Erik Kjell Jensen

Erik Kjell Jensen, 77, of Fort Myers passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 2, 2016. Erik was born January 20, 1939 in Fredrikstad, Norway the son of the late Rolf and Ester (Ekenberg) Jensen. During WWII, the family escaped the Nazi occupation of Norway by rowing over to Sweden, where they stayed until the end of WWII. Erik returned to Norway, where the family waited to join Rolf in the United States. He remembered this time in Norway as “the happiest time in my life”, surrounded by his loving “Norge” family. On June 23, 1947 at the age of 8, Erik arrived in New York City where the family was reunited and eventually settled in Sound Beach, New York. He followed in his father Rolf and big brother Finn’s footsteps by becoming a master electrician, and a proud brother in the I.B.E.W Local 25. After a job injury, Erik retired and moved his family to Cape Coral, Florida. Erik proudly became a friend of Bill W. and was a sponsor at the YANA Club in Fort Myers for over 30 years. Our family would like to tell you about the man he was, the life Erik lived. Erik will be remembered for his loving nature. He was a spiritual man, who strove for enlightenment, and was always trying to better himself, and in doing so, made all of us better. Erik always had a smile on his face, and a song in his heart, which he was willing to belt out, no matter where he was. Laughter is a central theme in our family. When we were with our Dad, it was one big laugh after another. Our Dad told us how much he loved to hear his girls laughing, and we tried our best to keep him laughing until the very end, didn’t we Igor (No, it's pronounced “eye-gor). He taught us to laugh through our tears, and to never take life too seriously. He treasured spending time with his best friends Joy Sherman, Mary Leitch and Larry Coate and his family. He loved shopping for bargains (beatin’ the man), being our Mr. Fix-it, and helping Uncle Finn and Cheryl work on the boat so they could all enjoy being on the water. His last trip with them on the boat was to Marathon, and he said “it was the best vacation of my life”. Erik is survived by his loving family: Daughter, Lynne (Jeffrey) Rosen, Daniel (Dove) Swinskey, Great Grandson, David; Dyana Swinskey, Great Granddaughter Chloe Bassila. His Son, Erik (Lisa) Jensen; David, Erik, Michael and Ashley. His Daughter, Lorie Pindle; Abby. His Step-daughter, Unity Jeni Manson; Banyan. His Loving Brother, Finn (Cheryl, who he loved as a sister) Jensen. and, His Son-in-law, Douglas Swinskey. We would like to thank the numerous doctors and nurses that took care of Erik at Gulf Coast Hospital, especially the E.R. Doctors and Nurses (Shay). Dr. Tovar-Dias, Dr. Borden, Dr. Pammi, Dr Reeves and all their staff. To his caretakers, Pam and Felisha, he looked forward to seeing you every day. We’re blessed to call you family. Thank-you for your loving care. To our loving Joy, who’s unwavering friendship and love carried our father through many dark days. We love you and he’ll meet you at Starbuck’s. Through our father’s example, we invite you to follow the path of enlightenment. In lieu of flowers, we ask to spread lovingkindness in this world. Be kind to yourself, to others, reach out when someone needs a helping hand, without judgement, as our father taught us. We ask that you think of Erik while you spread compassion in this world, so Erik will feel it in the next. Few cross the river. Most are stranded on this side. On the river bank, they run up and down. But, the wise person, following the way, Crosses over, beyond the reach of death. Free from desire, Free from possessions, Free from attachment and appetite, Following the seven lights of awakening, And rejoicing in his freedom, In this world the wise person becomes a light, Pure, shining, free……….. Dhammapada May you have a safe journey to Valhalla. Takk for the Dag Kjell Erik…..Jaaaa! Ha det bra, Daddio….We love you so…… Funeral services to be announced on Lynne Jensen Rosen & Lorie Jensen’s Facebook page. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

Erik Kjell Jensen

January 20, 1939 - June 2, 2016