On the 2nd of November, 2009, our Reception Manager Mr. Klaus Lechner unexpectedly passed away.
With his impressive professional competence and humane leadership qualities, he has been one of the pioneers of Hotel Austria’s new core initiative during the last five years. Our goal would not have been attained without him.
Everyone who has gotten to know Klaus personally has been immediately touched by his likeable openness. He has created an unforgettably personal atmosphere everyday for our guests with extraordinary attentiveness, unbelievable proficiency in foreign languages, and empathic patience. He was not only an indefatigable coach to his reception team but was also, most of all, a true friend.
As Klaus Lechner passes on, all of us lose a man with a big heart.
All of us will never forget Klaus Lechner.
The Entire Hotel Austria Staff
In the summer of 2004, Klaus Lechner covered and conquered “Jakobsweg” (Jacob’s Way) – all 700 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela – by foot!
Perhaps he would then ask of us to simply “close our eyes”…
Mourn me not with apparel of black,
But dress in colour and rejoice with me;
Talk not of my departure with sighs in your hearts;
Close your eyes and you will see me with you forevermore.
Place me upon clusters of leaves
And carry me upon your friendly shoulders
And walk slowly to the deserted forest.
Khalil Gibran
Excerpt from A Tear and A Smile: The Beauty of Death (Part Three – The Remains)
