I got to shake the hand that shook the hand of John Wayne himself.
Hank Hornsveld is one of my life’s most interesting men. Hard-working, personable and a great life story to tell. Hank will be 90 years old on Dec. 31.
Hank came to this area from Holland in 1957, and soon after met Mr. McVey, owner of La Cave and High Times Liquor. From there, Hank was introduced to Trip Electric. Trip gave Hank two days work, as a test. When Hank finished after one day, he was hired.
Everybody knew Trip from his working in expensive homes. Soon Hank was introduced to several notable folks like Andy Devine and Jane Russell.
When Trip went off to build new Ford Dealerships, Trip gave Hank the shop. McVey took Hank to a bank on Coast Highway and put $40,000 in an account, with instructions that if he needed more to just call. Hank was handed the keys, and never did need to utilize that working capital.
Hank met John Wayne through mutual friends and was performing electrical jobs for the Wayne family when “The Duke” asked Hank to work on what is now the Wild Goose, a World War II Navy minesweeper that Wayne converted into his yacht. In 1965, Hank converted the boat’s electric from AC to DC.
One day, Hank was below decks in the machine room, working on some electrical upgrades when he heard the engines start. By the time Hank came up for air, the Wild Goose had already loaded up on fuel and was in the blue water.
“Hank, you’re a good Captain,” says John Wayne, “take us to Mazatlan.” So, to Mazatlan they went.
I can just hear John Wayne’s voice, from “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” saying “Well, hey there, Pilgrim, how about me and you take a little ride.”
John Wayne always treated Hank like family. His truck was returned to home and his family was checked on daily. About a week later, a movie studio flew a plane down for business and Hank hopped a ride back home.
Every Christmas, Hank’s family awaited an arrival. With anticipation on the level of Santa himself, John Wayne’s company, Batjac Productions, would send a large basket to facilitate holiday festivities. A favorite was the bottle of liquor in the shape of a turkey.
Hank’s work took him to many local projects. Hank worked with Phil Tozer on the Balboa Pavilion, introducing magnificent exterior lights. There were many Big Canyon jobs and also some work for John Wayne’s wife, Pilar.
In a sustainable project with ingenuity, Hank and some buddies with a love of model trains formed Orange County Model Engineers. They figured out how to get land donated at Fairview Park. Then Hank called a buddy with a bulldozer, and with a case of beer, they graded the area. Hank knew of another project with leftover lumber. In a ReUse project, the group utilized those assets to build what is now called Hank’s bridge. Hank still has one Model Steam Engine he built, mostly in his garage.
(Note: anyone that likes to tinker would have major garage envy. Hank has an awesome set of tools, he can fix anything.)
Hank Hornsveld was recently nominated by Newport-Mesa service clubs and inducted into the Community & Clubs Hall of Fame for his work with the Newport Harbor Lions Club. If you have ever been to the Lions Club Fish Fry, you have Hank to thank for hooking up the electrical power that is needed for the carnival, food booths and main stage. Makes one stop and think about how we each can contribute to our community.
Last but not least, there is a book called “Flory.” The book outlines the role the Hornsveld family played in helping Jews in his native Holland escape from the Nazis.
How is it that talent attracts talent? Hank invested in our neighborhood. He poured his talent, passions and relationships into the fabric of our community. Is Hank a model for a sustainable life, or what?
I look forward to celebrating Hank’s 90th. Hank with his Jagermeister, me with my Irish Whiskey.
Send summer green thoughts to JimFitzEco@gmail.com
