IN MEMORY OF OUR DEAR FRIEND, SVEND KRISTENSEN

IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS THAT I PASS ON TO MY READERS, THE FOLLOWING EMAIL I RECEIVED LAST NIGHT, REGARDING THE PASSING OF ANOTHER MEMBER OF OUR CIRCUS FAMILY & COMMUNITY.
NEEDLESS TO SAY OUR HEARTS GO OUT LILLY & KIM, AND WE WANT THEM TO KNOW THAT WE FEEL THEIR LOSS DEEPLY, AND THEY ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. SVEND WAS A GREAT PERFORMER, A GREAT PERSON, AND A DEAR FRIEND, AND HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY.

Bill & Trudy: I am Kim, the son of Lilly and Svend Kristensen. I understand you were friends of my parents so I am sending you the sad news that my father, Svend Kristensen, passed away 2 weeks ago with my mom and me at his side.

I am in Virginia right now and will be visiting regularly to help my mom through this transition. She is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances.

My dad didn’t want any fanfare, funeral, etc., so we had our own private process for saying our goodbyes.

My mom has made it clear that she doesn’t want to talk a lot about Svend right now as it increases her suffering. However, she said she does welcome short conversations (in person or on the phone) with friends who call to see how she is doing and offer any assistance.

Sincerely,

Kim Kristensen


LILLY & SVEND
THE KRISTENSEN TROUPE

ALTHOUGH THEY DID A BAREBACK RIDING ACT, THEY WERE MOST NOTED FOR THEIR GREAT CRADLE ACT,,,,"THE PLATOS", SHOWN HERE IN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ON RINGLING BROS. and BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS.




CONDLOLENCES

We are so deeply saddened to learn of Svend's passing. Lili and Svend are two of the finest, dearest people we have ever met in or out of the big top. Due to reasons beyond anybody's control we lost touch with them, but never stopped thinking of them and recollecting many wonderful memories for which we can never thank them enough.
Our hearts go out to you, dear Lilli and to Kim. You know Svend is one of that special group of people who will always be greatly missed and well-remembered. I am a lucky person to be old enough to have seen the Platos perform and then to have spent many happy visits with Lili-Anna's (beautiful) leopards.
I still, all these years later, have photos for you Lilli. I will try to find your address and at long last get them to you.
Thanks so much for wonderful memories.
God Bless.
Paul & Diane Gutheil CFA