In Memory of Daniel Ahlsén

Remembering the days

2007-02-12T01:28:00.000+01:00

Our big family, iceland house 2005-2006...

On your graduation day, the smile of triumph and pride with your smart graduate uniform...
This is the last image that I have of you and will always be the image that stays in my memory, happy, confident, hopeful, spirited!

Si Jie

2007-02-11T13:53:00.000+01:00

Dear Daniel
Even though we didn’t have the longest or deepest conversations and didn’t spend too much time together you still managed to capture a corner of my heart and become a valuable part of my RCNUWC experience. Living together in little Flekke for 2 years meant that I saw you almost every day walking around and laughing with your friends, planning your great projects, sitting in the cantina or at a meeting and fixing the sound system during world today, movies, our show etc. We also had a lot of small chats while walking to the kantina, eating “fiskekake”, you trying to teach me to play the guitar (I had your guitar for months and months, Daniel! And you would laugh your heartily laughter every time you asked me how the playing was coming along and I would reply “ehm, not a single chord yet. But you just wait, soon you’ll see me as a superstar on MTV with your guitar in my hands" :) and while walking to wherever we had to be. I can honestly say I never ended a conversation without leaving with a smile on my face or laughing like a maniac. Even if we were talking about our problems, stress or our bad days a smile would pop up before we were done! That’s how I’ll remember you Daniel – Calm, optimistic, funny, caring, devoted and with all the time in the world for everything. You would seem calm even when the auditorium were shouting and shivering impatiently during a presentation or when we were preparing the travelling show with our first show was drawing nearer and we were freaking out every time the microphones weren’t working or weird noises came from the speakers. All these memories are a part of me now. I’ve noticed how much only now after reading the sad news about you and reading all the things people write about you. I guess living together in a little bubble ties stronger bonds than one sometimes realize!

It’s strange sitting here writing to you as if you were reading every single word. Maybe you are, so I have to say that it’s a shame I didn’t get to know you better and that the world won’t get to know you better either. Oh, and Daniel, do you remember our plans for a nude revolution? Just wait a while for me and the world will see the revolution we’ve been waiting for :)

Rest in peace, Daniel. I’ll keep you in my heart and memory!

With love,
The Norwegian who still sucks at the guitar, but thanks to you know a chord or two
Karina

For Daniel

2007-02-11T04:45:00.000+01:00

Life is such a fleeting thing. It seems to run away the minute you turn your back. Daniel's life ran away far too soon. It seems like just yesterday that we were just hanging out at the dinner table over a cup of tea and Kantine food. I cried for Daniel because it is unfair that he had to leave us so early, with such a promising future ahead of him. Daniel was always there when you needed him, no matter what time of day or what the request, you could count on him to pull through for you. You inspired so many of us Daniel, I only wish I had said that to you more often. You live on in our hearts Daniel.

For Daniel: Where you were during 2004-06

2007-02-11T00:17:00.000+01:00

This picture was taken on the day when the College held a memorial ceremony for Daniel.

Xiaohang

A Few Pictures

2007-02-09T19:22:00.000+01:00

Browsing some folders, I came across these two photos. I think they are from the 1st of December 2005 (Snikkarbua). Daniel is no more...man...look at these pictures though - they bring happy memories to my mind

Mathias

RCN '06

Daniel

2007-02-08T21:36:00.000+01:00

Dear Daniel,

the only thing I regret about having met you was not using fully the opportunity to get to know you better. I know in my heart that you are doing good wherever you are right now. You would be surprised to know in how many people's hearts you will remain alive.

Thank you for reminding me, though in this terrible way, how valuable life is.

Until we see each other again,

Katerina Byanova
(Bulgaria/RCNUWC '03-'05)

From Togi

2007-02-08T11:23:00.001+01:00

I received sad news about Daniel. It is very difficult to believe it, because he was my roommate. I was living with him second year of studying in Flekke. He was hard worker. He was sick sometimes in his room, but I want to tell you that he was good man.

I was thinking about him that he would be successful in his future.

How sad news it is.

I thank you for sending news. And I want let you guys collect him every moments as photo. I believe that we all are going to continue his work and his willing.

He will be alive in our heart forever!!!

Tsogtoo Altangerel

Daniel

2007-02-07T19:24:00.000+01:00

Vem kan segla förutan vind,
vem kan ro utan åror?
Vem kan skiljas från vännen sin, utan att fälla tårar?

Jag kan segla förutan vind,
jag kan ro utan åror.
Men ej skiljas från vännen min, utan att fälla tårar.

Lyssnade på College CD:n, tänkte på dig.
Tack!

