IN MEMORIAM:
PROF. DR. ANDREAS HOEFT
It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that on November 24th 2020 our much respected and admired founder Prof. Dr. Andreas Hoeft has passed away at the age of 66 after a short illness. He will be greatly missed.
Andreas Hoeft devoted his professional life to medicine. For 25 years he was the Chair of the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care at the University of Bonn, Germany and one of the active leaders in the European Society of Anaesthesiology. Known for his energetic, strong and determined character, he acquired the nickname „ Grizzly “. To his friends and colleagues „Grizzly" was an inspiring personality with a never-ending enthusiasm for his profession, but also for life in general.
Outside of medicine „Grizzly“ had a passion for music and especially Jazz music. As a student he played in a jazz band. And he always loved to share his passion: Inviting friends and family along to jazz concerts or even organizing concerts himself, compiling and sharing playlists or drawing attention to new artists. Whenever possible, he talked to the musicians to learn more about their story, music, ideas and inspiration. Naturally, the many constraints young jazz musicians face, be it financially or otherwise, bothered him. With his retirement, he decided that he wanted to give back to those, whose music he had enjoyed all his life. This is how the "Grizzly Foundation“ came to life. Supporting young jazz talents in order to help them define their profile and successfully enter life as a professional musician is the main object of the Grizzly Foundation. It is extremely sad that Andreas had so little time left to implement his ideas. We will miss his charismatic inspiration and energy, but we will work hard to realize his vision.