Yesterday afternoon several hundred of Åke’s friends gathered in one of the biggest and
most beautiful churches in Stockholm, Kungsholmens Kyrka, to say farewell to
our beloved friend.
It was the loveliest sunny and clear day. Åke’s children greeted everyone outside the church and at two in the afternoon the hour-long ceremony started with the church bells ringing. One of Sweden’s greatest and most famous male singers, Tommy Körberg, sang a couple of Åke's favorite songs accompanied by piano. The songs where written by Björn and Benny, both former members of the legendary pop group ABBA. We sang psalms together and the female vicar held a beautiful ceremony. At the end of the ceremony we all paid our respect by the coffin and covered it with our roses. Everyone from the Swedish media scene was also there, for instance all the leaders of the Bonnier family. Åke was very well known, loved and respected in Sweden and his memory will linger on for many, many years to come.
After the ceremony the family had rented an elegant and classic restaurant in the Stockholm Town House, Stadshuskällaren, where we had time to eat, drink, mourn and rejoice while sharing wonderful memories of our beloved friend. Bosse Strömstedt, Åke’s best friend and former editor in chief at Expressen where Åke was managing director for so many years, among others gave a beautiful speech in Åke’s honour.
The Swedish South African community was represented by me (Samira), Ingrid & Calle and Lisbeth. But when we said our farewells to Åke you where all there with us in heart and soul. Nothing will ever be the same in South Africa without our dear friend Åke.
It was the loveliest sunny and clear day. Åke’s children greeted everyone outside the church and at two in the afternoon the hour-long ceremony started with the church bells ringing. One of Sweden’s greatest and most famous male singers, Tommy Körberg, sang a couple of Åke's favorite songs accompanied by piano. The songs where written by Björn and Benny, both former members of the legendary pop group ABBA. We sang psalms together and the female vicar held a beautiful ceremony. At the end of the ceremony we all paid our respect by the coffin and covered it with our roses. Everyone from the Swedish media scene was also there, for instance all the leaders of the Bonnier family. Åke was very well known, loved and respected in Sweden and his memory will linger on for many, many years to come.
After the ceremony the family had rented an elegant and classic restaurant in the Stockholm Town House, Stadshuskällaren, where we had time to eat, drink, mourn and rejoice while sharing wonderful memories of our beloved friend. Bosse Strömstedt, Åke’s best friend and former editor in chief at Expressen where Åke was managing director for so many years, among others gave a beautiful speech in Åke’s honour.
The Swedish South African community was represented by me (Samira), Ingrid & Calle and Lisbeth. But when we said our farewells to Åke you where all there with us in heart and soul. Nothing will ever be the same in South Africa without our dear friend Åke.
Rest in
peace, wonderful friend. Love always.
 |
| Åke's family have decided to publish this photo of the coffin in the church, so you can all see how beautiful and dignified Åke's funeral was executed. . |
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