Tragically BJ died on Sunday 3rd June 2007, this site is dedicated to the memory of a great frend, colleague and a-kinda older brother to all of us.
He will be sorely missed.
I would like you all to put down your thoughts, memories and pictures on this blog.
He will be sorely missed.
I would like you all to put down your thoughts, memories and pictures on this blog.
59 comments:
BJ was quite simply the most helpful SA I've ever worked with.
He always had time to help out when things went wrong.
Outside of work he was a great friend, funny and intelligent and always had time for a "swift half" or two.
We'll all miss him dearly.
Dave Wishart (DB London UNIX Team)
Over the last year or two I got to know BJ well from our liasons in the New Moon Pub. We had some very funny moments ranging from him laughing at my awful shiny Bus Driver's suits to me laughing at his inability to buy a round! I have to say the man was a fantastic character and a light has gone out not only here in the office but in the lives of those that new him. I for one will sorely miss him.
Alex McLaughlin SQL DBA London.
In terms of his work, BJ went out of his way to help make things better, he was extremely proactive and he was dedicated, committed and always available to help out.
On a personal level although I didn't know him very well outside of work, he was always happy and positive, he always had a funny story to tell and he had a knack of lightening the mood - enviable characteristics all.
He will be sorely missed on both levels.
Adrian Fontaine-Hill
(DB - GM Sales IT)
I'm still reeling from the shock of it all to be honest... BJ was such a part of the furniture at all our gatherings it's hard to imagine what it will be like without him.
He was a great mentor, a loyal friend and one of the funniest guys I've had the pleasure of knowing. We'll carry the torch for you now mate... down with Shtinky Shmokers, down with queuing, up with Pilsner lagers and living life to the fullest :'-)
Simon Lucas (Dresdner Kleinwort, ex-Deutsche Bank UNIX SA)
My dear friend BJ.
Man, why did you have to do that? Why didn't I come with you, like you asked me to, riding that day. Surely, things would've been timed differently, even if only by a second, and this wouldn't have happened? Or, why didn't I insist and press you more, to come riding with me, where I wanted to go. I know, I know, wondering these thoughts isn't going to bring you back, or change anything, but I can't help but wonder... You, of all people. You, who wore you leathers even in 35 degrees heat, and bollocked me, if you ever saw me on my bike in my jeans (which I was guilty of a very small number of times). You, who I can't remember ever having even a minor accident. Why couldn't you have an accident, but survive... Oh, I know, you won't answer, and there are no answers.
I am struggling, really very badly, to accept that you are really gone. That I'll never see your slightly lumbering form, and the almost-always-slightly-sarcastic grin, and the sparkle in your eyes. And your nearly always too loud voice, and utter and total lack of moderation in speaking what you thought about anything or anyone, and often to their face.
I'll miss our geeky conversations, about gadgets, computers, projectors, mobile phones, and of course, cars and bikes. Our lunches together in the City. When we would talk about more gadgets, computers, cars and bikes etc. I'll miss you telling me off for fiddling with my chopsticks while we were waiting for our lunch. And looking at my mobile phone too often for your liking. And moaning about England and British people in general. You did moan a lot. And you were always late. Never mind, I'll miss all that. It was all a part of you.
I'll never forget you my friend, and I wish I believed in all that "I hope he's riding in the clouds" stuff... Well, I can try very hard to make myself believe that... At least, even though it doesn't make it one bit easier, you did go doing what you really loved.
But too early. Far too early.
Dammit dude, why did you have to do that!? :'-(
Quite simply, BJ was one of the most helpful, dedicated, people I have ever had the pleasure to work with, but irrespective of whether he was at work or at the pub he was always funny, witty, and just able to make people smile and laugh. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
David Monger (IB IT)
BJ was the most wonderful of friends and one of the finest characters I've ever met.
His personality lit up any room he entered.
He worked as hard as he played and if you know how good he was at the latter you'll know he was a great man to have in your corner in the office.
