Veteran Heel Hans Schmidt Dies At 87

Guy Larose, known during his career as Hans Schmidt and a legendary heel in the days of Lou Thesz and the NWA territories, passed away on Saturday, May 25.  He was 87.

An accomplished amateur wrestler, Larose was one of the first heels in the business to tap into the "foreign villain" character when professional wrestling was beginning to get televised exposure.  His German character battling American babyfaces during a time when the United States still held on to their World War II fears paved the way for future greats like The Iron Shiek and Nikolai Volkoff.

Schmidt was a contender for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship during his time and feuded with Verne Gagne, Whipper Billy Watson and Antonio Rocca. 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday.  Larose is survived by his wife Monique, his children Guy and Diane, and two grandchildren David and Ian.

SLAM!  Sports has a writeup on the life and times of Larose, which can be read here.