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Arne Baekkelund Obituary

BAEKKELUND, ARNE. Arne Baekkelund, President of AB Maritime in Pompano Beach and a prominent figure in the cruise industry for more than 30 years, died Sunday in Fort Lauderdale. He was 72. He is survived by his wife, Suzan, son Christian and daughter Inga. A memorial will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at the Norwegian Seamen's Church at the Port of Miami, 1180 S. America Way. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arne Baekkelund Memorial Fund, www.baekkelund.com/arne. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.

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Published by the Miami Herald on Jun. 26, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Arne Baekkelund

Sponsored by His loving family.

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Tim Harwood

July 28, 2008

Sincerest condolences to Arne's family. I had the good fortune to have known Arne for quite a number of years. His kindness and good spirit was an example to us all. He will be missed, but his spirit will live on in all those he has touched.

Ingrid Nilsen

July 11, 2008

From many years close to the Cruise Industry, on ships and at The Norwegian Consulate General I met a lot of people in the business, many I have forgotten, but Arne I will not forget. He made an impression. So sorry he is gone and so sorry for his family.

karl rathswohl

July 8, 2008

to arne - RIP a truly good friend and mentor of mine.
karl rathswohl HM Renaissance Cruises

anne sofie taranger

July 7, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Diego Arredondo

July 4, 2008

I am very sad to find out about Arne's death, he was very supportive and understanding. I will always have him on my prayers.

Mary Bond

July 1, 2008

The last time I saw Arne was at the closing of this year's Seatrade Cruise Shipping event in Miami. There he stood, glass in hand, smiling and joking surrounded by friends and business contacts from around the globe. That is an image that many of us in the cruise community who have met and worked with Arne will remember him - loving life, his work and above all loving people around him. My deepest sympathy to your family.

Manfred Seifert

June 30, 2008

Arne,you will be missed but not forgotten.You have been a true Gentleman.
My deepest sympathy to Suzan and family
Manfred Seifert

Lillian Martinez

June 29, 2008

I had the pleasure of working with Arne at Ocean Development. He was always professional, pleasant and always wearing a smile on his face. I can only say that it was a great opportunity to spend time and work along side a great person.
My deepest sympathy to his family at this time of great loss.
Sincerely,

Dianne Bunt (nee Dawson)

June 29, 2008

I first met Arne & Suzan when I was a passenger with my family onboard the Royal Viking Star in 1975. (From Australia). I went on to become a Purser Asst and he was the Hotel Manager when I joined. I still remember a debate we had over the spelling of brussel/brussels sprouts. Each time I enjoy a sprout, I think of him. My thoughts are with the family at this sad time. He was ineed a fine man.

Leif Borgen

June 28, 2008

I was so sad to learn that Arne has passed away. He was a true friend and gentleman. My deepest sympathy to his family at this difficult time.

Randi Hill

June 28, 2008

I'm so sorry to hear about Arne's passing. I will always remember him as an incredibly intelligent, nice and funny man.

Justin Smith

June 28, 2008

Arne's passing is truly a loss to anyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing or working with him. He was genuinely one of the good guys and will be missed by all. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Ada & Jerry Grossman

June 27, 2008

Dear Suzan, Christian, Inga and Caroline,
Jerry and I hope that you can find some comfort in your many special memories and in the thought of the happy years you shared with your wonderful Father and Husband. We are thinking of you.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Ada & Jerry Grossman

Glenn Tredwell

June 27, 2008

Dear family of Arnie,
A man of good ethics and strong values. I had the privilege of briefly working with Arnie on a ship project and sensed his passion for the industry. A great man that will truly be remembered by all that he came in contact with.
God Bless, Arnie! May you rest in Peace!
Kind regards to his family!
Sincerely,

MARITIME CASINO SYSTEMS, LLC

Lorri Cohn

June 27, 2008

I was sad to hear about Arne's passing. Though it's been years since we last spoke I have very fond memories of our start up days at Renaissance. When reminiscing, he is always a part of the fun stories... Ren 3 showcasing down the East Coast was fabulous. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Karl and Brita Edlbauer

June 27, 2008

We are very saddened to know Arne Baekkelund is no longer with us.
Our deepest sympathy to his wife Suzan and his children Inga and Christian
In the past both of us had the privilege to work for Arne on several cruise line projects with RVL and Sea Goddess CL. We'll always remember his passion for the cruise industry, his positive thinking, his great sense of humor and the fond memories of his visits to Orlando.
Arne rest in peace....

Alice Rodriguez

June 27, 2008

I first met Arne at Sea Goddess Cruises. Arne was a great boss, fantastic friend and always made me laugh. When I became engaged to be married, Arne graciously stepped in to give me away at my wedding. He adored his wife and children and nothing gave him greater pleasure than spending time with them. We all have such great "Arne" stories that will certainly help us get through this very sad time. I was blessed to have had Arne and his family in my life. Our deepest condolences to Suzan and the entire family.

Lawrence Rapp

June 27, 2008

Arne was always a good friend and colleague. I am shocked at his passing and can only wish Suzan and the family my very best wishes. Arne will be missed by the entire cruise community.

INGOLF & BEVY ANDERSEN

June 27, 2008

PLEASE ACCEPT OUR MOST HEARTFELT SYMPATHIES FOR YOUR LOSS.
OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOUR AND YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.