From Margina

2007-02-07T15:48:00.000+01:00

It took me a while to think what to write and when I finally came around doing it, I found out that there is nothing I can say that will make me or you my friends feel better, because there is nothing to feel good about, except maybe the fact that he is in a better place (for those that believe in something else after life) and that thankfully he didn't suffer when he passed away.

I was not like his best friend, but we talked many times and we passed many hours together, since Manuel was his roommate in the second year. I am happy that I had the chance to meet such a wonderful person and that is what makes me sadder every time I think about the situation, because such a kind and thoughtful person did not deserve to have such a short life when this world needs more Daniels around.

I cannot deny I was in shock when Sakun told me on Saturday. I could not believe it, he looked as if he was full of life and suddenly this happens.

Sakun and I went to church on Sunday morning and I must admit we felt better after that, we prayed for him and took a moment to commemorate his memory.

So, Daniel, where ever you are Daniel, and I know you are reading and listening what ever your friends have to say, we miss you, but we are all glad that you enjoyed your short life and that you are in a better place away from suffering and pain.

It was nice meeting you Daniel!

Margina

2007-02-07T12:46:00.000+01:00

Daniel...

There are several memories still vivid in my mind. Remember when we were planning to visit Emmi? I was really looking forward to that. Spending time with the two of you. But we never went... I guess we couldn't afford it, or something like that.
You were a great guy to have around. Working on the show together. It was reassuring that you would be in front of us, managing the controls for the sound, never a mistake.
The bussrides to all the many places we travelled with the show. There was a particular one, where we sat next to each other, and I really felt like you were the kind of friend any person would wish for.
We had so many plans of spending more time together, and if I regretted when we left that place that we hadn't, then now I feel as if I made a very big mistake by never showing up with my pipe, never just dropping by. I'm sorry Daniel.
We were the only two people of our year who did not take English... that also meant something. Meant we were the only non-stressed people the day before the english exams, the only people who had time to do anything at all that day in fact.

I hope you rest in peace, and that your family will soon recover this great loss. I hope that if there is an afterworld, a place we go when we die, you sit by the throne itself, jamming your guitar, smiling, as you always did.

With love, and grief in my heart,

Birita / Bunny

Kära Daniel

2007-02-07T01:36:00.000+01:00

Minns det som igår, när du ringde mig och grattade mig för att jag hade blivit antagen. Vi satte genast ett datum och jag skulle få glädjen att fika med dig och Linnea- prata om hur skolan funkar och så.
Du åkte in från Nynäshamn. Lång resa, och jag ville ringa dig och kolla var vi skulle fika. Din mor svarade i telefonen. Glad med jätte vacker röst; "Daniel har redan åkt kära du." Tyckte hon var så trevlig, så jag såg fram emot vårt möte med ännu mer iver.

Du var den första från RCNUWC jag mötte. Tyckte du var den trevligaste kille jag träffat på så länge. Ingen av mina frågor gick utan svar, och även de konstigaste frågorna svarade du på så gott det gick och log.
"Tiden på UWC går så snabbt, ska du se. Man märker det knappt, så är semestern slut."

Japp, Daniel, det gick otroligt snabbt. Har dig att tacka för så mycket av min lilla tid på RCN. All den hjälp du gav mig- att du orkade sitta och läsa mina uppsatser, rätta dem. Lät mig prova på alla dina istrument i ditt rum. När jag praktiskt taget blev en extra roomie, då jag, Seth och Philip hittade våran vänskap välkomnade du mig med öppna armar. Under min tid spenderade jag mer tid i ert rum än något annat, och alltid hade du ett leende på dina läppar sittandes tvärs över rummet med din gitarr.

Du ställde alltid upp när någon sökte dig, och bad aldrig om någonting tillbaka. När jag väckte dig mitt i natten, flera gånger, med sömniga ögon skrattade du och sa att det var okej- jag och Seth som sitter vid skenet av datorskärmar. De roliga diskussionerna mellan dig och Manu om allt mellan himmel och jord.

Du var viktig för så många av oss Daniel, och det kommer du att fortsätta vara i allas våra tankar och minnen. Mina hälsningar går ut till Akin och de andra som stod dig så nära, som måste ha det väldigt tung just nu. Allas vår sörj är stor, och mina djupaste hälsningar till din familj, som måste ha det svårast av alla. Tack för att jag och så många andra fick äran att träffa eran son.

Tack till dig Daniel. För din vänskap, din vänlighet och din värme.

Vänligen

/

Armand Mirpour, din första åring.

