Alf Oddvar Svanevik

Alf Oddvar Svanevik, whom I called "Pappa” because he was my girlfriend Anne’s father, and that is what she, and her brothers, called him. Over time he became more of a father, a protector, and a friend to me (and my son Christian) and more of an adult than my own father had ever been. I’m not going to get this down perfectly, but I want to publicly declare my love for this man, and share a few memories of him as part of my grieving process. Pappa encouraged me in my pursuit of the Norwegian language and would make me laugh by teaching me arcane words to slip into casual conversation. Because I had asked him, he always corrected my grammar and pronunciation so I owe much of my ability to speak and write Norwegian to him. He, like me sang in a university choir (he sang with Studentersangforening and I with Akademiskkor Forening), talked knowledgably about choral experiences and encouraged me to learn new music skills. He successfully navigated and triumphed over the immigration policies that kept me from staying in Norway (I had unwittingly became an illegal alien and he battled on my behalf to be able to stay in Norway for 18 months!) by picking apart the Law and writing letters on my behalf, even vouching for my character to the Norwegian authorities and pledging financial restitution should I run amok and cause damage somehow. As part of this process, he gently goaded me into applying for University of Oslo, where I eventually earned my Cand. Mag. Degree. Without his belief that I was smart enough to attend University, and his encouragement throughout the process, I most likely wouldn’t have even applied, much less graduated. He said I could do it, so it did. Pappa paid the airfare from America more than once for Chris and me to visit the land of my son’s birth to what I can closest describe as my country of choice and my spiritual home. As a guest of the Svanevik family in the cabins of Holmsbu and Høvreslia I spent many happy days in the beautiful Norwegian nature and often retreat here in my mind, nearly always with Pappa, and if feeling stressed out or sad, become revived and happy by the memories. Besides all the wonderful and kind things Pappa Svanevik did for me personally, and for my son, he lived through amazing times and shared with the historical things he’d been through. Norway betrayed by Quisling and occupied by the Nazis. Pappa served in the Norwegian Army and was stationed in the British Sector of Berlin at the end of the war. He was a Radio Technician who studied Law when his babies were young and later became the Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK's) Personalsjef. In this capacity, Pappa traveled the world shaking hands with many world leaders, including a Pope. When I met him in 1975, Pappa was married to the wonderfully sweet and kind "Mama Vesla" Svanevik, who departed this world way too early. Together they helped me through the early days after I received news of my mother’s death. Pappa took charge and helped obtain a seat on a Pan Am flight during the SAS strike of 1977 so I could go Los Angeles for her funeral. After this, Pappa and Vesla became my parents in my heart and I loved them. Later he later married his second wife, Elin, and traveled the world, including to the cabins with my son and me, with her before she fell ill and Pappa nursed her until she succumbed to cancer. He was a good, if strict, father to Anne, her twin brother Torger, and little brother Øystein (these three never seemed jealous of their father's friendship and affection for me, and indeed shared his opinions.) He was also a beloved grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and step-father. He was kind to animals, in particular the dogs, Tanya and Jasper, come to mind. He was strong, chopping wood, skiing, carrying heavy loads to the cabin, rowing his boat, and could fix almost anything by tinkering around with it. He was my friend, my adviser, my cheering squad, the pattern of what an adult should be. I am a better parent, employee, and person because of him. He was my Pappa, and my world is darker without him. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of this proper, funny, kind, strong, stubborn, musical, generous, loving, decorous, and wonderful man. Rest in peace, “Pappa” Svanevik.