To my dear friend Bert Willborg
This Monday, one of the most liked, respected and experienced people in our Group passed away.
Bert had been part of Our Group for a long time, longer than almost anyone else I know. Having started his career as a journalist, Bert did a wide range of jobs and tasks within the Kinnevik sphere. The special thing about Bert was that he approached everything in life with boundless dedication, energy and attention. He was one of those few people who understood both the broad scope of things, but also had the smallest details in mind in everything he did. Working with Bert was always inspiring – he was constantly full of energy, enthusiastic about what he was doing and excited to be doing it. And his attitude and enthusiasm were contagious. He motivated people around him and inspired them to follow our motto of reaching for more than we think is possible. He was never afraid to get his hands dirty, and demanded excellence not only from others, but also from himself, which made people trust him and enjoy working with him.
Bert was a fighter and a brave traveller on his journey through life. Many people have heard his great stories, when he had to solve tasks and overcome problems which would have seemed nearly impossible, or not doable, to other people. He travelled extensively, and enjoyed new places and experiences, filled with a true curiosity about the world. He even managed to push through during his darker moments, like his successful battle with drinking, which impressed and set an example for all of us.
But that is not what made Bert so special and appreciated. The thing about him was that Bert was a true friend and a wise presence, with a unique ability to listen, and to offer support and help when it was needed. Bert also had a great sense of humour and liked to laugh, both at the world and himself, and taught us all to do the same. I lost a friend yesterday, but I am not alone in that, and it makes me happy to see that so many people feel the same way as I did.
When Bert got the news of his cancer, during the spring of 2010, he approached the disease exactly like he approached everything else – refusing to be downcast, to be depressed. He was determined to do everything in his power to come through. For a while, it seemed like he had succeeded, but during the winter of 2011 he got worse again. He passed away on the morning of the 30th of May after a long and hard battle, in Sweden, surrounded by friends.
I will always remember Bert, and value his friendship, wisdom and insight. Rest in peace my friend, and thank you for everything – your advice, support, laughter and perspective and simply for being there.
Hans-Holger Albrecht