Peter & Jeanette Whelpton

June 27, 2008

Arne was the first Hotel Manager on Royal Caribbaen's Song Of Norway. He set the standard for the company's hotel operation. I was very fortunate to be associated with him during those early years. Suzan and Arne met on our ships and married. I will miss him and the beautiful Christmas Cards of his family. Our love to his family. God's Cruise Ship will be well managed from now on, Arne is there.

Joseph & Kristina Hanson

June 27, 2008

It is with heavy hearts to learn that a wonderful person and friend has past away..May his family find comfort in the memories they share with Arnie..He will be missed....

Terry Gerlach

June 27, 2008

I am deeply saddened. Though I haven't seen Arne since we worked together at Renaissance Cruises, I continuted to receive those wonderful Christmas Cards over the years with pictures of the family he was so proud of. He was a wonderful friend and enriched the lives of many. He will be greatly missed.

Alexander Napp

June 27, 2008

With deepest sadness the team of Sartori & Berger has to reaslize that Arne Baekkelund is no longer with us. Only a month ago we have been sitting together with Arne on his latest project "Four Seasons" and during all my years in the cruise industry I had wondeful meetings and bright discussions when together with Arne. It seems unacceptable that suddenly our good friend is no longer available for assisance, good thoughts and his wounderful warm sence of humour.

We will miss you Arne !

In silence mourning

Karl Skogland

June 27, 2008

To Suzan, Inga and Christian,
Please accept our deepest sympathies in this time of sorrow and loss. I have fond memories of Arne and our "golden years" aboard RV Star where I served under him as Maitre D'. Arne was a true professional and a warm and generous person. We will miss him dearly. "En seiler har funnet sin havn. Hvil i fred"

Tarje Hellebust

June 27, 2008

I was sorry to hear of Arne's passing away. May he rest peacefully forever

Brenda Mikkelson Messina

June 27, 2008

I have always felt blessed to have known Arne..... so positive and fun to be around. When I wanted to pursue a purser position, he gave me the opportunity. I have always felt grateful for that.

He had a great sense of humor and could always make you laugh in the midst of chaos!

Kris Eugene-Johnson

June 26, 2008

I was fortunate to have sailed with Arne on the Royal Viking Star in 1979 and will always remember his hearty laugh, quick wit, and positive spirit. He was loved and respected by all who worked with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Suzan and family at this very difficult time.

Thomas and Cynthia Fyfe

June 26, 2008

We can hear Arne's laugh right now! It would make every soul light, every moment fun and bright...even if it came the days after the tender sank next to the ship. Arne was the leader, the mentor, the spirit behind every operation, the fun at the end of the day and the inspiration in the morning. Thomas and I are only thinking of Suzan and the kids right now even though we would rather be hearing that LAUGH!
Jag alskar dig Arne.

Christine (Bogue) Geist

June 26, 2008

My days working with Arne as his assistant in the office at RVL/SFO were memories I'll always cherish. He was a gentleman and a true joy to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Suzan, and your family.

Anne Kalosh

June 26, 2008

Arne was my first boss, the hotel manager on board Royal Viking Sea. In 1981, I was a new college grad straight from small-town Midwest and very naive. Arne was kind to me and made me feel like a grown-up professional. He set high standards but always made work fun. Over the years, he helped me with professional contacts around the world and introduced me to many people who have become dear friends. He put an instant smile on everyone's face, and lived life to the fullest. My deepest sympathy to Suzan, Christian and Inga for this great loss.

Arne

June 26, 2008

Mark Conroy

June 26, 2008

His passing was a real shock, he was always so ful of life. Arne was a great guy and a loyal business partner and will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Suzan and the family.

Mark & Marilyn Conroy

Roma Hamilton

June 26, 2008

It is with great sadness that I heard the news of losing such a wonderful person. Although I had not had direct contact with Arne in a long time I have thought of him fondly many times over the years as part of the wonderful cruise experience that was a big part of my life. Arne was a wonderful, kind and gentle person and well loved.

Kjell Kjoenaas

June 26, 2008

Arne was my first Hotel Manager at the Royal Viking Star and I have known him for more than 30 years. A great person with a great sense of humour and a very good friend. My thoughts goes to the family, especially Suzan, Christian and Inga.

Lani Thomas Hogan

June 26, 2008

My life was enriched from knowing Arne and working with him.

Jodi (Ramsey) Lien

June 26, 2008

Arne gave me my opportunity to join the Royal Viking Line family, for which I’m forever grateful.

From him, I learned the art of gracious hospitality and outstanding service, lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career in the travel industry.

Thank you, Arne. Your memory lives on.

Tor Bang

June 26, 2008

Only one Arne -
A true friend, a true professional and a cultured and gentle man.

Arne - maybe you did not know how you touched people's lives; educating aspiring crewmembers, encouraging them, developing their skills.

Takk for alt du var, Arne. Hvil i fred.

Hilsen Tor

Andrea Corman

June 26, 2008

I will always remember Arne with a smile. It was working with Arne that I truly understood that problems were challenges and difficult times were opportunities. I just travelled with him recently as we worked on a project together - and it was as if the years between our last cooperation never were...My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time.

Leena Holopainen

June 26, 2008

There is only one AB. It is still impossible to think about him in the past tense. I was honored to have know him for so many years. Arne was my mentor, the boss and a good friend. There are so many wonderful memories and thinking about them will keep his memory alive. For having known Arne has made me a much better person. I will miss Arne terribly much. Leena Holopainen

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