To Daniel

2007-02-06T20:34:00.000+01:00

While I am sitting here trying to understand what happened I start remembering...the end of our first year, the point when I was allowed to get to know a wonderful person! I remember how it started of with a random visit to your room and it ended in long nights with beautiful movies, baking chocolate cakes and celebrating the last couple of days of our first year. I can still see you waving at me with Akin on your shoulders while going down the stairs to Iceland house and I wasn't worried because I knew that within a couple of hours I would see you again. Either you'd come around to make some weird faces in front of my window or I would sit on my window sill looking and listening to you playing the guitar in the corridor of your house just across the street. Of course I would shout across that now I understood why Akin threw you out of the room as soon as you started playing but only because I knew you understood what I actually wanted to say.

My thoughts just start jumping around, from the bathroom celebrations we had with cheese and crackers, to long nights we just chatted away or tried to figure out what we just did to my phone until we realized that we were filming ourselves... and they get stuck with a particular scene... You coming into my room to bring me apple soup and chocolate because I was ill and you were convinced those were the only things I needed to get better...I wish I could give you this apple soup and chocolate right now knowing that these are the only things you need to get better, to come back...

You remember the night we were out watching the Northern lights behind the boat house? That night I asked you what happened? What happened to us, to our friendship...I never got an answer and now I have to live with the fact that I never will. Please forgive me for being too proud, for thinking we had enough time! I am trying to be thankful for the time I was allowed to know you and to be part of your life and I hope it becomes easier with time!

You once wrote in my yearbook "think of me every day" - And I promise you now that I will and I know that the tears accompanying these thoughts will eventually turn into a smile when only the beautiful memories remain!

Goodbye Daniel!

Thank you for everything, I'll never forget...

with love,
Nora (RCNUWC 04-06)

You are alive in my memory

2007-02-06T07:38:00.000+01:00

Daniel,
I cannot believe you are gone. Until now I can’t really imagine that. I wish if it was only a nightmare that would disappear. This devastating news broke my heart, I can’t hold tears inside me for long, and I don’t want to accept this fact because you are still here, alive among us in our hearts, thoughts and memories.
I will never forget your generous hospitality you offered me, and the fun time we had when I visited you in the summer. I will never forget the stressful and the fun time we had in managing the sound system in the auditorium, it was quite a job, but with your determination and sense of humor we managed to over come this job and successfully accomplish our mission (most of the time).
Thanks for the amazing 2 years that you shared with me in our little flekke, thanks for every moment of joy, laughter and hard. I have been inspired by your motivation and your positive spirit, and that means a lot to me.

I would like to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to your family and beloved ones and all your friends.

I am going to miss a lot
Rest in peace

Sami 04-06

Daniel

2007-02-06T06:32:00.000+01:00

What can be said my friend? No words will ever explain how I felt this past night when I heard the devastating news. Daniel has passed away; he died in his sleep.

So early you have left this world making it a sadder place. Yesterday was the gloomiest day I have ever experienced, disconsolation took over me. Today, in the other hand, I celebrate! Celebrate your days among us. Let’s curse the reasons that took you away as we praise those responsible of your existence. Caminaste la vida con la frente en alto, reconociste, tal vez, un mejor lugar de donde pudieras cuidarnos acaso? Desde lo alto you will shine! Your life was the best poem you have ever written! And you know how it is, the best poems might be short but full of life. Your poem i´ll never forget because you wrote authentic poetry.

I will always treasure your friendship and the moments we have shared. That last week before I went to Belgrade, when you and your parents so hospitably hosted me at your place… THANK YOU. Thank you for the sailing days –even though you almost drowned me- and the motorbike ride. “Easy rider” you were, do you remember? So vividly I also picture the time we sat in the small boat you borrowed from work in the middle of the archipelago and waited for the Gotland´s ferry lights to shine on us. 

Irreplaceable you are, as each and every second left and gone. Not even the amounts of tears i´ve shed will match the smiles you drew in this world’s face.

My friend, my hat wearing Swedish friend, I am aching inside! It really hurts to say goodbye and for that reason:

HASTA SIEMPRE AMIGO MIO!
HASTA QUE NOS VOLVAMOS A ENCONTRAR!

UN ABRAZO EN EL CAMINO

The annoying latino,

ALE

2007-02-06T05:00:00.000+01:00

Ahlsen,

I never told you this, but I always went to you when everyone else was either out of or uwilling to give up cigs. You never turned me down even once. Well, maybe once or twice, but I think you were down to your last pack of Davidoffs, so I mean...

I just feel inconsolable about one thing. Strange thing, this life eh? It looks like I won't be able to pay you back any of those cigs.

Daniel, it has been and still is an honour to know you, as a friend, as a fellow smoker. I am sure this is true not only for me but also for several, several of those (even the non-smokers) who came together at the place known as Flekke.

