Marian was my beloved uncle and to see all these beautiful tribute from so long ago brought a tear to my eye. He was an amazing man and it is so so lovely to see the words from the people he inspired. It was and is such a privilege to call him my uncle xxx

Bula, greetings from all the way from Fiji,..as I was cleaning up my drawer in the wee hours of the morning on the 5th of August,2017 when i noticed an old Reader's Digest Book which belonged to one of the old occupants of my new flat..I happened to flip over the pages and caught my attention the title of the book-By My Own Authority..I was so interested in the book,as i read along the lines , imaginary pictures flew over mind depicting how this young,courageous man defies all odds .Memoir of such an honorary man are of quite unquestionable..Despite the hardship faced it never belittle him.Luck was always on his side.....So sad to know that he has passed on...Its his memories that lives within his stories ....May his soul forever in peace...May the good Lord shower blessing to his families.

What a lovely man, just sitting (in New Zealand) watching The History channel's programme about him and his friend. I hope his family is truly blessed forever.

Marian with family. December 2006

A few years ago I located Marian's book " Outwitting Hitler ". While I was reading it we had planned a trip to Sydney to visit my wifes children. So I took the book to finish on the plane but actually finished it in Sydney. For those who have read it you will know that Marian moved to Sydney after the war. I looked in the phone book to see if there was any " Pretzels " living in the region. I only found one and decided to call to see if they were related to Marian. Well it turned out to be his wife who answered the phone.I t was quite a thrill when Marian came to the phone. I asked if he would mind if we could visit him. Not a problem he said. When we called over with our gift of New Zealand blue cod, we were welcomed into his home where we chatted for sometime. This visit would be one of the highlights of my life. To hear this man speak was something very special. We now have a nice photo to display with Marian. It was so sad to hear of his passing. But he does live on thru his books.

10 years ago

Shane, thank you for your very kind comments. I know that Marian always appreciated being contacted by people who had read his book and always welcomed the opportunity to share his story. I'm sure he would have appreciated the New Zealand cod as well! - Steve Pretzel

A few years ago I located Marian's book " Outwitting Hitler ". While I was reading it we had planned a trip to Sydney to visit my wifes children. So I took the book to finish on the plane but actually finished it in Sydney. For those who have read it you will know that Marian moved to Sydney after the war. I looked in the phone book to see if there was any " Pretzels " living in the region. I only found one and decided to call to see if they were related to Marian. Well it turned out to be his wife who answered the phone.I t was quite a thrill when Marian came to the phone. I asked if he would mind if we could visit him. Not a problem he said. When we called over with our gift of New Zealand blue cod, we were welcomed into his home where we chatted for sometime. This visit would be one of the highlights of my life. To hear this man speak was something very special. We now have a nice photo to display with Marian. It was so sad to hear of his passing. But he does live on thru his books.

Hi, I'm not really family of Marian's, but i just stumbled on this website and was saddened by the news of Marian's passing. I'm a person who is hugely interested in his memoirs, and when i was in College i met with him and spoke to him on the phone several times, as i wrote a biography on his life. He was interesting to talk to in real life, even though i loved his first book, and by the end of my journalism degree he became more like a friend i could casually call up. The last time i called him, he was in a nursing home near hunters hill. We had a lovely chat about how he was going, his health issues and more about his inspirational journey through life. I knew he regretted nothing, he was a person who wouldn't have changed his life much, because i think he said to me that he wouldn't be such a witness today if his life had been any different. He seemed so at peace. He used to live not too far from me, and i just can't believe he took me in and was so willing to speak to me about his life. I have one published article, one biography and a recorded interview as the only thing to remember him by. I feel like im just so lucky to have known him... If any of his family or friends read this and wants a copy of anything i've done as a momento, please let me know! I'd be so willing to share his strength, love and determination for survival with you as his story is one of the most inspirational i have ever known. I desperately hope that his family are doing well and that they didn't mind my intrusion in their lives over the years. God Bless, i hope one day to speak to him again in heaven. Thanks, Carla.

10 years ago

Marian was indeed inspirational Carla. His message that you have to make your own luck and not rely on other people to solve your problems has been invaluable to me over the years and I am now trying to pass that same spirit on to my daughter. I am so glad that you had the opportunity to spend time with Marian, in particular in his later years at Hunters Hill where he became increasingly frustrated as his mind stayed active but his body let him down. I would certainly be very interested in any of the interviews or material you have written about him. I know that Marian would have been delighted to have had the opportunity to be a part of your journalism degree.

Jack Michaelson Nov. 13 2010 I just now, discovered this site. Marian was my long lost cousin. My mother - His mother = Sisters. Before WW II They would write to each other. After the war, Marian 'surfaced' and wrote to my mother. (His Aunt Annie, in America). We were in touch even in Australia. Then we lost contact..I "found him" on Google. I was fortunate to travel to Australia in April and meet my 'lost' family. Yvonne, Steve, Shari; their families & children. I was so proud to have been able to complete the circle of family. To look into his face and see the resemblance between myself and Marian. It's impossible to exprees fhe feeling. I treasure his memory

"Courage to Care" volunteers remember Marian with affection respect, and gratitude for his participation in the program "Courage to Care". His story will continue to be an inspiration to all who encounter it through his book, or through the Courage to Care program.

I am Marians niece and he was such a wonderful Uncle. He always had words of encouragement for what ever you were doing. When I was nursing he wanted to know what exciting things I had seen. His smile would cheer you up in an instant. I will miss him so very much and am so proud of all that he did with his life. He made a big impact on not only the world but on me as well. xxxxx Jennifer