In memoriam.

Jan Bergstrom died on September 10, 2001, at 77 years old, after suffering from cancer.

Bergstrom devoted his entire professional life to the paper industry and its technical development. He was president of the Swedish Pulp and Paper Research Institute (STFI), between 1985 and 1989 and began the extensive work with the restructuring of STFI that continued throughout the 1990s. He was awarded an honorary professorship by the Swedish government in 1987. After retiring, he served as expert and advisor to STFI, and continued to closely follow STFI's development. During the early 1970s, STFI benefited greatly from his experience and expertise through his involvement in many committees and advisory groups.

Gergstrom was born in Harnosand, Sweden, on July 20, 1924. He earned a master of science degree in engineering physics at KTH (Royal Institute of Technology) in 1952. He worked as e researcher at PCL (the Central Laboratory of the Swedish paper mills) in Stockholm before completing his degree, and as a researcher at the paper technology department of the Swedish Forest Product Research Laboratory (STFI) until July 1959. Thereafter, he moved to SCA as head of the paper technology department at the company's central research unit in Sundsvall. His deep involvement and interest in the development of new techniques in newsprint and paper for packaging led to a job with Beloit in the US. There, he was named head of research in 1976, a position he maintained until taking on the role as president of STFI.

Bergstrom was a true engineer with a high level of knowledge and insight in the fields of paper production and mechanical pulp manufacture. He received the TAPPI Gold Medal Award in 1991 and the Ekman Medal in 1993 in recognition of his expertise.

Bergstrom was friendly, considerate, and had a good sense of humor. He had many friends throughout the world. He had a big heart, but was a decisive man nonetheless. His stately figure, combined with a high integrity, commanded respect.

The condolences and sympathies from a grateful industry go out to Jan's wife Barbro and the other family members.

For STFI Olle Alsholm Lennart Eriksson