A tribute to Herr Klaus Bommers, July 15, 1939 – January 22, 2017

Mr. Bommers with Clementine KS vom Hege-Haus at the 2006 Kleemann

We met Mr. Bommers in June of 2005 at his castle in Düboslar, Germany. We were there to pick up a Hege-Haus pup (Atlanta) and had the pleasure of spending two days with Mr. Bommers, his wife Renate, daughter Rita, and son Klaus. This was the first of thirteen trips we have made to Düboslar relating to our dogs in training with Mr. Bommers but most of all to visit the Bommers and for me to spend time with Mr. Bommers in the field, forest, and at the water with the dogs.

Mr. Bommers with Atlanta KS vom Hege-Hof at the 2007 IKP

Mr. Bommers showed me so much and shared so many training secrets. It was very a special experience and I will always be grateful. What makes it even more special is the fact that Mr. Bommers spoke as much English as I do German, yet we communicated effectively and when we didn’t we would say “Rita”. When we returned to the castle Mr. Bommers’ daughter would translate for us, she speaks perfect English.

Our trips to Germany will never be the same without being able to spend time with Mr. Bommers in the fields, or our evenings around the round stone table in the courtyard drink a Klösch, or at the Dodge City Saloon, our name for the Pub in Düboslar, eating Jâger Schnitzel with Heinz Ketchup (made in Düsseldorf).

Mr. Bommers with Atlanta KS vom Hege-Hof at the 2007 IKP Show Search

From 1988 to 2014 Mr. Bommers led at least twenty-three dogs to the Kleemann. During his training career it is collated that he made forty plus VGP dogs.

Below are some pictures of Mr. Bommers and the five KS dogs he led for us. Additionally, he led two IKP dogs and five VGP dogs for us. Mr. Bommers won the prestigious search at the Rheinland VGP with three of our dogs.

Mr. Bommers receiving the Claus Kiefer Award for the top dog (Atlanta KS vom Hege-Hof) at the 2007 IKP
(L to R) Frank, Mrs. Bommers, Marianne, and Mr. Bommers holding the Claus Kiefer Award with Atlanta KS vom Hege-Hof In Düboslar.
Mr. Bommers and Frank with Atlanta KS vom Hege-Hof During a pheasant hunt in Düboslar in 2008
Marianne, Frank and Mr. Bommers atop the Space Needle in Seattle, WA during his 2009 visit to Walla Walla, WA USA
Rita and Mr. Bommers getting ready for a pheasant hunt during their 2009 visit to Walla Walla, WA USA
Mr. Bommers and Rita at a Washington State University Football game during their 2009 visit
(L to R) Marianne, Rob Engleking, and Mr. Bommers with Bessi KS vom Trocken Bach and Dakota KS vom Trocken Bach at the 2012 Kleemann
Mr. Bommers, Mrs. Bommers, Rita Bommers, and Willy van Damme at the 2012 Kleemann. Marianne and Peter Eppel are in the background.
Mr. Hofstetter and Mr. Bommers receive their awards at the 2014 Kleemann for Indy KS vom Trocken Bach and Graci KS vom Trocken Bach
Mr. Bommers with Graci KS vom Trocken Bach at the 2014 Kleemann

Herr Bommers was a great man and a very special friend.When I am with the dogs Mr. Bommers will always be with me,in my mind, giving me guidance, and correcting mewith that booming voice when I error.The John Wayne of the DKV has passed but his memory will live on.