Past RI Director Asbjørn Austvik dies

At 10:33AM on 3 February 2009, Rtn. PP A.S.M. Bashirul Huq wrote: On behalf of RC of Dhanmondi Dhaka, RI Dist. 3280 Bangladesh, this is to convey our deep sense of sorrow at the sad demise of Rtn. Asbjørn Austvik , and to convey our condolences to his breaved family and friends.

At 9:28AM on 14 January 2009, RTN. SYED AZMATULLAH wrote: On behalf of RC of Chennai Phoenix, I convey our condolences to the family and friends on the expiry of PRID Asbjørn Austvik who had served Rotary as governor of District 2300 in 1977-78, aide to the RI president in 1998-99 and held other RI positions, including International Assembly discussion leader, chair of the European Regional PolioPlus Committee and Rotary Foundation trustee from 1992-95.

At 11:10AM on 13 January 2009, Rotr. Ahmed Fatima wrote: on behalf of my club,Rotaract club of Nasarawa State University,keffi,Nigeria D9120.our heart goes to the bereaved's family and may God grant him eternal rest,amen.

At 9:10AM on 12 January 2009, Robert R. Whiteaker, PDG wrote: I was deeply saddened to learn of Asbjorn's recent death. He and Eva were inspirational representatives of RI President Jim Lacy at the District 5490 Conference during my year as District Governor. I shall never forget what fun we had at the Arizona Diamondback's baseball game which was our entertainment on Friday night of the Conference. He thought it was just great that we had 150 Rotarians and 35,000 "guests" at that particular meeting. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family during your loss on behalf of the Rotarians and leaders from District 5490 who attended the conference and were inspired by Asbjorn's thoughts, suggestions and good nature during our District Conference.

At 3:56PM on 8 January 2009, Louisa (Fabrizio) McQuade wrote: Hello from Kennesaw, Georgia, USA…. I was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of my dear friend and Far, Asbjorn Austvik … I was a rotary student from Endicott, New York in 1979-1980. I came to live with this wonderful family in Brandbu, Norway – Eva (Mor), Asbjorn (Far), Dag and Hilde became my family! It was the most wonderful year of my life and I truly have the Austviks (and The Rotary Club) to thank! So, when I received the sad news from Dag Austvik - a piece of my heart was broken. My Far was such a great man and served the Rotary Club with such pride – he loved life, lived it to its fullest and loved everyone he came in contact with…. I learned so much from him and my Norwegian family … It was a privilege to have been placed with them. We formed a bond that continues today. They came to visit us in New York and we have remained in touch through the years. I have been reminiscing about the time I spent in Norway and have been looking through my scrapbooks that I kept from that time. I have smiled, laughed and cried as I fondly remember how that time helped shape who I am today. When I arrived in Norway – I was terribly homesick … but my Norwegian family quickly made me feel as though I was one of theirs. I became their daughter! Then, I didn’t want to leave. I just wanted to share with all of you what Far meant to me. The world has lost a great man … but heaven is a sweeter place. I so wish that my family (I am now married with six children living in Kennesaw, Georgia.) could have met my Far in person. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts with you – your organization and people like Far (and all the Austviks) – really have had an impact on me and on my life… changing people one person at a time. I am grateful … and I am honored … and I am so thankful to God that He saw fit so many years ago to make our paths cross … I still have the “LOUISA” sign that my Far was holding at the airport as this scared teenager disembarked the plane after such a long flight … my eyes met his and I saw his warm smile and we hugged …. The rest, as they say, is history …. I will miss him …. And I am proud to be called his ‘daughter.’ “Takk for I dag!” Louisa Maria (Fabrizio) McQuade gemcquade@comcast.net Kennesaw, Georgia USA

At 10:35AM on 8 January 2009, Kenton County Rotary Club, Kentucky USA wrote: Our deepest condolences to the family of Asbjorn Austvik. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Kenton County Rotary Club Kentucky, USA

At 10:11AM on 8 January 2009, Sharad Gupta wrote: ON behalf of my club RC of Bombay Queen City Dist 3140 and on my own behalf I convey our heartfelt condolenses and share your grief. Sharad Gupta President 08-09