Erik Gustav Markus Törnqvist
January 13, 1924-
October 1, 2010

In Loving Memory

It is with sadness that the Swedish Colonial Society announces the demise of its former Governor, Dr. Erik Gustav Markus Törnqvist, on October 1, 2010. Services were held on Thursday, October 7, 2010 at the Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Margaret Sooy Bridwell, Governor of the Swedish Colonial Society, and Herbert Rambo, past Governor, represented the Swedish Colonial Society at the interment.

Erik’s two daughters, Gunvor and Karin Törnqvist and son, Carl-Erik Törnqvist, presented beautiful eulogies and sang a Swedish lullaby that their father sang to them when they were young. The following is the song, Videvisan, written in Swedish and English:

Videvisan

Sov du lilla vide ung,
än så  är det vinter.
Än så sova björk och ljung
ros och hyasinter.
Än så är det långt till vår,
innan rönn i blomma står.
Sov du lilla vide,
än så är det vinter.

The Willow Bud Song

Sleep, little willow bud.
It is still winter.
Sleeping still are birch and heather,
Roses and hyacinths.
It is still long until spring
Until the rowans bear fruit.
 Sleep, little willow bud.
It is still winter.

The Rev. Dr. Kim-Eric Williams reported that Dr. Erik Törnqvist served for two terms as Governor of the Swedish Colonial Society, 1977-82 and 1986-1989, Erik will be long remembered for his vigorous championing of the Society and its Forefather program, which he felt was unique and set the Society apart from all other Swedish organizations. His extensive research on Johan Printz, presented the facts about the most famous Governor of New Sweden in a critical yet unbiased manner.

Obituary: TÖRNQVIST—Erik Gustav Markus, January 13, 1924 — October 1, 2010. Died peacefully at his home in Watchung, NJ. Born in Lund, Sweden. Moved to Luleå at age 14. M.S. from the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. PhD in Biochemistry/Organic Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Chemical engineer for Exxon Research in Linden, NJ for 30 years. Awarded over 40 US patents. Started consulting firm, PolymErik, Inc. -°©‐ consulting on matters of polymer chemistry until 2006. A true “Renaissance Man”, Erik had a wide range of interests including: skiing, playing and coaching soccer, music, studying history, and stamp collecting. Instrumental in issuance of 3 US stamps commemorating ties between Sweden and America. Involvement in Swedish-°©‐American organizations, including: past president of American Association of Swedish Engineers, past president of the Swedish Ski Club, member board of governors of the Kalmar-°©‐Nyckel Foundation, member board of governors of the American Swedish Historical Museum, treasurer of the United Swedish Societies, treasurer of the Svenska Skolan Association, past governor of the Swedish Colonial Society, and a co-°©‐cultural leader of NJ district 6 Vasa Order of America and past leader of Lodge Skandia. Enjoyed a good laugh and was easily the life of any party. Survived by wife of 41 years, Linnéa Lindborg Törnqvist; daughters Gunvor and Karin Törnqvist; son Carl-°©‐Erik Törnqvist; brother Gunnar Törnqvist; sister Inger Joste; granddaughter, Livi Törnqvist. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution to: the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, the Swedish Colonial Society, or the American Parkinson Disease Association. To send condolences, please go to http://higginsfuneralhome.com/

The family announced that a memorial service will be held later in the Delaware Valley area. An announcement will be e-mailed to all members as soon as the information is received from the family.

Copyright 2010, The Swedish Colonial Society
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church
916 South Swanson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147-4332