I think I've only met Great Uncle Lars 3 or 4 times in my life, but remember that, though quiet, he seemed like a really happy guy, a true salt-of-the-Earth farmer, a real Canadian settler. I hope there are some younger Sveens, either here or in Norway, that can still play the accordion.

But, I still remember my first road trip to Saskatchewan and seeing all the fireflies on the highway as we got closer to Lars' farm. I remember him letting us check out the root cellar, and we went into this dark basement with flashlights to bust some ghosts, as Ghostbusters was my favorite show back in the late 80s or early 90s when we made this trip. Great Uncle Lars had a good sense of humour to play along, and tell us where all the ghosts were.

Lars lived a long life, and I hope he had no regrets. Now, he's back with Ingrid and Olaf, and I hope all are at peace... nobody will need to bust those ghosts. (A little Norweigeian humour there...)

We'll miss the elder Sveens!

-Nick