Remembering Sune Hartman (8March1926-23July2016)

We spent today at the San Francisco National Maritime National Historic Park, dedicated to preserving a fleet of historic ships and sharing Pacific coast maritime history. While taking a tour of the 1886 built Balclutha ship, I couldn't help but think of how much Sune would have enjoyed it, too.  It was about 15 years ago when he took me to see my first historical ship, the Vasa, in Stockholm.  Just yesterday, he was mourned by loved ones and laid to rest in Nässjö, Sweden.

While expressing my grief with the kids, they asked, " Was Sune your grandpa, too?" And in a lot of ways, the answer is "Yes." I explained that both of my grandfathers died when I was pretty young, and while I remember them, I didn't feel like I knew them.  

Sune's presence and influence has been a near constant since I met him-- always meeting us at the train station, writing postcards, or saving newspaper clippings to share on our next visit.

He was notorious for "missing the forest for the trees", to the dismay of nearly everyone. Sune was known for wandering off at museums and parks, following his interest wherever it took him. He appreciated antiques and fine craftsmanship, and collected objects whenever he could, even towards the end.  Some things (many things) were too beautiful, valuable, or unique to pass up or let go.

He was the patriarch of the family, the definition of grit, and a savorer of life.  In the weeks since his passing, I began to realize how Sune continues to live on in his descendants around me. Little Magnus becomes so deeply interested in objects, problems, or nature that he can hardly hear or process what's going on around him. Mattias inherited his stubbornness and sentimental appreciation for old, beautiful things.

I'll feel forever grateful for knowing Sune, my adopted grandfather of sorts.  In remembering and honoring him, I hope to appreciate simple pleasures, continue to learn all my life, and exemplify  resilience and strength.  Even though he will be missed, his values and carry on in all of us.