LALLOUZ INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE :: Remembering Brickan

Those closest to Bror-Eric Wilhelm Berntson simply knew him as Brickan. A true gentleman who so eloquently represented both French and Swedish communities, his cultural appeal eventually winning him invitations on practically every guest list on the French Riviera. Decorated with a Royal Medal in lieu of his many merits, along with other prestigious Papal State honours, he was a man who touched many lives.

As Vicar Sten-Edgar Staxäng stated in his speech, “I remember the last occasion I visited Brickan at his home, he always said that one could see as far as Corsica on a clear day. I never succeeded. But I do believe that Brickan could see much farther than most people, symbolically speaking. He had wisdom!”

To all who knew and loved him, Brickan leaves behind a legacy of friendship, humanity, and heartwarming memories to help fill the void of his absence. He was a genuine person who always wore a smile on his face, and had a twinkle in his eye. We wish him everlasting peace as he continues to smile upon us from his heavenly realm. He will be missed.

by Contessa Rhonda von Sternberg

Bror-Eric Wilhelm Berntson (1931-2007) was born in Gothenburg, Sweden. Brickan’s passion for French wine led to the success of becoming the largest importer of some of the finest wines in Sweden.

Image: BERIT OLSSON

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It was 1956 when Bror-Eric Berntson began his career in the wine and spirit business as a Sales Representative for Lennart Nauckhoff. By 1959, he began working with Martini & Rossi, an association that grew into a partnership with Martini Bacardi and Berntsson, still in existence today.

Having set his roots down by buying the Snelleröds Manor in 1963, Berntson moved to acquire Birger Helleberg, a Stockholm based wine and spirits company with a history dating back to 1899. Within five years, the company had a name change, and Bror – Eric Berntson AB was formed.

Following 20 years of hard work and dedication, Berntson moved to France knowing full well that he’d left his empire in good hands -- sons, Johan and Eric had been under their father’s tutelage in the family business since the 80’s.

Once in France, subsidiary companies Berntson Wine Merchants and Snälleröds Distillery were created, to further develop company branded products. By 1996, after a tremendous growth period, Berntson AB divided into 3 independent companies; Berntson AB, Vinhuset Bibendum AB (which would later be changed to Bibendum AB in 1999), and Snälleröds Ångbränneri AB.

In 1998, newly renovated premises in Frihamnen, dating back to the early 1900s were officially inaugurated by Princess Christina Fru Magnusson. It wasn’t long after that Bibendum joined forces with the Norwegian Beverage Group -- a merger that formed the Scandinavian Beverage Group. In 2004, Bibendum was acquired by a leading Finnish Wine and Spirits House, Altia Corporation, a company which dates back to 1888 with business units located in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Latvia and Estonia.

SIR ROGER MOORE

REMEMBERING BRICKAN

Writer, columnist, critic and 'as a poet’, Contessa Rhonda von Sternberg, also penned R.L. Sternberg, has enamoured some of the most elite circles by way of words. An avid Patron of the 'Societal Art Milieu’, Sternberg's literary conceptions are governed primarily by social issues. She takes pleasure in sharing her profound thoughts with her readers. Please send your letters to 'Help me Rhonda' Advice Column via email: Editor@LallouzInternational.com

Swedish singer, Ann-Louise Hansson graced Bror-Eric Wilhelm Berntson’s memorial service with her angelic voice. Watch it here on LIM MEDIA QUICK VIEW. Image: LIM MEDIA

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Swedish actress Bibi Andersson, French sculptor Jean Jacques Cary, Brickan’s daughter Sofia Orre and others share their thoughts with LALLOUZ INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE. Watch it here on LIM MEDIA. Image: LIM MEDIA

Longtime friend Sir Roger Moore recited a poem characteristic of the artistic appreciation that Brickan possessed. Sir Roger shared, “he was quite one of the nicest, warmest individuals you could meet. I don’t think I ever met anybody that had a bad word to say about him, or hear him say a bad word about anyone else. He was just a wonderful loving human being.” Watch it here on LIM MEDIA. Image: LIM MEDIA

ANN-LOUISE HANSSON