On December 31. 2009 one of our biggest friends passed away.
Harald Weingartner was one of these guys who was able to make you smile in seconds.
A very straight person that helped whenever he was able to.
He was a good son who took care of his mum all the time
and he loved (and for sure still loves) Pool and every little thing around it.
We played a lot and it was fun every time.
Even when he played some Harry’s (lucky shots), and everybody knows what he said with a smile afterwards:
“I did it only because of the next position, there is no other way to play this ball”
This is how I know him and how I will remember him all the time.
Harry, you will never be forgotten.
You will live in our memories and in us.
This tribute is for you:
original shockwave flash version (Internet Explorer or Firefox with flash-player required)
http://www.markus-hofstaetter.at/harald.html
Please forward this information to everybody who knows him.
I knew Harald when he played at Amstedam Billiards on the East Side – what a friendly guy, what a loss! I feel terrible.
We were very good friends when he was in NYC. We played on the same team at Amsterdam billiards for a few seasons. He truly was a great guy who was very giving. I’m sorry we haven’t kept in touch. I will miss him.
Harald was and always will be one of my favorite people of all time. He had the biggest heart and always wore the biggest smile. He was willing to give you the shirt off his back if you needed it and was always able to make you laugh.
My fondest memories of Harald include riding on the back of his scooter, trying to teach him the words to “I Will Survive”, the look on Steve’s face when Harald explained to him why he didn’t play straightpool (b/c his high run was 8 so it made more sense to try to run 9 balls instead?), his obsession with beating Andrew Footer in the league, his disdain for his bagel yo-yo and sadly and ironically enough, the New Year’s Eve party we threw in his apartment before he left NYC.
Harald, thank you for being my friend and for being a part of my life. I cherish all the great times and memories. You will live in my heart forever.
Gina
I always liked Harald. He remained friendly and fought to stay calm even when he missed a shot. During a workshop at Amsterdam, Harald and I worked on his game. You should have seen the smile on his face when he began to improve …it was priceless.
It’s a tragic loss.
Todd
I knew Harald, which is to say I was acquainted with him during the Amsterdam Billiard Club’s Upper East Side days. I remember sharing a fun time with him and many others at his house one New Years Eve in NYC. I also remember purchasing my first cue from him, a “Steve Mizerak”, one that I still own to this day, and have decided to begin playing with again in his memory.
Thank you for the cue, Harald. We loved the same game.
Len
I have such fond memories of our time at East Side Amsterdam largely due to a number of very positive people. Harald showed up every time with a smile. His unique sense of humour and outlook on life has brought me so much joy over the years.
Thank You Harald. We are fortunate to have shared your time.