I had the good fortune to spend alot of time with him out of work, out at gigs, track days on bikes or simply down the pub - I treasure all the memories of those times and wonder how its possible there can't be more.
Rest soundly my friend - I miss you every day.
Col (DB)
The only man to have his own wardrobe in the Bank.
The only man you could hear arrive each morning.
The only man who could speak a million languages.
The only man left standing at the new moon.
The only man so charasmatic, so dedicated, so pleasant and so unique.
A tragic, saddening loss. I'll never forget you, the legend that was BJ.
Chris Raine (DB Global Citrix Team)
It's hard to understand why someone of BJ's quality was taken from us. It's very difficult thinking that I won't hear his trademark "HeyyyythisisbeeJAYY" phone manner, his always-there-when-you-need-him technical expertise, or just won't be able to talk about Iron Maiden vs Manowar in the pub again....
Rest in peace, bro - you rock.
dsw (UNIX SA at DB).
Uncomfortably Numb. Feel like the wind has been knocked out of my sails; like the world is now missing something...someone. Someone who was a world authority on just about everything, who always had an opinion, and was almost always right. Someone who didn't suffer fools gladly, but who was always there to help if you needed him, whether or not. Someone hugely intelligent, who spoke about sixteen gazillion different languages (even if fifteen-and-a-half gazillion of them were utter gibberish), and who used English grammar and punctuation better than 99% of the natives. Someone who knew his music inside out and was never afraid to recommend it to others; someone who was generous enough to give you his cds after he had ripped them for himself. Someone informed, someone eloquent, and above all, someone amazingly, brilliantly, bitingly funny. I shall always remember playing Statler to your Waldorf, both of us heckling every moment of life at work.
Me: "This salad shop is going to die a victim of its own success".
BJ: "Yeah, a bit like us.....only without the 'success' bit!"
Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, for making me laugh so much. I can't believe you're gone.
Pete Ramsdale (ex DB UNIX).
I've know BJ at work for a long long time , must be 6 or 7 years with various stints at the bank.
I'm still shocked really and this week I keep seeing his face.
Ill miss him , a genuine guy , good fun and a pleasure to work with ..
Since meeting BJ it’s always been a good laugh when out and about. Sometimes this was at my expense as he labelled us “stinky smokers” and yet the way he said it still made me laugh.
I’ll miss the strong minded tower of a man and will never forget the last smile I got from him upon informing him I had given up smoking.
Long may his memory bring a smile to people’s faces.
Mattp (TLB)
I had so many things to say to him, music to recommend, concerts to see. All these things will have to wait a while now.
Despite being one of the 'English'and an ocassional 'disgusting smoker' I counted him as one of my closest friends. You will live in my heart my friend.
Bon voyage Bjarne
BJ was one of those people always happy help anyone . It is difficult to believe what has happened. HG
I remember BJ as more than just another SA.
Somebody who was always willing to help (in or our of work). Had a great sense of humour and was liked by everybody he met.
A very tragic loss.
Jared Budnarowski
(DB - Unix Manager)
I just dont believe that he's gone! It is so unfair that someone so completely unique has been taken from us who gave us so much fun and life. The story's are endless and will make us all laugh out loud. We must remember his life for the way it touched every one of us in spite of his tragic and untimely death. I knew BJ for over 5 years and I shall miss him for a lifetime. I hope we learn from his life the very best way to deal with all things to bring happiness to every waking day and above all: To live life to the full like only BJ could ever do. Keep smiling my friend from up on high and see you on the other side... Nik (LH)
My dear friend Bj, gone but never forgotten.
I have many happy memories of times spent riding with the giant Dane, with the New York accent!!
His constant presence was a comfort to many on rides, and the non to subtle exhaust system made other road users aware of the incoming bike!
His motorcross boots put many wing mirrors lives at an end!
Ride safe up there my friend,
Dave Darkmonster
The London Bikers
The first time I met Bjarne, he sat down at the desk next to me at work. He said "Hi, I'm BJ". I replied "James" and thought BJ, I'm not sure I will be able to call you BJ. It was the start of a friendship involving Bikes, Beer and Bands. Oh, and we sat next to each other at work as well.