Thanks for all the cigs,

Eduardo

Dear Daniel

2007-02-06T01:56:00.000+01:00

It was November, dark and rainy as it is in Flekke, when you, me and Nareg got the idea of starting "John's Burger". This was also the time where I really got to know you. You somehow managed to make that autumn time into memories of fun and excitement. I remember how much we laughed, when we through our crazy imagination came up with names like "Long John" and "John's Sticks". And when creating that logo. Yes, your humour still makes me laugh. I remember the night when we planned and designed the webpage, a result to be proud of. I remember going to Dale and almost emptying the supermarkets for cokes and hamburgers. I remember the busy and stressfull times in the Høegh kitchen, where you always managed to maintain coolness.
My first impressions of you seemed to prove correct. You were always very tolerant, open, creative, cool, a person of honour. A co-worker. A friend. Your memory will stay with us.

Andreas Bakkerud

a song

2007-02-05T23:27:00.001+01:00

meant to meet you but I couldn’t stay
till now never knew how life tears you away
now I wait for the springtime in spain, my love.

Beautiful being so sad and so strong
You gave me a story you gave me a song
When he played his guitar she would weep, my love

Rainy day, that spirit took flight
But she made him a cap full of magic and life
For his birthday to rule that great stage
And perform till I age, my love

Why did you never arrive?
Before you left us all tears in your eye
And your mother just told me you died, my love

To stay he was born, boy got rhythm within
Is to put it so mildly her crying face in
it would spring from all fibres of humanly everythings, my love

because, nothing's sure but that love never reasons
now the world might have lost all its springtimes
and all of the seasons are bleak without you, my love

For Daniel

2007-02-05T22:14:00.000+01:00

Oh, Akin... Marie, Airiin, Nareg... and you so close to him, what could I possibly say to you? They say that the one thing harder to understand than death is the sorrow of others, and I can't even begin to imagine your pain.

I'm writing this for Daniel, trying to cope with these devastating, impossible news. I won't say as a friend, because we never were, and he's not here to correct me for claiming to be. The thing was, not being his friend was fine. As long as I knew that my classmate was happy and living his life.

I saw it at 5 am Sunday morning. Just checking my email before going to work. And the words "Sad News" created a sinking feeling in my chest I've come to be a little too familiar with. Yet I never expected the name Daniel Ahlsén to greet me. I was unable to move at all, just staring at the screen in disbelief, hoping that somehow I could undo it, force the words away, do something. The helplessness was unbearable, I couldn't even stop the numbing pain and sadness that overtook me, and the fact that Daniel is gone, it still hasn't sunk in. It just can't be true. So what if we'd only meet in 10 years and say hi. I still want everyone to be safe and happy, and knowing that now Daniel will never get to do all that he wanted to do, that he died, no, I can't accept it. He was Daniel, I remember him, he's right there in the pages of my yearbook. And reading about his death so far away, that feeling of helplessness... a small bit of this feeling will stay with me forever, and I'll always wonder how it could be his name in that email.

Goodbye, Daniel. I didn't know you, but I wished you all the best. How can you not get that?

Selina

Dear Daniel,

2007-02-05T21:56:00.000+01:00

It can't be over. It seems like just yesterday we were "chilling in Akin's corner", and had worked in John's Burger just the day before that. You're one of the funiest guys I know. Your lust for life cannot just be gone, I don't believe it. You had done so many great things, and wanted to do so many more, you must still be out there. I still feel as though we could meet tomorrow.

A friend who cried,

Anton Chaevitch.

2007-02-05T18:27:00.000+01:00

"Daniel Ahlsén (no network) wrote
at 3:55am on January 29th, 2007
Yep, it was called Guttye school before the summer. But they changed it before the demolition though. Hope all is good, I better go and get something sugary now before I faint.
ciao!"

Buddy, did you not get enough sugary? If not, why did you not call me? I remember making fun of you for buying a lot of candy and you saying that you'd die if you did not have these candies. I thought that was all just a joke, wasn't it?
Buddy, this is not the right time... Remember, we still need to get old and I promise I will take care of myself and still be the same me so that you won't have to call a 19 year old prostitute. You will stay in my scene will get a taste of the action. Remember, just like you said;
"That dear old Akin does not in any way change life patterns and will always be followed and desired by attractive young women. And that is a good thing you see. Because when we all are old, rich and successful you will be the last one to call for a 19 year old prostitute to come to your office. Since you will have a couple of them coming for free anyways. So, when are in that state, I have to remember to stay in your scene. So even I can get a taste of the action." and it was not even a long time ago when you said that!!
You will still come visit me, right buddy? Just like we did in Norway, we will go smoke waterpipe,or just randomly go crazy, or have a cigarette with the beautiful coffee you make. We will still laugh with Xiaohang, sit with Per, Sanda, and Simon. I will still say "how the hell do you spell entrepreneurship (I still cannot do it)?" in the middle of an economics exam and you will laugh and laugh and laugh.
Like I said, come visit me anytime buddy! My room is smaller now, it is as big as my heart. But you can still fit in it, right? Just like you fit into my cupboard. And in that way, you will not have taken the other half of my heart from me... Does this sound like a deal to you?
I will put one more plate and one more glass of wine on the table on my birthday. You better be there, as you promised. And if there's anything I haven't done for you, please forgive me, buddy!
Your brother, your buddy,
Akin

