Ute Hohn Bowen

So many have managed to capture the varied traits of Ute. For us, two of her traits came together one evening to have a HUGE umpact on our lives. Ute's love of good food and resturants, meant that when we were both in Buenos Aires at the same time, she happily agreed to meet for a dinner and even better that it was at a good steak place. And her ability to stay in contact with nearly everybody, meant she always knew who was doing what and where (even if it was a boyfriend from the 1980's!).

That evening (it was a Thursday evening to be exact) we met up and we were talking about this and that, we mentioned we were looking for a house in Ushuaia, she casually mentioned a house she knew for sale (boyfriend from the 80's).

We took that bit of infomration and when we returned to Ushuaia we went to look at the house and by the next friday (8 days later) the house was ours. If it were not for Ute, we never would have known.

And Ute continues to stay with us - we continually find old photos from the old boyfriend, and every once and a while, we find a gem of Ute.

Ute all of your fantastic traits shall be missed!

Laura & Fede

There are so few Ute's in our lives; which makes them so very special. Able to think broadly and objectively, yet to focus in and capture the detail. To be cheerful and positive, without suffering fools or tolerating malfeasance. Able to be the "belle of the Ball" and yet notice the newbie and welcome them into the fold. Able to make huge contributions for the collective good, as well as give positive support at an individual level.
Ute will always be 'Queen of the Antarctic'; someone who bought a regal quality to the Court and encouraged everyone to be honest, dutiful, fair and respectful. To do that with a small and a radiance of positive energy was a very special gift. I will miss her a great deal...and always with a sad pang of loss....except for the twirling bra bit; that will always bring a smile. Be at peace my friend.

Our Dear Friend Ute,

Ute was someone who we loved very much. She was direct, super intelligent, full of fun, very flirtatious, cheeky, and very naughty. She was a lady who loved life, gave lots of love and loved to be loved.

She adored her family and friends who she would often talk about and give updates on how they were all doing, especially Gaia, her youngest and newest family member.

Ute loved her life and loved her travel. Colin and I were fortunate enough to meet up with her in many different places around the world over the years. Our meet ups were always filled with lots and lots of fun and laughter.

Brexit created problems for Ute and curtailed her living arrangements in the UK. Giving up her Royal Crescent apartment was tough for her, but she found two lovely apartments in Hamburg and Ibiza and adored them both. They gave her lots of pleasure with their comfort, spectacular views and proximity to good restaurants and shops. Ute delighted in sharing time there with her family and friends.

When we visited her in Ibiza and Hamburg last year she was so relaxed and at ease with life. Since stopping work at the end of the year she had enjoyed furnishing her apartments and filling them full of things that brought her happiness. Her very last purchase was a designer lamp for her Hamburg apartment. It was waiting for her return so it could be delivered. Sadly, she wasn’t able to have that pleasure. Thankfully she was able to have time with her Karl Lagerfeld’s. These gave her great pleasure and always made us smile.

Wherever she lived, she joined a health club where she loved to swim, take saunas and join classes to try to stay fit. Sadly, her skin rash stopped her doing this in her latter months. So, she immersed herself even more into her sport.

Ute was an avid sports fan. It didn’t matter what the sport was; she would watch them all. Many a time watching one game on her TV and a different game on her laptop – all whilst texting her friends to share her own commentary and updates with like-minded people who would also be watching the same games. As a true sports fan, communication and distance never seemed to be a problem for her.

She loved her annual fix of Strictly Come Dancing. When she came to stay with us in Portugal last October everything had to stop whilst it was on the TV so she could enjoy it. SCD is not something we watch, but, if we had told her we wouldn’t be watching it she wouldn’t have come. She was that passionate about it and all the news and rumours that surrounds it.

Food was another of her passions. Although she never cooked for herself, she had favourite restaurants all around the world where she enjoyed frequenting. She loved Argentinian steak, which, until recent years, would be accompanied by a good Malbec.

Ute loved her clothes. She had a jacket, dress and shoe collection better than most. She also loved her many coloured puffa jackets and her large collection of hats – all of which were spaced out between her homes.

Shopping for clothes and jewellery with Ute was great fun. She loved to look good, have her hair and nails done, matching her outfits with her large array of handbags, scarfs, watches and jewellery. Her appearance meant everything to her.

She was a true friend, a beautiful person inside and out. We will miss our regular interactions and are thankful for all the great times we shared. There will never be another person like her. She loved her life, she loved to entertain people with her story telling about her colourful life in the world of travel and her ambassador role for Antarctica.