The sad news still hasn't sunken into my thick skull yet either. I keep thinking it's lunch with BJ and Colin on Friday, or, I should be able to fit in a ride with BJ this Sunday. Then I remember Sunday 3rd June was his last ride and I won't be able to do anything else in BJs fine company ever again. It’s really very hard to take.
James. (Colleague, friend and admirer)
PS: I think I started to call him BJ after only about 2 hours, it just seemed right.
Fantastic to read all your thoughts. I met BJ working at DB in New York in '96 and you won't be surprised to hear that he remained an excellent friend ever since - even though I'm a DBA ;-).
The problem with friends you've known for a decade....is that it takes a decade to replace them - and only then if you're lucky.
His parents are seriously cool people aswell, you have to be to come up with someone like BJ. Stayed with them in Copenhagen.
There's no doubt they broke the mold with you BJ.
A sad farewell, and lots of tears down here you blind old b*gger !
I met BJ during my 1 week visit to UK & I found him " A gem of a person". I still remember some of his hillarious jokes when we went to pub togather. I was really shocked when I heard about this accident.
I will surely miss his company whenever I'll visit UK in future.
Good Bye my friend.
Kandarp Desai ( US UNIX Team )
Gutted.
BJ excelled at all he cared about... SysAdmin'ing, bikes and drinking with his friends. Generous to his very core, he had much to say and didn't hang about saying it! And an uncanny talent for fitting expletives into sentences where none had thought possible... My fave memory is when we blagged our way into some freebie corporate drinks evening after work at the Gerkin, figuring we would get chucked out (BJ looked conspicous amoung the suits in his black metal t-shirt and jeans) we set about getting as much free booze down our necks as possible - I was on my back by 8pm and BJ was faring little better - I remember rolling about in the street afterwards with him, laughing like hyenas... the sun was barely down.
The sun's down now fella, RiP.
Jules Morris (exDB SA)
My mind has been in a turmoil since this happened, we knew something was wrong when BJ didn't respond to phone calls and texts, he was always so reliable. A great friend, brilliant biker, which makes it harder to understand how this could have happened, he was quick but very safe. Looking forward to our Cornwall trip with him, then later Scotland, but won't be the same without him, a larger than life character.
Have lots of photo's of him and even more memories, he will never be forgotten, always in my heart & mind.
F...!!
Last time Isaw BJ was at the Nürburg Ring in April in his Hairdressers rental car (se pics at http://90.184.73.40/photo/index1.php?currdir=N%C3%BCrburg)
it was a great trip and in a way it defined my relationship with him.
-This was where I met him at first and saw him last!!
Always in a great mood, beer drinking, fast going, serious talking, joking, marking sarcastically, but most of all honest guy, a quality rarely found these days!
He is the second friend I lost to a bike accident over the last 3 months, and I suddenly find, that I’m in no hurry to get my bike license.
I read from all these feeds that he had the same impact on all of you and I find it amazing how strong his personality was.
My heart goes out to his parents, his girlfriend and all of you to whom he meant so much.
R.I.P.
Søren Hesselaa (DK)
I had the pleasure of meeting BJ some 5 years ago at Bar Italia in Soho which is a regular Friday night biker meet. I'm pretty sure I was pillion on the back of Dave Dark Monster as I was trying for the umteenth time to pass my bike test.
BJ in his sutle way yelled "Nice Ass" and whacked it with his hand.
I remember many a drunken night out with BJ at London Bikers drinks in town, a night out in the Bierodrome in Clapham (I just started working there in April and was going to suggest a meet up) and his housewarming party in Kennington where he wowed us with Danish rock music.
I remember a visit to his Chelsea home when he worked for DB with his in-house cinema.
Everything with BJ was bigger and better, including his personality.
I remember the year after passing my bike test riding up to Donnington Park to watch the Moto GP and the attempt at losing my back wheel due to my dodgy maintenance. I remember him laughing his head off at me despite his big brother concern.