Dear Daniel

2007-02-05T17:11:00.000+01:00

Thank you, Daniel. Thank you for all the smiles and laughter. Thank you for the times we had - you know what I'm talking about. I know you wouldn't want me to break down in misery, but it is really hard. Everytime I think of your passing away, this feeling starts to eat away at me from the inside, and tears inevitably come to my eyes and run down my cheeks. The only cure for this malady is the memory of the times we had together. That turns the tears into laughter. You will never really leave me, Daniel, and I have this feeling that I probably would reproach under 'normal' circumstances, but I am 100 % sure that I will see you again. Until then, take care and thank you once again.

Your friend,

Mathias Esmann Poulsen
RCN '06

2007-02-05T09:35:00.000+01:00

Sweet Daniel:
A tall vision with its quaky pace
A face so warm and pensive, an infectious smile...
All his very own expressions,
An unrelenting humour in the face of everything and anything
Ideas, ideas, and more ideas in the color of his own little streak of madness
Passion for coffee and music
for life and good stories...

I don't know where I stand now, but I know that at some point, you wrote:
" You will always keep a special, big place in my heart partly because of your incredibly warm personality and amazingly huge heart. Next year you will fill another section of my life and I know we will have more good times together."

You even drew a little pink heart!
So I guess that's all I need to know...

You know that I've been crying like a silly goose, and I can't manage to draw a nice smile for you like Nareg and Aiirin said we should. I'm sorry for that, dear Daniel... I promise that soon enough I will see that you lived fully and that you leave behind a great lesson for the rest of us to not waste life on anything but our passions... And then, I will smile for you, I promise... because I will know that you have had no regrets...

What I want to ask of you is to keep Your "huge heart" close by, so that your family and close friends can get through this. I will pray for them because I can imagine there's no greater pain than losing you...

Thank you for never waiting, never stoping at anything, living it up and making the best of what you had... Thank you for knowing how to find the humour in everything, in that way that you do... And thank you so very much for someday allowing me to be part of your heart, Daniel...

You will find an easier place I hope, in the life you have now, no more shots and fainting spells and dizziness, no more cares...

I give you all my thoughts and my prayers
Much Love,
Brenda Yara Younes
RCNUWC '04-'06

2007-02-05T06:06:00.000+01:00

You turning my bass volume down, right before the beginning of Shukarja...and me telling you "Come on Daniel! I can't hear myself like this!!"...and you answering me..."Calma...Calma...Calma..." Is this gone?

Me and you making espresso in your day-room...and then going to smokers corner...once you offering me one of your fancy sigarettes...and once me rolling you a home-made one...Is this gone?

You leaving smokers corner, by lifting your hand...by lifting it in your own inimitable way: the Daniel-way of saying "I'll see you later"... - Is this gone?

You congratulating me on my scholarship... - Gone too?

You telling me about vacations in Italy and how Italian just made you laugh...

You telling me about your great plans...

That night me you and Salome walking on the Flekke road, and it was -10, and you carrying the flashlight...and us calling Mariano. And the lift Marina gave us...and what happened later... - has this also gone?

You telling me before the show "Come on Ramy!! It's going to be great!!"

Me and you playing together...rehearsing almost every day and then having that great performance...Wasn't it great?...It was...

Is this all over?

No it's not. It will never be. And the world should know who this guy was, a guy that was going to make a great man...but he's been called for far too early...too early...

You'll stay Daniel.

