Hans Peter Solle

Hans-Peter Solle, 74, of Kentfield, California died peacefully on April 16, 2013 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Detmold, West Germany on August 29, 1938 the third of five children of Rudolf and Auguste Solle. He graduated from the University of Koblenz in Northern Germany with a degree in mechanical engineering and accepted a contract with the Opel Division of General Motors in Venezuela. He spent several years in Venezuela, becoming fluent in Spanish and then moved to New York with General Motors. He later accepted a position with Alfa Romeo as their West Coast factory representative which allowed him to pursue his lifelong love of cars while racing Alfas. Peter met his wife of 47 years, Judy, in San Francisco and following their marriage in New York City, Peter worked with Mercedes Benz and Raybestos Manhattan while living in Manhattan and Connecticut. They moved to Kentfield in 1972 with their two young sons, Christopher and Carlton while Peter traveled internationally for Raybestos. He was President and Founder of Mini Tune, Inc., a Petaluma, CA manufacturer of automotive diagnostic equipment in 1975. After selling Mini Tune, he founded HPS Engineering, Inc. a manufacturer of automotive brake system parts in 1988 which he continued to lead until the time of his death. Peter's work allowed him to travel the world and use his language skills to make friends and customers throughout Europe, Asia and Central and South America. The Captain of many boats, he enjoyed a life-long love of sailing and cruising in the San Francisco Bay and Delta. Peter was a proud Husband, Father and Grandfather who lived an active and exciting life. Peter is survived by his wife Judy, children Christopher Norman (Marney) and Peter Carlton (Hazel) and grandchildren Skylar, Rex and Elena Solle. He also leaves his sisters in Germany: Grete (Paul) Buker, Christa Solle and Heide (Jochen) Grieskamp. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 24th at 4:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter's memory to Doctors Without Borders www. doctorswithoutborders.org or a charity of your choice. Services entrusted to Keaton's Mortuary.