Former ICOMIA President passes away

It is with deep sadness and regret that ICOMIA has reported the passing of Mr Björn Lagerkvist, former President of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA).

Mr Lagerkvist passed away on Friday 1 March 2013 after a long-suffering illness.

Lagerkvist was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Swedish marine industry association, Sweboat, in 1975 and attended his first ICOMIA Congress in Oslo that same year. He would attend Congress for the next 37 years.

In 1978, Lagerkvist joined the ICOMIA Executive Committee, serving as President of ICOMIA from 1984 - 1986 and from 1992 – 1996; the only person ever to be elected twice as the global association's President. He showed commitment and dedication to its working groups and committees over the years.

Lagerkvist was made Honorary Life Member on 14 April 2007 and was presented with the award by then ICOMIA President, Graeme Avers, at METS.



Lagerkvist is remembered fondly by his Sweboat colleagues as a warm and gentle person, with a subtle sense of humour.

“As CEO of Sweboat he was very structured with a well-defined agenda,” recalled Mats Eriksson, who took over from Lagerkvist in 2007 as Chief Executive.

“He was respected for his knowledge and expertise in all forums within the boating community”.

Friends and colleagues remember the understated, serious and quiet way he had of getting on with things - as well as how hilarious he could be; delivering jokes in his signature deadpan style, with his impeccable comedic timing always leaving the audience in hysterics.

Mr Lagerkvist was much loved husband, father and grandfather and a long-time colleague and dear friend of ICOMIA.

“We mourn his passing and give thanks for his life of service to our recreational marine industry, and his years of friendship,” said Tony Rice, ICOMIA Secretary General.
“Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the Lagerkvist family at this tragic time.”

Lagerkvist's many achievements include his direct involvement in the development of the large body of EN ISO Standards supporting the EU’s Recreational Craft Directive. In addition, Mr Lagerkvist was a founding member of the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI), the EU notified body.

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