This is how Olav Thon transformed the village in Hallingdal – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country

– Olav Thon was truly a gift to Flå municipality, says mayor Merete Høntorp Gandrud (Ap), to news. In 2006, Thon was stopped by the sheriff in Flå. There the conversation came into Bjørneparken and the sheriff took him on a visit to the park. – Transformed the municipality – He asked if I had managed to keep the speed limit, Thon told Dagens Næringsliv in 2012 and said that the conversation quickly got into Bjørneparken. Then and there Thon decided to transform the village. Since 2007, he and his companies have invested over 350 million in everything from hotels to McDonalds. For Mayor Gandrud it is a sad day, but he likes to think about everything he did for Flå. – He has transformed this municipality of ours from a small village into a vibrant center in Hallingdal. He dared to bet where others just drove by. Olav Thon was for several years one of the richest people in Norway. Here he is together with businessman Stein Erik Hagen in connection with the central bank governor’s annual address in 2018. Olav Thon was fond of outdoor life, and for several years supported the Norwegian Tourist Association with money. In the photo, he is depicted at his cabin on Sollihøgda in 1970. In connection with his 80th birthday in 2003, Olav Thon was awarded the St. Olavsorden for his efforts for Norwegian business. The employees gave him a bust made by the artist Per Ung. In 2019, Olav Thon married Sissel Berdal Haga at the Bristol Hotel in Oslo. He gave her credit for the colorful style of clothing that Thon later became known for. – Stand-alone Reactions are many and strong after the news that Olav Thon has passed away, aged 101. – Olav Thon was a stand-alone businessman who created industry and jobs both in and outside Norway. But he was also someone who never forgot his strong roots in Hallingdal. This is what Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre says about the death. Støre highlights the personality and commitment of Thon, not least for nature. – Today my thoughts go to his loved ones, says Støre. Stein Erik Hagen says that Olav Thon was a role model in every way. – He was a great inspiration, never gave up and was always cheerful and positive. He lived a long, good and rich life, says Hagen. Published 16.11.2024, at 14.42 Updated 16.11.2024, at 14.50



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