Friends, colleagues and family said goodbye to the musician on Thursday, in Brevik church in Telemark. Around the coffin it was covered with flowers and greetings. Along the rows of benches there was hardly an empty space. His daughter Martine was one of many who gave a touching memorial for her father. – Fine, my good father. You lit up any room with your bubbly personality and infectious laugh. You were quite the “klin geren”, but also good as gold. The crazy combination suited you best. Since the early 90s, Stephen Ackles has released a long series of albums and was nominated for the Spellemannprisen three times. Photo: Gitte Johannessen / NTB scanpix She described her father as a warm-hearted person. – You had the feelings outside your body. We could cry together for an eternity, but also crack up together in convulsions of laughter. I have always been your little girl and as a true daddy’s girl I have always felt connected to you and felt very loved. – You have largely contributed to my zest for life. The best person I know is no longer here to cry and laugh with me. Your little big girl misses the hugs and kisses you gave. I love you and miss you a lot, she concluded. The brother Erik remembers a brother who was keen to live. – Dear brother, your life was far too short, but in experiences you lived several lifetimes. Rock on in the sky, he said, among other things, in his eulogy. Brevik church was full on Thursday afternoon. Photo: Siw Borgen / news – Fantastic memories Ackles’ friends were excited before they entered the ceremony. – Incredibly sad and strong, but I think it will be a very nice commemoration. He was my former neighbor and I have met him many times. This will be a strong day, says Frp politician Bård Hoksrud to news. – How would you describe him as a person? – He was always fond of people and asked how others were doing. I only have wonderful memories and you have to take that with you on such a difficult day, says Hoksrud. Ackles was found dead in his home in Nordre Follo on 28 September after an acute heart attack. He lived to be only 57 years old and leaves behind two children. – Terribly scary, it’s very sad, but a lot of famous people and family will come, so it will be very nice too, says musician friend Paal Flaata, who will play at the funeral. On the funeral home’s memorial page, warm words have also poured in about the versatile musician: “Thank you for all the music, joy and light you spread. You will be missed. The memories last” “Farewell dear Stephen! I miss your beautiful voice, your good humour, the care you show your friends, your commitment and your knowledge of music! Forever happy for you!” “Thank you for being there for me growing up, thank you for your care, laughter and beautiful music. Many good memories live on in my heart” Playing Ackles songs The funeral contained emotional songs such as “You’ll never walk alone”, sung by Paal Flaata, but Linda Kvam and the Norwegian Seamen’s Chorus also contributed. Two songs Ackles himself co-wrote, “For Once In My Life” and “An Evening Prayer”, were also played. Photo: Siw Borgen / news Ackles was involved in music until the end. As recently as the weekend before he died, he was on stage during an Elvis weekend at Rjukan in Telemark. The Norwegian-American artist and songwriter from Brevik had a large musical register. He played country, gospel and blues, but first became known as a skilled interpreter of 1950s rock artists. Since the early 90s, he has released a long series of albums and was nominated for the Spellemannprisen three times. Stephen Ackles was a guest of Thomas Seltzer in the Social Security Office on 19 September 2012 when it was about evil. And did his cover version of Harley Hatcher’s “Satan”.
ttn-69