Colin and I are were pleased to have been able to join her in Ushuaia and travel to Antarctica on her ship SS Ushuaia in 2019. It was a truly unforgettable time. So many times we tried to encourage her to write a book or three as they would have been best sellers. We really wish she had done it.

Ute really was a truly inspirational lady, once met, never forgotten. Rest in peace our dear friend, you were taken far too early.

The world needs more Ute’s.

Rach & Colin Clarkson-Short xx

I first met Ute on a windswept beach in the Antarctic Peninsula when she had her first Antarctic charter and I was doing my first season as a researcher, some 32 years ago. Since then, Ute has played a big part in my life as mentor, business advisor, travel companion, confident and one of the best friends. As Bill Davis very eloquently put it, even though Ute could be formidable at times, she had an amazing ability to passionately disagree on a business matter one minute and then sit down and have a laugh with you the next.

What was truly remarkable was that she, in so many ways, seemed fearless – well, perhaps not with cats – or dogs. But her bravery in reinventing herself multiple times through her life was inspiring: leaving Germany to move to Argentina; working on sailing trips around Cape Horn; chartering a voyage on one of the first Russian ships to operate as a tourist vessel in Antarctica; making “Fin del Mundo” her home then moving to the UK; and all the while helping build businesses and being hugely influential in the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. She both inspired and kept the rest of us on track.

But one of the things that always struck me was that no matter where we went in the world Ute would make friends instantly with all around her. In India her opening gambit would be the Indian cricket team, in South Africa the springboks, in China by practising her few Chinese phrases (one of the seemingly few languages she didn't speak fluently). Anywhere we went, Ute would make the effort to establish a connection with whomever she encountered. On our last trip to Kochi in India, when she was already starting not to feel her full self, she made firm friends with the head of the food and beverage at the hotel within minutes of arrival. Anyone on the delegation just had to say “we’re with Ute” and we were given the best service for the duration of our stay. He saved the greatest care for Ute of course, even insisting on carrying her bags himself to the awaiting taxi on her departure. Ute’s infectious laugh, her almost childlike excitement at times, and her ability to be the life and soul of the party meant we were all happy to be in her orbit. I mean, who else could befriend a pop star at her 70th birthday party in Ibiza?

Ute was a pioneer and lived an extraordinary life . She added sparkle to the lives of those of us who got to work with her. Like many I suspect, when things go wrong on the road, in an airport or in a hotel, my first thought will always be “well, what would Ute do?”.

We will miss you, my friend!

I have known Ute for over 30 years , firstly from her days at Quark and lastly at Antarpply. She was always so professional and looked after my clients like family. We have shared many fun times at events, far and wide. The most memorable was a night out in Sydney where Ute cooked our steaks at a Pub in the Rocks, then we ended up watching the football in her hotel lobby till the early hours, cheering on Australia..She was such a character, full of life... and a joy to know. Ute, I will miss you my friend. Fly high!

Ute was a force of nature who lived life to the fullest and packed several lifetimes into her short time with us. I have no idea where she got her energy! Although she was a very successful business woman and entrepreneur, she always made time to socialise with her friends and colleagues.  One of the things I appreciate so much about Ute was her ability to passionately disagree with you one minute, then sit down with you the next and share a laugh (and maybe a wine). It's unfortunate I never told her this, but I truly considered her a mentor, in fact all of us in the Antarctic expedition cruise industry owe a debt of gratitude to Ute for her role in shaping our industry. 

To a beautiful ray of sunshine and laughter.
A truly memorable
lady who will be sadly missed.

It has been a privilege to have known and worked with Ute for many years.
May you rest in peace ❤️

What sad news! My sincere condolences to her family (Bath.UK/Germany/Ibiza.Espain and friends.i have fond memories of a great lady

Ute querida que noticia tan triste la de tu partida. Fuiste una mujer audaz, trabajadora, divertida, siempre dispuesta a ayudar. Fue un placer compartir algunas ferias con vos, recuerdo nuestra charla de chicas en Australia.
Un ejemplo de mujer en el mundo del turismo.
Que descanses en paz.

We can't remember the first time Peace Boat met Ute, but we worked with her for years on our charters to Antarctica, and we considered her our Antarctica godmother and mentor. Powerful, warm, funny and direct: it was always a pleasure to work with Ute.

