Memorializing Generosity: Honoring Franklin Weber's Legacy on the Big Island

Saying goodbye to a shining star in our community is never easy, especially when it's someone like Franz Weber who gave so selflessly and touched so many lives. This remarkable man, who recently passed away due to cycling accident injuries, was a beacon of kindness and a driving force behind numerous events and initiatives on the Big Island.

I had the privilege of calling Franz a friend for over two decades. He was the kind of person who made the impossible seem possible, always there to lend a hand, and whose quiet, humble leadership shaped our community in profound ways. Franz was a constant positive influence across the island, whether he was volunteering at races, supporting athletes, or dedicating his time to various non-profit organizations.

Franz's passion for our community didn't seek recognition; it was his calling. He once shared in an interview that his gratitude for the blessings in his life led him to share what he had with those in need. Franz's commitment to improving the lives of children, particularly those in foster care, at-risk youth, victims of abuse, and individuals with disabilities, was unwavering.

Franz was born in Munich, Germany, and found his new home in Kona, where he fell in love with the Hawaiian Ironman World Championships and triathlon community. Although he never raced an Ironman himself, his dedication to the sport never faltered, earning him recognition as the event's Information and Outreach director for nearly three decades.

Franz was more than just a cyclist; he wore many hats in our community. He was the president of organizations like the Hawaii Cycling Club, PATH (People for Active Transportation Hawaii), Full Life, VASH (Visitors Aloha Society of Hawaii), Kids Matter – Friends of the Children's Justice Center of West Hawaii, and served on the boards of the Kona Crime Prevention Committee and Kiwanis Club of Kailua-Kona. He also provided mentorship to those involved with substance abuse and the criminal justice system through Bridge House Hawaii and Going Home Hawaii, for which he was awarded the Peacebuilder of the Year award.

In 2020, Franz founded Paying it Forward, a non-profit organization with a mission to make a difference by providing a platform for fundraising for those in need. His efforts touched countless lives, ensuring foster children had the resources they needed to thrive during the pandemic, providing essential items to lower-income families, and even organizing repairs for hundreds of bicycles.

Behind every small act of kindness was Franz, humbly making life better for the next generation. Franz once said, "If you give people a chance to do good, almost everyone will." His legacy continues to inspire us to carry on with heart, purpose, and a commitment to helping others.

Franz's wife, Joanna, shared two quotes that encapsulated Franz's philosophy on life: "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."

Subscribe for $10/month | Login | Register | activate

Enrichment Data:Franz Weber's contributions to the Big Island community extended beyond organized sports, as he was a dedicated member of Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO)’s Community Wildfire Ambassador program. Through HWMO, Franz participated in initiatives aimed at protecting Hawaiian Island communities from wildfire risks, a critical concern due to the region's vulnerability to fires[1][3]. While HWMO's work does not directly relate to organized sports, Franz's efforts embodied community stewardship through environmental protection.

No information from the provided sources link Franz Weber to specific sports community contributions on the Big Island beyond his involvement with the Hawaii Ironman World Championships.

Key points:- Non-profit work: Actively engaged in wildfire prevention and education through HWMO's outreach programs[1].- Volunteer efforts: Demonstrated commitment to community safety and environmental resilience[1][3].

The community is deeply saddened by the loss of Franz Weber, a notable figure who selflessly gave to many lives and initiatives.
In addition to his work with organized sports, particularly the Hawaii Ironman World Championships, Franz was also actively involved in the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization's Community Wildfire Ambassador program.
Franz's community work did not stop at sports; he was a volunteer and dedicated member committed to wildfire prevention and education.
His contributions extended to various non-profit organizations, including but not limited to, PATH, Full Life, VASH, Kids Matter, Kona Crime Prevention Committee, and Kiwanis Club of Kailua-Kona, where he worked tirelessly for the welfare of children, at-risk youth, victims of abuse, and individuals with disabilities.
During the pandemic, Franz’s non-profit organization, Paying it Forward, made a significant impact by raising funds for those in need, ensuring foster children had resources, providing essential items to lower-income families, and repairing hundreds of bicycles.
Amidst the grief, the community reflects on Franz Weber's life and feels ready to continue his mission of prevention, stewardship, and helping others as part of their lifestyle, guided by his wisdom, "If you give people a chance to do good, almost everyone will."