-Ramy

2007-02-05T03:13:00.000+01:00

i did not get to know you well in my second year, but i do remember clearly you playing the guitar and helping me with my website...i hope that you have left this place a happy person and allah yerhamak(may god bless your soul and rest in peace)... Lukas-Karim Merhi (2003-2005)

Daniel (the White one) is Here

2007-02-05T02:01:00.000+01:00

Year Book (last) page, bottom left corner; "Hello Sengeh, it's been nice knowing you. and when you get powerful after uni, i will hunt you down and use your power. TRUST ME ON THAT! Cheers/ Daniel (white one)"
I trusted you Daniel, everytime I met with you and (Akin, Nareg,...) there was no way we passed eachother without standing by for a couple of minutes to laugh about something. It's been all good. I still trust you and I know you will come back to use "[my] power"...
The new seed of inspiration your silence has caused is overwhelming- I will live to cherrish every other second I'll ever have here. Your life and it's goals/values of making this world a better place will forever shine. I will not be able to shed more tears, my eyes are dry. I would not think of you more than I have, it is impossible to think of you to the fullest.
But I will wait for you Daniel. You better come. Please come. I trust you and we should do this...

Peace and love to everyone including family and friends- Daniel is here.

David Moinina Sengeh

john's burger: staff at the ski week

2007-02-05T00:42:00.000+01:00

grzesiek

daniel...

2007-02-05T00:31:00.000+01:00

when the news reached me it seemed like an absurd dream, a very nasty joke. i couldn't believe my ears. it pained me, though as i had to realize and confront the truth.

right now my entire soul is filled with sadness, melancholy and a lot of pictureous memories of the college and daniel.

so much he's done i appreciated and admired. i remember organizing parties, student council meetings, jamming sessions, serving hamburgers at john's burger, random gatherings, ironic jokes. i remember all these. suddenly every image i see in front of my closed eyes have got its full brightness and colour.

and this, although all the pain and sadness, is the positive seed i cherish in my shattered soul: that daniel is going to continue live, as long as we do.

shine on, you crazy diamond. shine on daniel. shine on everyone.

we remember. i remember.

grzesiek (poland)

Dear Daniel!

2007-02-05T00:14:00.000+01:00

The whole day I've been keeping myself busy, avoiding the fact of what has happened. Avoiding having to say goodbye. But now when I had to go to bed, I couldn't stop the memories, the truth or the tears. The pain is too big to avoid. So my dear friend......."See you later Daniel"

You are an amazing friend and a wonderful person. Always a smile on your face and your arms wide open to hug at any moment. You help even when you do have a million things to do, and you are a person that always seems to be able to squeeze 30 hours into a 24 hour day. Your smile always encouraging and your soul always giving.

In the bosnian tradition, I have let the water run, to wish you a safe trip and there is a light burning for you in my room in case it gets dark, so you know how to find your way around.

You will always be in my heart and in my soul. You are an admiration to all and we can only dream to accomplish everything that you have.

To Daniels family and loved ones.....Nothing bad can be said or thought of Daniel. His life has been short, but more full with everything good then most lucky people ever have. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

"Vi ses min ven"!

Sasa

I hope you had the time of your life...

2007-02-04T23:31:00.001+01:00

As I was sitting in my corner trying to make sense of what happened; my neighbor played the song, Time of Your life for the first time...Salome wrote to me for the first time too...How ironic I must say.
Even at this point, I want to be happy for you...think happy thoughts about the time we had together...your bear hugs, your mom's 50th birthday, making silly jokes and having stupid arguments....but the tears won't stop. I wish I had let you know more often that your friendship meant a lot to me.
You have inspired me to live every day to the fullest...... and to be compassionate.
I want to thank you and your family on behalf of Chamun and Tenzin Jamphel for supporting them with their education. They send you prayers from Nepal.

I will miss you.

-The little Nepali

Daniel: You are in the heart...

2007-02-04T23:31:00.000+01:00

I was sitting in my room reading a sociology article, when really heart-breaking news arrived to me from the other side of the world. Did you know that your co-year has just passed away? Daniel died last Tuesday! I replied: O Allah and kept silent for the rest of the afternoon.

I remember the tall, blond, kind and smiley person. The person I lived with for two years. I saw him magically fixing the projector in the auditorium at the college meeting. I saw him walking from the student village to class or I simply set next to him at dinner in the cantina.

Daniel was one of my friends, whom I did not get hang out with or know much, and I regret that. Nevertheless, living together in the small community of Flekke for 2 years has taught me that Daniel is a responsible and intellectual person, whom I wish I could talk to again and get to know more.

The news about his death was like rock that hit my heart and I could not enjoy a second of the rest of the day. Although he has left us, he will be remembered by those who love him. By people who are witness of his great and hard work. By people who took a class or just played with him. By people who simply saw him a round, like myself.

I would like to express my deepest condolences to his family and the rest of the world. Let’s remember every second we spent with our dear Daniel Ahlsén.

You may rest in peace,

With love,

Senia

From Daniel's Roommates

2007-02-04T23:29:00.000+01:00

A FEW PICTURES FROM OUR ROOM LAST YEAR... I JUST REMEMBER HOW DANIEL USED TO CHEER US UP AT EVERY MOMENT...

