UPDATE: The funeral service for Harold will be held at Cherng Talay Temple (see map below) from Friday through Sunday (Jan 19-21), starting at 5pm each evening.
Religious prayers will be held each night, starting at 7pm. His cremation will be held at the temple at midday on Monday (Jan 22).
“With great sadness, I have to let you all know that Harold has unexpectedly passed away yesterday,” Harold’s wife, Khun Yen, announced through a post on Facebook on Saturday (Jan 13).
“He was such a kind and lovely man and will be so very much missed. Harold had been my soulmate, best friend and everything to me. The thought of life without him is, although unbearable, I am very fortunate to have shared the last 30 wonderful years with him.
“Indeed I have lost his physical presence, but he will stay forever in my heart. The memories which you all have been part of at some time in our years past will help me through this difficult time. And Harold’s beloved Tatonka, with our strong team behind it, will continue as he always wished it to be,” Khun Yen wrote.
“Thank you all for your unwavering support then and now, and all your encouraging messages. I receive them all with much appreciation.
“There will be a funeral for him when all formality is cleared. Once the arrangement is fixed, I will let you know on this page,” Khun Yen concluded.
Harold, originally from Lenggries, Germany, made Phuket his home in the 1990s. He opened Tatonka in October 1996, with the restaurant celebrating 27 years in October last year.
Over the decades Harold made Tatonka more of an institution, and his friendly personality saw him much loved by people near and far, with many people making sure they stopped by to visit him when they could, regardless of whether they lived on the island or were travelling from abroad.
The announcement of Harold’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences online.
“Harold was such a talented chef with a gentle soul, full of compassion. We are so grateful that his legacy will live on, through Tatonka and your wonderful team. Sending hugs and prayers to you all,” wrote Chantal Fernandes.
“No words can express the shock and sadness so many of us feel for the loss of such a wonderful man. The loss you have, is far beyond ours. Sending you the deepest condolences,” wrote Sue Ultmann, well known for her community work.
“Such sad news...Please accept my deepest heartfelt condolences Khun Yen. Harold was loved and respected by so many of us expats. Phuket and the world has lost a wonderful, warm and kind human being and friend…,” wrote Fred R. Muenger, President at Swiss Society Phuket.
“So sorry for your loss a great man with a wonderful character and heart he will be missed by all of us,” wrote Gordon Fernandes, General Manager and co-Founder of Asia Pacific Superyachts.
Well known local writer Bruce Stanley wrote, “Such a shock. A true pillar of the expat community. He made such a success of his concept of globetrotter cuisine. Seems impossible for him to have left us. Much healing energy sent to you, Khun Yen.”
“I’m finding it really hard to put into words, but it goes without saying we’ve lost a remarkable person from our community,” added former long-term Phuket expat Natasha Eldred of ShinePR.