He went before his time and I sorely wish to hear him say his catchphrase "This goddamn country" just one last time.
God bless BJ. RIP.
BJ,
Who was part of the best AIX team I have ever worked in, and a very good contractor. More importantly a good mate, over the last seven or so years, who I will sadly miss.
Kevin
I remember the first time I really met BJ was when we rode from 6 Bish to Brands for a track evening. I was waiting in the car park when this huge bloke turns up dwarfing his 1000cc gixer. There was a lot of good humoured banter over that ride to Brands and the fact he didn't have to lean the bike over very far to get his knee down! From then on for some reason Bj always seemed to get stitched up/volunteered with storage migrations at work. He was always helpful, always working - a top fella both inside and outside work. You will be truly missed dude. RIP big man.
Rowan
This is the saddest news I've received..... It just hasn't sunk in that BJ has gone.
With BJ, you can just hear him everywhere. He was loud, funny and opinionated. On top of that, he’s extremely clever, superb at his job and had a wicked sense of humour. He’s a larger than life character with a great zest for life.
BJ, I will miss hearing your voice and your laugh. The world is a much sadder place without you in it.
Ang (DB – Oracle DBA)
BJ, you'll be sorely missed as those before me have said. For me, I have few words and can only add this poem by Linda Ellis;
The Dash Poem
by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end
He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years
For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?
©1996 Linda Ellis
Michael Lawrence (ex DB)
To be remembered with such genuine and universal fondness, respect and admiration by every man and woman that knew you, or knew of you, is truely the mark of a great man.
The great, and much-needed and appreciated, character and colour you brought to the team over the last 6 or so years will be very difficult to replace.
PS. I never did get to get you to comply with company dress code did I? I quite got used to that Franz Ferdinand T shirt.
Bill Walker (Deutsche Bank Director)
Gone but not forgotten.
BJ was a unique person and I am glad I the the chance to know him. His was a pleasure to work with. His attitude was fantastic. He was loud, funny and very good natured. I enjoyed the evenings outside the moon talking bikes and drinking beer. He called me the small Irish guy , I am 6'3" but compared to him I was small. I will miss him. BJ enjoyed life and the people he met.
RIP BJ
Kevin Keohane ( DB Storage )
Every now and again you feel fortunate to come into contact with a special person who you instantly feel comfortable with and like and respect. BJ was one of those special people. You will be greatly missed and remembered with great fondness and respect.
Dearest BJ,
Andrew Gilbert used to tell me off for wearing blue jeans to work, so I don't know how on earth you got away with wearing loud Iron Maiden shirts to work.
Remember this okay:
ROCK ON DUDE!!!!
Miss you miss you miss you.
Sleep well BJ.
- Emi -
So many words but none seem even close to describing what a great man you were, how much fun you were to be around, and what a massive loss you will be to all of us that were ever lucky enough to know you, work with you, or better still drink with you.
Rest well big man, but I somehow think that things 'upstairs' are gonna change - for the better
Simon
Couldn't believe it when I heard the sad news, BJ was always so careful were bikes concerned. Only six weeks ago we discussed his safety record on his bike, wish I hadn't now.
He was always available at short notice, and at unsociable hours to perform work. Always willing to assist and you always knew were you were with him. Yes I never could get him to adhere to the dress code, and am now glad I didn’t
My lasting memory will be turning up in a bar in the early hours (SoUK in Clapham) and hearing BJ's friendly voice over the rest of the guys in the bar, which made the evening complete.
Sadly missed…..
Andrew Gilbert
(x DB London Unix Team)
A few people stand out in one’s memory. Bjarne was absolutely one of these.
About 15 years ago, I was part of an IBM techie outfit in Austin Texas. We used to get Unix heavies from around the globe assigned to us for a few weeks each for training and to do a bit of product development. Most who came were dedicated geeks (although the word did not exist then) who buckled down and delivered the goods.
