Espen - memorial speech from Ole

Dear everyone. My name is Ole, and I am Espen's brother. It is difficult to stand here today, but I would like to say a few words about who he was to me.

The earliest memories I have of Espen are from when we moved to Drammen in the mid-60s. There are three words in particular that stick out: "Wait for me, Jappelapp!" That's what he called me when I tried to run away from him to play with the others. He always wanted to join in.

This was the start of a long-lasting brotherhood, but also the start of a lifelong competition. As the older brother, I was probably superior at most things when we were little, but it turned out that Espen had a knack for catching up with me.

He scored the first point on the food front. Espen was actually quite picky as a child, but he liked "strong cheese" - that is, Roquefort. Mom and Dad claimed that that cheese made you strong. I tried to force it into me to keep up, but I simply couldn't. I suspect Espen wasn't too keen either, but he ate it anyway, just to have the upper hand. 1–0 to Espen.

We continued to compete throughout our childhood. We both played ice hockey, and here we were perhaps even for a while. But while I gave up, Espen continued. He became a far better player than I ever was. 2–0 to Espen.

The same thing happened with radio-controlled cars. We borrowed the gymnasium at Gosen School late at night to race. I quickly got bored because the parquet was too slippery, but Espen didn't give up. He advanced to radio-controlled airplanes, both with engines and gliders. Here he became so good that I couldn't even pretend I was in the same league. 3–0 to Espen.

These examples say a lot about Espen. He had perseverance and a will to complete what he set out to do, whether it was building a motorhome or mastering advanced model flying.

Even though I know many of his friends and knew a lot about his interest in gliders and his travels, I now see that in many ways he has lived a much more extensive life than I was aware of. I knew that he had contacts all over the world, but that he meant so much to so many people, I did not have full insight into until now. It is nice to see that the will and perseverance he had have also left such a deep mark on others.

We never completely put ice hockey away. I especially remember evenings in the 90s when Anne was on the night shift. Espen and I cleaned my living room and made an ice hockey rink on the floor. We sat on our knees with shin guards on, small plastic sticks and a rolled up sock as a puck. There was a good atmosphere for many evenings until a shot went over the goal, hit a picture and broke the glass. Then it was game over for "indoor hockey with a sock".

Espen was someone who liked to share. He shared photos he had taken, he told good stories, and he always invited me along – whether it was to a hockey game or to go out flying. He was objective and knowledgeable, and if he could contribute with his experience, he was happy to do so.

I would also like to highlight the efforts he made for our parents towards the end of their lives. He was a practical and solid support for both of them, in a way that I may never have been able to thank him properly for.

The family would like to extend a warm thank you to Olav Kallhovd, who was with Espen on the trip to Denmark. When the worst happened, you were the one who contacted me and informed me, - you took care of the practicalities - gathered his belongings and made sure that everything came home to us. What you did in such a difficult situation means more than words can express. Thank you for the care you showed, both for Espen and for us as a family.

A special thank you also goes to those who were present at the convention and who without hesitation-initiated life-saving treatment. Even though it didn't go as we all hoped, it means everything to us to know that Espen was looked after by energetic and caring people in his last moments.

We are also deeply grateful for the enormous care we have been met with. All the greetings, messages and kind words we have received - digitally and directly. Thank you so much to all of you who have shared memories of Espen and shown that you are thinking of us.

Espen - There is a lot we didn't get to finish talking about. You left so far too early, but at least you did it while doing what you loved best: F3F flying on the slope. It is a small consolation, but still a sobering realization that you were active and committed until the very end.

Espen - I miss our conversations and our good friendship. Thank you for everything you have contributed.

Espen - memorial speech from Thomas, Camilla, Ole Andreas And Sondre

Dear everyone,

We stand here today to remember an uncle who meant so much to so many, but who to us was, above all, a source of security, inspiration, and warmth. He was kind and generous—a man who gave of himself without making a fuss. That was simply who he was. He didn’t need headlines for his actions, even though his life was filled with achievements that others would have shouted from the rooftops.

He was an uncle who created things. Whether it was working with his hands in the workshop, perfecting the aerodynamics of a glider, or taking us on exciting adventures. He always knew of a new place to explore, a new thing to try. He was adventurous and well-traveled, knowledgeable and enlightened. He knew something about almost everything, and he shared his knowledge freely—not to lecture, but because he genuinely wanted to open the world for us.

We can see him now: in his fleece sweater and beanie, hands in his pockets and a wide smile on his face. And the "fast" sunglasses, of course—they were almost his signature, whether he was standing on the sidelines or scouting the air for a thermal lift.

He had a unique eye for beauty and was incredibly talented with a camera. He was especially skilled at capturing photos and videos from radio-controlled planes and drones. He captured moments that we can now look back on and be infinitely grateful for.

He was passionate about his interests. From his years on the ice playing hockey, to 2002 when he could lift the King’s Cup as proof of his technical mastery in the air. He was a pioneer and a "chief" in his community, yet he carried his titles—whether as National Champion or World Champion—with the same natural modesty.

He always showed up when someone needed help. He was honest and direct, but never harsh. He was easy to talk to, and he took the time to include everyone. The fact that he always prioritized including Grandpa and Grandma perhaps says the most about the size of his heart.

Yet, what stays with us most deeply was his genuine interest in the people around him. He wasn't just interested on the surface; he was authentically, warmly curious about who you were and how you were truly doing. When you spoke with him, you felt seen.

An inventor. An adventurous soul. A big smile. An even bigger heart.

We miss you, and we will carry your spirit of adventure and these cherished memories with us.

Thank you for everything.

Best regards, Thomas, Camilla, Ole Andreas, and Sondre