JOSE

Dear Daniel

2007-02-04T22:41:00.000+01:00

These are the memories of you that will always stay with me..

We met, planning the first year show during the first week of being at RCN. You, Liv, Anna, Manuel, Marie and I preparing "I hope you had the time of your life". I really hope you did, Daniel, I really hope you did...I had the time of my life in Norway, and you were part of it, and I can't come to terms with the fact that you aren't anymore. Two weeks ago we were happily chatting on msn. I even remember how the conversation ended, you said "I'll send you a long email boss", and I said "I'll be waiting for it", and it never came. Funnily enough I thought about you the day before yesterday, just randomly as I was walking to class, and I thought where is that email? And then I found out, and now I know that it will never come...
You were the best deputy in the world, and I have no idea how I would have made it through those stressful board meetings without you. You were a great support, and your ideas were amazing... we made a great team! And I admit, I loved being called "boss", and how you always smiled when you said it, and straightened your back, and bowed a little.
Oh, and those times you and me and Akin complained about economics, and how hard it was. But we made it through, didn't we? I'll always remember the economics party, and you and Akin coming in, you as Kip, and him as Xiaohang. It still makes me laugh. And the slide show you guys made for her which teared me up so badly...

And that last day, and another sad song. It started quietly with just you and your guitar, and then you looked at me, and nodded as if saying 'it's time' and quietly I sang

"And I'd give up forever to touch you
Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now "

and then Sara came in on the piano, and Pablo on the base, and Anna on the drums and it became so powerful, so dramatic, and Karina sang

"And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
Cause sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight"

I guess sooner or later it really is over, isn't it? And if there is a heaven I hope you are there...

I can't believe you're gone. My thoughts are with you..

Rest in Peace.

Love,
Daina

See you later, Daniel!

2007-02-04T22:39:00.000+01:00

I must say that I was not close to Daniel. To tell you the truth, I believe that I can count with my hands the times we interchanged some words. However, I do remember him walking around campus, spending time with his friends, and being involved in many activities at RCN.
Although we did not know each other, I do know how it is to say a "see you later!" to someone we loved.

Today, while I was speaking with my family by phone, I told my mom about Daniel, and she told me: "Please Cristina, write what I am just going to tell you to Daniel's parents...", and here it is :

"There are ships that are made to travel long distances. There are other ships that are made to travel medium distances; and there are others that only travel short distances. But, there is not importance in the lenght of these travels. What is important is the the mission and pourpose of the journey and the impact they had in the future of their destinations."

The people that we love are never gone. They will live through our memories and our hearts. The final thing that I can say is that I KNOW that now Angels are dancing at these very moment, because another Angel joined them in Heaven!

My family and I will have Daniel, his family and friends in our prayers.

Cristina Tedman L. RCNUWC 04-06

The fun we had together

2007-02-04T21:53:00.000+01:00

This is a photo from the dress-up Economics Party last year, where Daniel-and-Akin-the-Duo dressed up as Kip and me. What an idea and what a duo.

This is a photo from the last day of class in April 2006, when Daniel had to miss classes to go to the Board Meeting in Oslo. Akin and I made sure Daniel would be with us on this day by making a photo of him and holding him for the group pictures.

Whenever I look at these pictures, I remember the fun we had together in the Economics classes. I am posting these for everybody who shares these memories ...

Daniel, you have not left us. You are staying in our hearts and minds.

Love,
Xiaohang

Sweet Daniel

2007-02-04T20:11:00.000+01:00

I met Daniel as an RCNUWC student. We were housemates as he lived in Iceland house on the 2nd floor, I on the 1st floor, the year I graduated. He was always a joy to sit and talk with. He worked on the 2004-2005 RCNUWC yearbook with me and other yearbook members; he was a person dedicated to his work, and a great asset to the team.

Every time I saw him, walking to class or to the kantine..., he would always respond to my hello with a big smile and a hug - two things that always make my day. It was a pleasure to have known Daniel and I will keep his family in my prayers.

Ruth Anne Whitfield,
RCNUWC Class of 2005

2007-02-04T18:58:00.000+01:00

Dear Daniel,

please
teach me how to be worthy
of the life
that
too often I waste,
too often I forget
how beautiful
how fragile
is.

Thank you

Mattia

Daniel. -memories from his time in Ethiopia

2007-02-04T18:02:00.000+01:00

"Daniel you're a star in the face of the sky. Daniel is travelling tonight on a plane. Oh and I can see Daniel waving goodbye. God it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes."
-Elton John

Here are some pictures from the time Daniel was a volonteer in Lafto, Ethiopia.