Bjarne arrived determined to make the most of the many social, musical and fun temptations of Austin, which he duly did. Needless to say, the wild Dane led many a serious young techie into activities that were utterly new to them. If he slept during that 2 month period, it was difficult to see when he did it.
It was also fantastic that he delivered his assigned output, without much visibility in the office.
15 years on, I am retired, back in the UK, and a mutual friend called to say “come for a drink and to meet an old friend”. I did so, and there was Bjarne, still as lively funny and unconventional as he had been.
He had the secret of enjoying life and helping others to do so too.
Tom
R.I.P Big fella,
Your biking friends will never forget you.
Dread.
I am still in shock at the such tragic loss of BJ. Never did I buy him all those beers I owed him for helping me out at weekends and unsocial hours.
BJ you are and always will be a legend, an example to us all of how to live your live to the full and conduct yourself; integrity something you had an abundance of.
Goodbye my friend; an example of living life for today and getting your knee down.
Matt Doran (DB Sybase Team)
An awesome send off for an awesome guy... BJ, I think even you would have been stunned with the turnout today. Despite this show of strength, the "great" English weather turned on us after you'd made your final journey, although not enough to quell our spirits. We were all utterly heartbroken when your curtain call came, but I think you would have appreciated the extended encore in the White Hart. I certainly did.
Shine on you crazy diamond
Am i stupid... cant figure out how to post pics.. someone plz explain plz!!
Søren
If anyone has any special photos that they would like to be posted on this blog, then please forward them to me - naveed.chughtai@db.com, plus any caption that you may like to add and I will upload them on this site.
From Anni and Palle
Anni and Palle, BJ’s parents, Tina his sister and the two nephews Ian and Robin wants to thank all of you for kind and friendly thoughts and words.
We will all miss Bjarne and he will always be remembered.
Thanks from his Danish family
Anni and Palle.
Ten years older than me Bjarne was always my big amazing cousin who knew stuff about the coolest things. Computers, music etc. ... and he always brought beautiful girlfriends when he visited us in my parent´s house.
He made me mixed tapes with Belouis Some, Talking Heads and what else he found suitable to know from his huge record collection.
After he mooved to the states I did not hear much from him until some night in 97 where he found my sister and I at a disco where we worked. Five years ago he took initiative for us to meet up again and so we did everytime he came to Copenhagen. There I came to know him not only as “ a man of the world” and loud talking – able to do most things but also as an empathic friend and kin who would and could talk about serious things in life – past, present and long perspective.
Although we only met four og five times a year we always met in an atmosphere of trust – and of course a bite to eat and a pint or two of danish lager.
Today as for the past five years I am and have been so greatful for the time I spend with Bjarne, for the laughs, talks and beers we had – even though knowing him makes loosing him so hard.
To you his friends in England:
I am deeply mooved and thankful for all you have said on the web and for all your help and support to Bjarne´s parents in this time of sorrow. It´s been soothing to read your greetings on TLB. He always spoke dearly of you and always had good stories to tell from your trips in the UK and on the continent.
I thank you for all you did at the ceremony – unfortunately I could not attend but I heard from Bjarnes´s parents what fine ceremony you had made.
I my self will “send him off” in august where we were supposed to attend the Tool concert at Brixton. In Bjarne´s spirit I will enjoy loud music ... and drink beers - always counting “in large amounts” (DM).
Thanks to you all – and love to you my dear friend and kin
Thomas Kjelfred
I met Bjarne for the first time back in 2002. Quickly we realised that we were very different.
He hated my music taste and I hated his. He hated my passion for football and cigarettes.
Bjarne, I still love my football, but at least I've quitted the cigs now.
Although you and me we're very different, we always got on (although we nearly always had a loud discussion about something). It was always a laugh to have a few beers with you in the pub.
You were always helpful if I had a problem with some technical stuff.
Susan and I will miss you.
Sajid
One year on dude... sorry I missed the actual anniversary, but hey, you were always late for everything as well :)
I'll toast you later in the pub
Well, BJ, you have never been far from my thoughts this last year, I still keep asking myself WHY? Went back to the accident scene with many conflicting thoughts, I suppose I will never have a complete answer for what happened. You stay in my heart, thank goodness we all have such happy memories to hold on to.
