SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

The Family's Farewell: "Dad Got His Overtime"

Sven-Göran Eriksson has been laid to rest in Torsby, Värmland – "along Fryken's greenest hills". A bon vivant who loved routines got a tearful farewell. Dad got his overtime as he used to joke about, with a twinkle in his eye, says daughter Lina Eriksson.

» Updated: 24 September 2024, 24:47

» Published: 13 September 2024

The Family's Farewell: "Dad Got His Overtime"
Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

Fryksände church accommodated 600 people. But far more wanted to say goodbye to coaching legend Sven-Göran Eriksson.

"Svennis" wished for the ceremony to be a folkloric and joyful occasion, open to the public. And hundreds of Värmlanders had gathered outside to follow the funeral via a large screen.

In the pews sat many relatives and friends, but also some well-known names that "Svennis" had met during his long coaching career.

Burst into tears

One of those who was visibly emotional was "Svennis" ex-partner Nancy Dell'Olio, who shared a hug with superstar David Beckham before taking her seat.

Roy Hodgson, Håkan Mild, Hasse Backe, Kim Källström, Glenn Hysén, and Glenn Strömberg were other well-known football names in the rows.

And not least the family and the 95-year-old father Sven Eriksson. He was held by his son Johan Eriksson during the flower-laying ceremony, and "Svennis" partner of 15 years, Yaniseth Alcides, couldn't hold back her tears.

The ceremony was held in both Swedish and English, and Pastor Ingela Älvskog spoke about a man who wore suits even as a child.

Sven-Göran was never late, preferably 5-10 minutes early. Taking it easy on vacation was never an option. Breakfast at 8, walk at 9. He loved routines and discipline, but he was also a great enjoyer of life who loved good food and drink and traveling first class.

"Genuinely kind"

He was genuinely kind and never caused any problems. He was a loving father who was always there for you, said Älvskog.

Among the music performed were Elton John's "Candle in the wind" and Frank Sinatra's "My way".

And your footsteps will always fall here. Along Frykens greenest hills, sang Charlotta Birgersson.

The entire funeral ended with the Värmland song, performed on guitar by Sven-Ingvars frontman Oscar Magnusson, after which the company marched out to a waiting brass orchestra. The coffin was carried out by players from "Svennis" childhood club Torsby IF and family, including son and grandchildren.

Dad's corner of the world

"Svennis" passed away almost three weeks ago due to cancer. He was 76 years old. After the funeral, a memorial service was held at Kollberg hembygdsgård by Frykens strand, where more music and speeches took place.

This was dad's corner of the world, said son Johan Eriksson.

Daughter Lina Eriksson added.

Dad got his overtime, as he used to joke, with a twinkle in his eye.

She concluded with his own words.

Live your life, life is beautiful.

The funeral for Sven-Göran Eriksson included the following music:

Intro music – Sailing.

Psalm 231 – Infinite mercy (Amazing Grace).

Solo song – Let the heart be me.

Solo song – Candle in the Wind.

Psalm 11 – O great God (How Great Thou Art).

Solo song – My Way.

Solo song – Volare.

Closing music – Värmlandsvisan

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Swedish show in NHL – Bratt two-goal shooter
1 MIN READ

Swedish show in NHL – Bratt two-goal shooter

Grant near the top in LPGA finale
1 MIN READ

Grant near the top in LPGA finale

Quick Hero - Arsenal to Quarterfinal
1 MIN READ

Quick Hero - Arsenal to Quarterfinal

Confirmed: Frida Karlsson Competes in the Swedish Premiere
1 MIN READ

Confirmed: Frida Karlsson Competes in the Swedish Premiere

Hammarby's anger after the celebration: "Disgusting"
2 MIN READ

Hammarby's anger after the celebration: "Disgusting"

Frustrated Frölunda fell: "Worst we've done this year"
2 MIN READ

Frustrated Frölunda fell: "Worst we've done this year"

Confirmed: Guardiola Extends with Manchester City
1 MIN READ

Confirmed: Guardiola Extends with Manchester City

Sweden in European Championship final after thriller: "Proud and happy"
1 MIN READ

Sweden in European Championship final after thriller: "Proud and happy"

Blytung comeback for Åberg: "A bit rusty"
2 MIN READ

Blytung comeback for Åberg: "A bit rusty"

Hammarby set a new attendance record: "Love every single one"
3 MIN READ

Hammarby set a new attendance record: "Love every single one"

Referee suspended after Isak-miss
1 MIN READ

Referee suspended after Isak-miss

Super strikers in qualifying – Värnamo equalized late
2 MIN READ

Super strikers in qualifying – Värnamo equalized late

Sjöström's Criticism: "Would Have Been a Worthy Winner"
2 MIN READ

Sjöström's Criticism: "Would Have Been a Worthy Winner"

Tough for Team Edin - misses European Championship semifinal
1 MIN READ

Tough for Team Edin - misses European Championship semifinal

Roberts: Nothing is broken in any case
2 MIN READ

Roberts: Nothing is broken in any case

Rookies get a chance in the World Cup premiere
2 MIN READ

Rookies get a chance in the World Cup premiere

MFF confirms: Dahlin has a cruciate ligament injury
1 MIN READ

MFF confirms: Dahlin has a cruciate ligament injury

Operated on after horror injury – testicle burst
1 MIN READ

Operated on after horror injury – testicle burst

Guide: Everything you need to know ahead of the distance premiere
2 MIN READ

Guide: Everything you need to know ahead of the distance premiere

Haak's Joy: Gets to Defend the Title - in Sweden
1 MIN READ

Haak's Joy: Gets to Defend the Title - in Sweden