Most recently, last October, we reached out to her with some questions about voyage-related challenges and, despite being retired, she offered to discuss. We had a lovely Zoom chat and she shared her time and wisdom generously, as well as talking happily about her life as a retiree.

Oh Ute - we loved you and we will miss you. Heartfelt condolences from all of us at Peace Boat in Japan to Ute's family and friends.

Tears will pass but fond memories of Doña Ute will always remain.

The attached photo shows Ute engaged in high jinks at Union Glacier in the company of Natalie Green & Amy Babcock on 11 December, 2018. Ute was always up for high jinks

Ute visited Union Glacier after using her "Golden Ticket" which was something she had for many years but was always too busy to cash in until that time. Glad she could use it

The photo is a lovely memory for us of a great friend and wonderful professional colleague

Conici a Ute hace casi 45 anos. Ella era la vida misma una locomotora trabajando, audaz, inteligente y MUY tenaz como amiga leal y buena y dentro de sus posibilidades siempre presente.Hable con ella para mi cumpleanos en Julio la senti apagada pero quedamos en vernos a fin de ano en Berlin. No tengo idea que le paso pero si se que sus amigos y la comunidad de turismo ha perdido a una gran persona! La vamos a extranar.

Ute was an unforgettable part of many hearts.
Her wonderful sense of humour,,her elegance and outstanding intelligence made her unique and lovable.
Thank you ever so much for entering my life,and for sharing what will now be splendid memories.
Hasta la vista, dear friend.
John Rees

Fabulous memory, incredibly efficient and sooo funny, Ute was German when working, and Latina when partying with a Golden Heart...
I met Ute while travelling to Ushuaia in 1988. She offered me a job for 6 months and I stayed 4 years working with her when she set up her travel agency and through her first steps to Antarctica.
By then, our connections to the world were a telex in her bathroom and fax received at Lapataia, a neighbouring shop...
We stayed very close following all her and her family's happy and sad news, but all our contacts started by "Ute, where in the world are you?"

Thinking of all her family, wherever in the world, and her friends.
She is now reunited with her Dearest Friend Doris.

So sad to hear the news of Ute's passing. I always enjoyed our catch ups and she's been such an important part of the polar industry for year. She will be greatly missed

I met Ute for the first time in 1998 when I sailed to Antarctica on the Professor Multanovki. She was then working for Quark Exeditions and arranged everything for my uncle Herman Hannon’s charter. She struck me as an incredibly strong, warm and professional lady. I took many years before I met her again, mostly in airports, but I always remembered her. So you do not need to know somebody for a long time to leave a lasting impression. We will all miss you Ute! Sending love and strength to family and friends ❤️

I had the pleasure of meeting Ute in 2015 when the Ushuaia was sailing the eastern Canadian arctic one season. It was a difficult week but we managed to save the season with a lot of hard work. My deepest condolences to your family & the whole crew at antarpry supply

So shocked to hear of Ute's passing and our condolences to all her family and friends!
My husband, Richard and I met Ute when we sailed on the Ushuaia to the Falkland Is., South Georgia and Antarctica several years ago....the trip of a lifetime!
Following the voyage, it was great to read about all of her travel adventures on her Facebook profile and see what a full life she led!

Me entristece mucho saber que las aventuras de esta grandiosa mujer han terminado en este mundo pero estoy segura, habrá nuevas donde sea que su maravillosa energia se haya mudado.Mis condolencias a su familia y amistades.Buen viaje Ute querida,va mi abrazo volador desde Argentina..
.Laura❤.

Shocked and very sad to read this today. A "force of nature" is the perfect way to describe Ute. I met Ute in 2008 during the first COMNAP Antarctic Search and Rescue exercise in Chile, in my Antarctic SAR planning role at Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand. Together with Ute and IAATO we worked hard and made great progress to keep safe the adventurous souls who travelled to the White Continent.
And there was always a lot of fun after the hard work - Ute always brought the fun 🥳

Kua hinga he totara i te wao nui a Tane (A totara has fallen in the forest of Tane)

Conoci a ute porque estuvo casada con mi padre algunos años, yo iba a visitarlos en vacaciones. Siempre fue muy cariñosa, atenta conmigo y divertida. Ellos se separaron y siguieron otros camino pero Ute siempre se mantuvo en contacto conmigo a tal punto que creamos un vínculo de amor. Ella es mi mamá alemana y la oma de mi hija de siete meses. Estos días están siendo verdaderamente difíciles pero al leer todos los mensajes de amor de tantas personas de todas partes, muchas que ni conozco, siento que Ute sigue viva a través de nuestro recuerdo. Una mujer inolvidable por su fuerza, su espíritu aventurero, su generosidad, inteligencia y sentido del humor. Deja en todos una huella, un sentir. Sólo tengo agradecimiento a Ute por lo vivido, por sus enseñanzas y sus historias. Y por haber juntado a una familia muy grande, una familia internacional como ella. Gracias Ute. Te extraño pero se donde encontrarte. Te ama, Flor.

