenker, born in Germany on February 10, 1930, emigrated to Canada in the early 1950s.
Because of his great desire to “Sail the Seven Seas,” he built his first sailboat. It was only 21 feet long, and in 1962, with his wife, Siggi, he ventured out to sail around the world. This adventure lasted almost four years. Voyages to Europe and the Caribbean followed.
Along the way Hein and Siggi formed many lifelong friendships. They arrived in White Stone and liked the area so much that they decided to stay. Hein got busy building a bigger sailboat, a 40-foot cutter. Many years of sailing adventures followed, but they always returned to the Northern Neck and White Stone.
He built their first home here which they enjoyed for many happy years until Hein lost his Siggi two years ago. He missed her every minute of every day. After a short and very difficult illness, Hein passed away on October 22, 2019.
He is survived by his daughter, Margitta; son-in-law, Edgar Meyer; grandson, Sascha, and his wife, Christine; and great-granddaughters, Saskia and Ilka, who all live in Germany.
Hein will be missed by so many.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. November 10, at the Rappahannock River Yacht Club in Irvington, where Hein and Siggi were lifelong honorary members.
Hein and Siggi’s adventures are detailed in their book, WEST, Sail West Man.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.