Honoring a Legacy: Recognizing the Impact of Franz Weber on the Big Island

Bidin' farewell to a champion who illuminated our Big Island community for years, a selfless soul who gave generously and tirelessly, and whose impact touched countless lives.

Franz Weber, a beloved figure in our community, left us on April 17 following a cycling accident at the age of 71. I've had the pleasure of knowing him for over two decades, not only through the community events he brought to life, but as a truly loyal friend. He was the guy who made everything seem achievable regardless of the hurdles, always ready to lend a hand, and whose profound, unassuming leadership molded so much of our community's essence.

Weber was an irrepressible force of good all over the island. You could find him on any racecourse as a marshal, behind the scenes as a volunteer, and dedicated beyond any finish line. His smile was constant, and he never demanded anything in return. His love for our sports and non-profit community, particularly those improving the lives of children at risk, victims of abuse, children in foster care, and those with disabilities, wasn't about recognition. It was his calling, plain and simple.

Reflecting on his blessings, he once shared, "I felt that I was really fortunate and had everything I needed - financially, personally, lifestyle, happiness - pretty much living a life where I had everything I required. So, I thought it was important to share, whether it was knowledge or a feeling of goodwill, or providing any resources to those in need."

Born in Munich, Germany, in 1953, Weber married the love of his life, Joanna, in 1977 after bonding in Lincoln, Nebraska, two years earlier during their shared vacation. In a phone conversation on Tuesday, his wife spoke of their profound bond. "Our relationship was intense and never wavered from empathy to empathy, we were deeply centered and knew each other's emotions without even having to express them. We shared an unwavering core that could not be shaken."

Joanna described Weber as humble, eternally positive, and always ready to help those in need. "He championed the downtrodden and made it his life's mission to aid those in need. He never brooded on the problem; instead, he always felt there was a solution. He was multitalented with a multifaceted intellectual perspective. So, he didn't just think in intellectual terms, he could connect everything and do it all simultaneously."

The couple relocated to Kona in 1992, and encountering his first Hawaii Ironman World Championships spurred his triathlon passion. Though he never competed in a full Ironman, his commitment never waned, leading him to become the event's Information and Outreach director. For three decades, he was integral to it all: volunteering, supporting athletes, and participating year after year with the same passion as if it were his first. With the triathlon community, Weber became an adored presence, the kind of individual who didn't need a crossing line to demonstrate his dedication, which earned him Ironman's prestigious Malama Award in 2017.

Alongside the Ironman, Weber contributed to numerous Lavaman Waikoloa Triathlon races, Ironman Hawaii 70.3, all Hawaii Cycling Club events, PATH races, and the Jingle Bell Beach Run, receiving the event's Special Recognition Award for his exceptional communal service.

An avid cyclist, Weber held leadership positions in various island clubs and organizations, including the Hawaii Cycling Club, PATH (People for Active Transportation Hawaii), Full Life, VASH (Visitors Aloha Society of Hawaii), and Kids Matter - Friends of the Children's Justice Center of West Hawaii. He served as a board member for the Kona Crime Prevention Committee and the Kiwanis Club of Kailua-Kona, offering guidance to those managing substance abuse and the criminal justice system through Bridge House Hawaii and Going Home Hawaii. Weber was awarded the West Hawaii Mediation Center's Peacebuilder of the Year award in December 2024.

Retiring as operations manager for the Hawaii division of United Natural Foods after thirty years, Weber launched Paying It Forward, a non-profit aimed at making a difference by providing a platform to help raise funds for those in need. His aim was to help without the red tape or complex rules, stepping in whenever a child or family needed assistance without question.

Spreading the word about his philanthropic work, donations poured in. True to form, Weber ensured every dollar was utilized effectively, always with the children in mind. He arranged for Chrome Books for foster kids during the toughest COVID-19 days, new athletic shoes for students, bicycle repairs and helmets, health food, and toiletry items for the Kahaluu Housing Program, and holiday gifts for numerous households. Behind every moment that brought smiles to children's faces was Weber, silently and humbly enhancing life for the next generation.

"We're a wonderful community and people are, on the whole, decent humans," Weber once shared. "Provide them with the opportunity to do good, and most will. I feel so blessed to be able to share my blessings a little bit at a time, and I know many others who feel the same."

Weber leaves a legacy that cannot be measured in miles or medals but in experiences - thousands of them - when someone needed help, and he was there. The path ahead for the rest of us is clear: continue in Weber's spirit - with heart, purpose, and others in mind. A late summer Celebration of Life will be held.

Joanna shared two quotes that embodied Weber's thoughts: "It's not the length of your life that's important, but what you have been able to do for others." and "When you leave life, it should have become more meaningful than when you came."

The community was saddened by the loss of Franz Weber, a beacon who left an indelible impact through selfless acts and tireless service.
Weber's involvement in community events was not just about shining in the spotlight but serving those in need, particularly children at risk, abuse victims, foster care children, and those with disabilities.
As a champion of the downtrodden, Weber believed in always finding solutions rather than brooding on problems, and his heart was always ready to help.
In his dedication to sports, Weber contributed to various events such as the Ironman World Championships, Lavaman Waikoloa Triathlon races, and PATH races, earning prestigious recognitions.
Apart from sports, Weber was active in crime prevention, substance abuse management, and the criminal justice system, serving on boards like the Kona Crime Prevention Committee and Kiwanis Club of Kailua-Kona.
In his final years, Weber established Paying It Forward, a non-profit aimed at preventing red tape and efficiently providing aid to those in need, reflecting his belief in the inherent goodness of people and the importance of sharing blessings.