Captain Hans Jørgen Hjelde's Obituary
Captain Hans Jørgen Hjelde
11.16.1936 - 09.07.2015
Hans Jørgen Hjelde, born in Oslo, Norway on November 16, 1936, grew up in Trondheim, where his family still resides. In addition to Ellen, his wife of 45 years, surviving family members are daughters Lise Brylle and her husband, Jens, Lone Spillard, and son Hans Hjelde and wife Karen, together with 6 grandchildren. Also surviving in Norway is a brother Odd Roar and wife Aasta. Hans Jørgen Hjelde graduated from the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy in 1958 and later obtained his Master Mariner's certification in Bergen. After a short tour of duty in the Norwegian Navy he joined the Norwegian Merchant Marine which led him in 1969 to join part of the Wilh.Wilhelmsen group of companies in Hong Kong, where he met his wife, who was the honorary Danish Vice Consul. In 1975 he transferred to Tehran and in the fall of 1977 to New York.
From 1979 to 1985 Hans headed Wilhelmsen's operation in Baltimore, and later accepted the position of President for Wilhelmsen in North America. In 1991 he was appointed Honorary Consul for Norway in Maryland, and in 1999 The King of Norway bestowed him the honor of Knight of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.
After retirement Hans Jørgen and his wife moved to Lake County, Florida, where they have lived for almost ten years.
His life long friends Ove Höegh , Knut Berentson, Odd Sanne along with his
fellow officers from the Norwegian Navy describe him as 'an officer and a gentleman'. He and their fellow classmates met in Norway on a very regular basis, though most of that group are now living in all corners of the world.
Hans Jørgen was an avid golfer and enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow golfers.
He also spent many happy hours at the bridge table especially at the Eustis Bridge Club. Traveling overseas to visit with family and friends from his rich and long life was always high on his agenda, and visiting with his grandchildren remained his most intimate pleasure. Hans died peacefully in his home on September 7th 2015 and will be deeply missed by all.
A celebration of Hans' life will be held on Saturday in Florida followed by the more formal services in Denmark. Pastor Kjell Werner Rødder of the Norwegian Church will honor his life followed by a private internment at Søllerød Kirkegård.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Rd., Tavares, FL 32778.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, (352)343-4444. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall.
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