Obituary of Erik G.M. Tornqvist

Dr. Erik Gustav Markus Tornqvist, January 13, 1924 - October 1, 2010. Died peacefully at his home in Watchung, NJ. He was born in Lund, Sweden and at the age of 14 moved to Lulea, Sweden, just 1 degree south of the Arctic Circle. Received his Masters of Science degree from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden and his PhD in Biochemistry/Organic Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Prior to his retirement in 1986, he was a chemical engineer for Exxon (Esso) Research in Linden, NJ for 30 years, having been awarded over 40 US patents. After retiring, he started his own consulting firm, PolymErik, Inc. - actively consulting on matters of polymer chemistry until 2006. A true "Renaissance Man", he had a wide range of interests including: skiing (downhill and cross-country), playing and coaching soccer, music and dancing, studying history, and stamp collecting. Instrumental in the issuance of three US stamps commemorating relations between Sweden and America and was involved with numerous Swedish - American cultural organizations. Erik enjoyed a good laugh and was easily the life of any party. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linnea Lindborg Tornqvist; daughters Gunvor and Karin Tornqvist; son Carl-Erik Tornqvist; brother Gunnar Tornqvist; sister Inger Joste; granddaughter, Livi Tornqvist. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution to: the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, the Swedish Colonial Society, or the American Parkinson Disease Association. To send condolences, please go to www.higginsfuneralhome.com.