Ute was my classmate in Bargteheide for 4 years. After school we lost touch, but kept meeting at class reunions. Then, after many decades, we met almost by chance in Shanghai in the wonderful Shanghai Peace Hotel and a few days later again in Hong Kong. My daughter met Ute in Buenos Aires and in Bath. In the new apartment in Hamburg we talked intensively about our life situations, the people we have met in our lives and agreed that we must learn to grow older. Now Ute has left us and the dream is over. I miss you, Ute.

I had the pleasure of working alongside Ute in the world of Polar Expedition travel for over thirty years; as a colleague, a partner and as a competitor. Ute was truly a giant in the industry. She was instrumental in the growth and development of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, sitting on various committees, and running all of the organization’s finances for many years. She operated countless ships over the years and worked collaboratively with virtually every other operator. She was tough when needed, charming by nature, fiercely driven and determined, and always a joy to be around. She will be greatly missed. With deepest condolences to her family and closest friends.

Ute you will never be forgotten, you will live in our hearts forever. Rest in Peace.

My deepest condolences for your loss ❤️

Ute querida siempre estaré agradecida de haber tenido tu amistad, tus consejos, tus anécdotas y nuestras risas.
Te fuiste demasiado pronto, pero sé que desde donde estés seguirás cuidándonos a todos como siempre lo has hecho.
I’ll miss u my dear! Love u ❤️

My condolences to the family of this fantastic person. ❤️ We met working the antarctic cruise operations and she was always a joy to work with: funny, positive, and caring, she was always ready to lend a hand when she could. RIP dear Ute ❤️

Ute will be missed. Always bringing in lots of humour in spanish or english. A lady worth remembering because of her initiative, hardwork and friendship offered to all of those who knew her. She was fun and a fabulous person to be with. We will certainly follow her example. Ute, rest in peace and enjoy one or two wines up there! I will certainly miss you.

Ute was such a lovely and fun person and she will definitely be missed! I always enjoyed speaking with her at Antarctic Treaty meetings.

Back in 2011, I began to consider a trip for our family to Antarctica. My wife and I have two adult children, and my son is married with a family. But our sweet daughter Sara is special needs/learning disabled and she lives with us. She loves wildlife and travel. Travel to Antarctica is expensive, and I was exploring as many options as possible. At some point and through the benevolence of God, I 'met' Ute online. We chatted back and forth and I told her all about us and about our Sara. One thing led to another, and when Ute could sense that - while we very much wanted to make the trip to the 7th and final continent in our travels - I was hesitating because of the financial commitment. Ute wrote to me and said that she would give my wife a discount and would allow our daughter to travel with us gratis in one (of two) of the Ushuaia's two bedroomed suites. It was still going to be pricey as is all trips to Antarctica, but Ute's generosity convinced me that it was 'now or never' and that such an offer probably wouldn't come my way again. Soooooo.... we went.

It was amazing, the trip of a lifetime. I cannot thank our dear friend 'Ute Ushuaia' (as I learned she was known) for making this dream trip possible. Because of her, we checked off a huge bucket list item - touching all seven continents. We are still friends online with many members of the Ushuaia crew, as well as fellow passengers.

The picture I am attaching could never have happened if not for Ute. (This is our Sara loving her time with the penguins). God Bless you, Ute.

In Liverpool, our paths converged on a day that will forever be etched in my heart. Your remarkable expertise and infectious charm made an enduring impression. As a shining exemplar of compassion and business excellence, your legacy will be deeply cherished. Your memory will be a guiding light, illuminating the lives of those blessed to have known you. Farewell, dear Ute, citizen of the world, may your spirit rest in peace ❤️

Ute was a very good and true friend for the last 30+ years. She was not only a hard working, diligent, professional, but also a supportive and amusing friend.
We will miss her, and we send our sincere condolences to her family in Germany, the U.K., and Ibiza.