Daniel preparing a Swedish dinner. "Ärtsoppa" with meatballs. The picture is taken in their kitchen in Lafto.
A sunny afternoon at a café in Addis Ababa. Daniel enjoying his juice. (One of the best things with Ethiopia according to himself)
Daniel and Yiftu at Divine. That evening was a lot of fun!
Contemplating in the house. Drinking coffee the Daniel way. (-Extra strong!)
Daniel and a street boy enjoying a conversation during the Great Ethiopian Run.
Daniel and us trying to be Ethiopian.
GoodBye Daniel.

You will be missed.

Posted by Lisa RCNUWC 03-05 & Yiftu UWCSEA 04-06

2007-02-04T15:23:00.000+01:00

I began to get to know Daniel best during his preparation for life after RCNUWC.

With his close friends Nareg and Airiin, he had come up with the idea of AIME, a project to raise awareness about HIV / AIDS which would have involved them travelling by road across a number of countries in the near and Middle East and on into Asia. It was an ambitious plan, and one that did not reach full fruition.

It was during the planning stages that Daniel approached me for advice. His ideas were entirely altruistic, compassionate, selfless. This, of course, made them all the more challenging to bring to completion in this reward-driven world we live in.

When it became more evident that AIME was going to struggle to get off the ground, and when Airiin had accepted a post as a volunteer in India, Daniel and Nareg spoke to me about doing something to help Gutteye School (since renamed Raselas Diversity School) in Addis Ababa, a school with whom RCNUWC has forged a developing partnership.

Thus it was that the two of them left for Addis Ababa, where they witnessed the callous destruction of Gutteye School by private enterprise aided almost certainly by bureacratic corruption.

Undaunted, they put together a film about Gutteye and its plight, its transfer and rebirth as Raselas in temporary former office accommodation. Daniel worked hard to construct a website for the school, which you can view by following the link to the right. He had to battle against unstable connections, had to find an organistaion willing to donate space on its server to host the site, find ways to make the site more reliable and fully functional. All this against the background of the devastation to the original school that had so recently occured. But he did it.

To me, Daniel exemplified so many of the good aspects of today's committed young people: passionate, inquisitive, determined, intelligent, thoughtful, selfless.

His early death is a tragic loss both to his family and his friends and to the unfulfilled possibilities his life contained.

"Between us and heaven or hell there is only life, which is the frailest thing in the world." - Pascal, Pensees (1670)

From Revalyn, Hayley & Robbie

2007-02-04T14:44:00.000+01:00

I would like to extend to you our deepest sympathy on the tragic passing of Daniel.

I have attached a poem that may help you at this very sad time deal with this harsh reality. We shall plant a tree as a living memorial

to him and always remember his shy smile, kind ways and empathy will all he came into contact with.

Thinking of you,

Love from Revalyn, Hayley and Robbie

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.

Daniel

2007-02-04T13:51:00.000+01:00

I have just received the devastating news that Daniel Ahlsen died last Tuesday in his sleep. Daniel graduated last year and spent last term in Ethiopia with his close friend Nareg from Jordan. He had returned to Sweden and apparently fell into a diabetic coma from which he did not wake.

I have telephoned his family and offered our all too inadequate condolences and told them of our shock and sadness.

We will use the college meeting on Tuesday to remember and celebrate Daniel's life. This will give us time to gather our personal thoughts and express private grief before the college meets together as a community.

Daniel was one of Nicky's advisees so I was the lucky guy who shared their advisor meals and got to know him well. He had many admirable qualities and was greatly respected by his fellow students and all the staff. He was an outstanding representative of student views on the Student Council and as deputy rep at board meetings. He was tactful, considerate, thoughtful and very supportive of individuals and the college in all he did. He spoke effectively and lucidly.

I remember his role in establishing "John's Burgers" with great affection. I was honoured to be a minor part of that fund raising initiative and will not forget the sensitivity he and the others displayed while consulting me at all stages of their planning. The logo for John's Burger now has a special poignancy for me. I have a badge and copies of the original artwork which I will treasure as a personal memory of Daniel.

It must be particularly hard for his closest friends to come to terms with their loss. I think particularly of Akin, with whom he argued incessantly in our house over virtually any topic you could mention, and Nareg, with whom he seemed to me to share so much, including a zany sense of humour. I know there are many more of you who were also very close to Daniel and will have a much wider range and depth of stories and feelings than I. Please share them with us - the funny as well as the serious.

Those of us who know you at the college are thinking of you as well as Daniel and his family. We are left with memories of a fantastic guy - one who would have made a telling difference to so many lives had he not succumbed to this cruel illness.

May he rest in peace.

John