Today will be put to rest a person I can never forget

Although I met this gentleman only a couple of times, in 1975, he is one I will never forget. He oozed with character and love for his fellow human beings. He was the sweetness equal to the product he represented as his classification in Rotary - confectionary manufacturing.

His visiting card, which I have faithfully preserved for the last 20 years, shows his character.

Visiting Card of Rolf Klärich given to me in the summer of 1975 during a Rotary meeting in Oulu.

Rolf Klärich passed away on the 20th of January 2005.

He is the only Finn to have served as the President of Rotary International. He held his term during 1980-81.

His theme for his Presidency was "Take Time To Serve".

"1980-81 Rotary International President Rolf J. Klärich (confectionary manufacturing), Rotary Club of Helsinki- Helsingfors, Finland.
Rotary vision: That its members Take Time to Serve - any time, anywhere - and make the organisation work.
"The time we take to serve those who need us can be the turning point, not only in their lives but also in our own."
- Take Time to Serve, THE ROTARlAN, July 1980"

He was born in Oulu on 5th February 1922. A Rotarian since 1953, Klärich was a member of the Rotary Club of Helsinki-Helsingfors. He started his Rotary life as a member of the Merikoski Rotary Club in Oulu and he twice served as the Governor of the Northern Region of Finland.

He also served Rotary International as vice president, director, Foundation trustee and trustee chair, district governor, International Assembly group discussion leader, information institute counselor, group discussion leader, and committee member and chair.

Klärich, a retired confectionary manufacturer, held several civic and industrial organization offices.

For his service as British consul of Finland's Oulu Province and his work to promote international understanding, the former Rotary International President was made an Honorary Officer of the Order of British Empire. He served as Vice Chairman and then Chairman of the English Club of Oulu, the august position which my better half, Annikki, held several years later.


Rolf Klärich, Vice Chairman of The English Club of Oulu in 1955, shaking hands with Trevor Cash. Copyright English Club of Oulu.

Klärich is survived by his wife, Katarina (Käthy), and daughters, Veronica, Yvonne, and Birgitta. A memorial service will be held for family and close friends at the Old Chapel in Helsinki today when he will be laid to rest.

Condolences may be sent to the family at Välskarinkatu 7 A 4, FIN 00260 Helsinki, Finland.