My father-in-law, Allan, passed away last night. He had recently turned 89 and spent his final weeks near his wife, Agneta, at Fredriksdal nursing home in Gothenburg.

Perhaps the most important thing Allan and I had in common, apart from our dry humor with each other and our love for Stora Hult and Vejbystrand, was that we both loved his daughter Charlotte and his wonderful granddaughter Elle.

Like so many people, our lives changed considerably during and after the pandemic. Yet even difficult times can bring something good. For a couple of years, while Elle lived and worked in Gothenburg, she and Allan grew close again. They met regularly for coffee, meals, or walks.

I’ll remember Allan as a good guy and a great listener, someone who could offer his son-in-law sound advice when it was needed and who made friends wherever he traveled. I especially remember a lively New Year’s Eve in Colombo, Sri Lanka, when he struck up an animated conversation with some locals and they quickly hit it off amid the crowd.

Allan was a little disappointed when he found out I didn’t play golf, of course. But our shared interests – documenting the family, enjoying good food, and bringing everyone together – more than made up for it. For about 25 years, we shared dinners at the country house, where conversation flowed freely and there was always plenty of food and wine.

When Allan passed away last night, Elle and Agneta were by his side. We were there by phone as he took his final breaths. He leaves us with many wonderful memories of a man who lived a full and happy life.

Rest in peace, Gustav Jan Allan Wall. You will be missed and remembered.