Co-founder of Rotary Club Bratislava Danube, entrepreneur, mentor, and a man who showed throughout his life that service to others is not a duty but a natural part of life.

When we say Rotary, most of us think of service, friendship and integrity. Heinrich Wolfgang Ludwig von Hollen did not just profess these values – he lived them every day.

He was an active Rotarian from 1982. He was among the co-founders of Rotary Club Neubrandenburg in Germany and later of Rotary Club Bratislava Danube. From the very beginning he was one of the personalities who shaped the character of our club.

He was not a man who sought attention or public recognition. He much preferred to create opportunities for others, bring people together and support new ideas. Many members remember his hospitality, his willingness to give advice and his ability to find solutions even in difficult situations.

He enthusiastically supported international cooperation between clubs and worked for many years to connect Rotarians regardless of nationality, age or profession. It is thanks to people like Heinrich that Rotary becomes what it is meant to be – a community of friends united by service to others.

His life journey was varied and inspiring. Born in Berlin in 1936, he served in the German armed forces, including NATO structures, worked as a consultant in the automotive industry and later co-founded the company HOLLEN. Whatever role life gave him, he always stayed true to his values: honesty, discipline, respect and service to others.

In the company he was a natural leader who put people first. He knew how to motivate, support and inspire. Many colleagues and friends remember him as a man who always kept his word.

History was Heinrich's great passion. He was particularly fascinated by the history of the world wars, to which he devoted much of his free time. He was exceptionally well read and loved sharing his knowledge. He loved model-making, built historic ships and created an extensive model railway at home. His interest in history and technology was later reflected in the HOLLEN Oldtimer project, through which he helped preserve technical heritage for future generations.

Even at an advanced age he remained active, curious and full of energy. He did sport, rode his bicycle and never stopped taking an interest in the world around him.

"Heinrich never tried to persuade us with long speeches. He led by example. When help was needed, he was among the first. When someone needed support, he found the time. And when he gave his word, you knew it held. That is the Heinrich I will remember."
– a member of RC Bratislava Danube

In July 2026 his life's journey came to an end. But the legacy he left remains with us – in the friendships he built, in the people he helped, in the club he helped to found, and in the values he upheld by his own example throughout his life.

We will remember Heinrich as a man who truly lived the Rotary motto:
Service Above Self.