Hans Johan Andreassen (7 Mar 1930 - 21 May 2024)

Takk for alle fine år vi samarbeidet da du var ansatt i Dahl Brothers. Else og jeg satte også veldig pris på da du og Elsbet flere ganger møtte oss i London på middag etter at du hadde blitt pensjonist. Vil i fred Hans. Else og Frank Støber

Memorial Words from Gerd Karen and Arild

Hans grew up, as we did in Lillestrøm, but being 15 years older, we saw Hans more as our “adult” cousin. Nevertheless, even then we felt a strong kinship with Hans, a bond that has lasted throughout our lives.

In Hans' childhood Lillestrøm was a small suburb of Oslo, characterized by timber businesses and other small industries. The first railway in Norway, completed in 1854, ran right by their house, initially transporting mostly timber. Hans' home, like all other residential houses, was naturally built of wood. In his neighborhood, there were also many ski and sled makers and other local production, much to the benefit and joy of us as children.

Lillestrøm is situated on a marsh surrounded by several rivers that regularly caused spring flooding, and Hans experienced water flowing through the streets. But the rivers also brought great joy, providing swimming, boating, and fishing in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Or he could strap on his skis and venture into the forest, something we all did at that time.

At 10 years old, Hans witnessed the occupation of Norway, and five long years of his youth were marked by the war, especially since there was an airfield nearby that was bombed. Despite this, Hans completed his schooling, providing a solid foundation for his later studies.

Even though Hans and his family have lived in England for the past 50 years, maintaining contact with Norway and us in the family has been important. We have therefore experienced a closeness to Hans and Elsbeth, especially through all their visits to Norway. This interest in the family is also illustrated by the work Hans did to learn more about his ancestry.

We will always remember Hans as a close and considerate relative with whom we valued staying in touch throughout life.

Gerd Karen Sørensen and Arild Jansen

In memory of Hans.

A very nice person and friend whom
I got to know in the old Norwegian Club. We miss him.