Eight Bells: Bertel Bojlesen

Bertel Bojlesen passed away on April 13. He was a passionate Snipe sailor and SCIRA Commodore in 2001.

Bertel was born in Denmark on February 24, 1944, amidst the turmoil of World War II. When he was just two years old, his family relocated to Brazil. Apart from a two-year period during his teenage years spent in a Danish boarding school, Bertel made Brazil his home until he, along with his wife Ines and their son Nicholas, moved to Lake Oswego, Oregon.

A talented architect and industrial designer, Bertel contributed his expertise to both Brazilian and international firms in the construction and design sectors. He was an entrepreneur at heart, founding his own company and playing a pioneering role in the development of Brazil’s software industry.

Bertel was also a passionate and self-taught sailor, known for his willingness to share his knowledge on rigging boats with fellow sailors. He dedicated his time to serving as the Secretary of the Snipe Sailing Class in Brazil and as Commodore of the International Snipe Class.

He was predeceased by his father, Niels Jorgen Bojlesen, his mother, Betty Elisa Bojlesen, and his eldest brother, Jorgen Peter Bojlesen. Bertel’s legacy lives on through his beloved wife of 51 years, Ines Novelli Bojlesen; his son, Nicholas Albert Bojlesen; his brothers, Torsten Ralph Bojlesen and Frede Niels Bojlesen; as well as his sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces.

Bertel will be fondly remembered for his insatiable curiosity, his commitment to understanding and fostering kindness, and his unique sense of humor.

He took pride in speaking four languages, in his Viking heritage, his Brazilian upbringing, and in being a U.S. citizen for the last 21 years.

In keeping with Bertel’s appreciation for simplicity and his wishes, he was cremated without a service. Bertel was known for his generosity and his belief in the power of personal choice. It is up to each one of us to decide the best way to honor him.