Hey man.
Two years may have gone by but today feels as sad as the day I heard you were gone.
When I get home tonight I'll put on some music we shared with you, and lou and I will raise a toast to the many happy memories we have; imagining that belly-laughter of yours, your convincing air-guitar solos, your loathing of Stella Artois and cigarettes, and your love of music, real ale and the "Real Pilsner:Staropramen"
Take it easy tall fella...Nathan
Well, over three years have passed by, but you are never far from my thoughts, and I know that is the same for many of your friends who have a special place in their heart for you.
Miss those crazy rides on the bikes, and "that look" you gave when you wanted a blat!
We all have such good memories of a special friend.
Christine (Grandma of The London Bikers)
I dated BJ (Bjarne) when he lived in Austin, early 1990's. He was everything everyone has already said, and more. My friends used to call him the Great Dane. He drove around Austin in an old model gas guzzler convertible, loved Pint Nite at The Dog and Duck (Tuesdays), wore a pair of glasses with one lens missing (he said he didn't need correction in that eye). He was also very much a gentlemen, very charming, and a lot of fun! And yes, he always had a beautiful girl on his arm (and I was happy to be one of them, for awhile)! I was very sad to read this. RIP, Bjarne.
Miss you brother...
It's been almost 5 years since you left us behind BJ. I still mourn your loss like I would a brother.
I hope that they haven't run out of beer in Valhalla ......... I know how cranky you can get when you're cut off!
Shine On You Crazy Dane .... we all Wish You Were Here.
Robert Ryan NetApp NY
I was very sad to find out that Bjarne has already left this world.
I dated Bjarne 30 years ago while he was studying at DTU in Lyngby.
we were both very young and talked about our dreams and hopes for the future. I must say, after carefully reading all the comments about his life, that he achieved exactly the things he dreamed and talked so much about when he was 20
Unfortunately I lost contact with him after our break-up but i am so glad in my heart that he got to inspire so many people with his intelligence, his charm and his dedication to life itself.
I loved him very much when he was in my life and I will keep his memory in my heart.
Six years on, not forgotten. RIP bj.
Happy Birthday my brother. You will never be forgotten.
Happy Grundslovdag BJ. It's been 7 years and you've not been forgotten.
This site hit me like a ton of bricks when I found it 3 months ago. It's taken me a long time to process my thoughts and emotions.
To say BJ had a pivotal effect on my life is an understatement. From teaching me most thing I know about Unix to being the one person responsible for my moving from Denmark to the US. I don't have to tell anybody here how helpful and powerful of a person BJ was.
I still can't believe you're gone, brother. Godspeed.
Finn
10 years my friend and still missed as much as ever by those who knew you.
I was not aware of this blog, thanks for sending it on Ryan. I think of BJ often and miss him terribly. When raising a beer, BJ. When seeing a vintage car, BJ. When thinking about the amazing hackers I've known, BJ. When chuckling about websites, BJ. Most importantly, when thinking about the wonderful people that have crossed my paths over years (and there are lots of those years), BJ. Happy birthday BJ! We miss you!
I awakened yesterday after having dreams of Bjarne/BJ during the nite. Not sure why, but it's been on my mind. Today, I decided today to look him up - I have posted on this blog before, back in 2011 when I learned about his accident. As I read through all of the great memories from people - he touched so many people - it reminded me how fearless he was and of his zest for life. Then, I see that the date he passed was July 3rd - the same nite I dreamed of him. I did not recollect that date, unless it was hidden somewhere deep in my subconscious, so I find that he "visited" me on July 3rd to be quite serendipitous. He might say it was just a coincidence, but I say it was a bit more than this, as I have been feeling very worried and sad lately. Reading about him reminded me how important it is to live in the moment and enjoy life, which he surely did. I believe you hear me, Bjarne - thank you for the very important reminder. You are missed. Hope to catch up again someday! xo
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