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Christian Andreas Gleichmann
April 7, 1942 - June 18, 2010

Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, Jun 30, 2010 - 11:53:00 am PDT

Christian Andreas Gleichmann

April 7, 1942 – June 18, 2010

Family and friends mourn the loss of Christian Andreas Gleichmann, a 32-year resident of Half Moon Bay, who died from complications of an 11-year battle with lymphoma cancer on June 18, 2010, surrounded by his wife of 40 years, Sandra, and daughter Karin and son Kurt. He was 68 years old. He is survived by his mother-in-law, his brother-in-law, 3 sisters-in-law, 7 nieces, 6 nephews, 2 great-nieces and 5 great- nephews. In addition, cousins Martin and Angelica Gleichmann, Helga Gleichmann, and Christine Bick carry on the family in Germany.

Born in Germany during World War II to Walter Gleichmann and Christine Lipp Gleichmann, Chris came to the U.S. in 1965 followed quickly with induction into the U.S. Army for two years. Geography, history, and languages were always favorite subjects in school, which led to employment in the U.S. transportation industry as an air freight forwarder. Cupid was soon on the scene and a friendship with his future mother-in-law led to an August 1, 1970 wedding with his bride, Sandra Brondstetter. Ambition fueled the return to school as Chris pursued a college degree first at El Camino Community College in Torrance, Calif., followed by a bachelor’s degree in international business from CSU, Long Beach, in 1978. Better jobs followed as supervisor and manager at Fluor Engineering and Construction Co., Ford Aerospace, Varian Medical Systems, Everex Computers, Altera Corp. and Space Systems Loral. Work was a defining element of his life and he was highly valued by his associates as an intelligent, honest, prompt and humorous colleague. No matter what the topic or the urgency of the transaction, a good joke was never far from Chris’ lips. He was known as a gentleman, consummate friend and master of his craft.

Music filled an important place in Chris’ life with an intense passion for Dixieland Jazz and Swing or Big Band music. His hero was America’s Goodwill Ambassador, Louie Armstrong. The British sensation called the Beatles won him over as well. Soon the U.S. phenomena called “Rock ‘n’ Roll” filled his record collection, which accompanied him on his journey to the country of origin, the USA. As he matured, Chris developed an interest in the clarinet, which he played for many years with local musicians in the area. He played with the Half Moon Bay Community Orchestra, the College of San Mateo Symphony Band, the California Pops Symphony Band, the Half Moon Bay Fourth of July Band, the Los Altos Old Town Band and the German polka band he started, the Half Moon Bay Alpine Band. Chris had a special friend for many years, his elegant Alaskan Malamute, Tuki. Local residents often saw them out on their dog cart trotting up and down Highway 1 or the Coastal Trail.

A Memorial Service will take place at the Miller-Dutra Coastside Chapel at 645 Kelly Ave. in Half Moon Bay on Friday, July 2, at 11 a.m., followed immediately by a Celebration of Life party at the family residence at 413 St. John Ave. in Half Moon Bay.

Donations of flowers or donations to the family will be accepted. Those wishing to donate to medical research for lymphoma should contact the Silicone Valley Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at 675 N. First Street, Suite 1100, San Jose, CA 95112, (408) 490-2666.

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