Today was our friend Bjorn's memorial.  He was an amazing person and no one understands why he chose to leave us.  Many of his EST family were there to say goodbye.  We met his family and they shared insights into more personal memories of Bjorn.  He was born Dean Austinson and only changed his name in his twenties.  He was born September 24, 1968 and left us on September 16, 2006, just a few days shy of his 38th birthday. 



The memorial was at Holman's Funeral Service at 2610 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, Oregon.  It was a warm sunny day, in the lower 80's.  Those of us from his EST family who attended were myself, Michael, Marie, Nicole, Jeremy, Cindi, Judy, Jeannie, Ted, Charmain, Alex and Ben.  I hope I didn't leave anyone out. 



We were all blessed to know him and to be part of that very special EST family, a unique group of people whose bonds go much deeper than any group of co-workers I have ever been part of.  We were sorry that unable to attend were:  Kim, Christina and Georgette.  But we know their thoughts were with us as we said goodbye.



We have decided to meet monthly as a group (family) nearby to spend personal time together, as this bond is not one that can be broken.  Bjorn will forever be with us in spirit. 



Something that I wrote for Bjorn's mother Betsy was read at the memorial and I wrote it from my heart, but I know it is from all of our hearts:



"Of all the people I have met since I moved to Oregon, Bjorn was the most important and dear to me.



He was intelligent, gentle and clever.  A private person.  He understood that my sarcasm was meant to be funny, not negative, and would laugh.



He always saw the best in all people and he was patient and accepting of us all, as varied as our personalities are.

He was confident of who he was.  Proud of his heritage.

He was a good listener and kept confidences well.  He listened without judging;  to my plans, hopes, disappointments and whining.

He was always smiling and kept us cheered.  He was liked by those who knew him a little and cherished by all who knew him well.



He talked about his friends in Atlanta, and their children.  He looked forward to moving there someday.  We were all disappointed for him, the year that he was too sick to go.  He shared many details of his successful trip there.



He was a planner and very organized.  He recently told me that he had 'spontaneously' purchased a hammock, he said "you know me, I thought about it for two weeks" and laughed.  That was spontaneous for him.



He was thoughtful, supportive and kind.  He was an anchor to my chaos... a safe port in the storm.  The first person I went to about everything.  My buddy.



I will miss him everyday of my life.

Amy"