Arvid Yelverton Tegner

A Viking’s heart ceased beating on Good Friday, March 29, 2024, as Arvid Yelverton Tegner left this world behind to be with the Lord. He was born in Växjö, Sweden May 7, 1924, into a large, loving rambunctious family which eventually became comprised of five sons and one daughter to Dr. Yelverton and Gertrud Tegner. In keeping up with much family competition,he grew into an avid soccer player, track runner, and excellent academic student. After completing his mandatory military duty in the Swedish AirForce, he enrolled in university. After graduating in 1948 from the Stockholm school of Technology with a degree in Mechanical engineering, he spent an additional year study at a business management school for engineering students.

After graduation and a trip through post-war Europe with friends, he decided to go to America to garner some experience to bring back to Sweden. Sponsored by an aunt, he travelled on the SS Gripsholm to New York City; he landed at Ellis Island on October 31, 1949, to begin his adventure.

While successfully gaining employment in NYC, his social life led him meeting a lovely Swedish American woman through relatives and friends. His decision to remain in America became obvious. Arvid married Dorothy in 1952, and together they would begin a journey which would take them on a few moves as he found more lucrative employment. From Fremont, NJ to Danbury, CT where their first daughter was born; and onto Ohio for a stint - and he became a IS citizen in 1956. The family moved once again finally settling in Buffalo, NY.

It was in Buffalo where the family and his career thrived. He began working for Western Electric which would secure a long career. While in Buffalo, his spare time was spent pursuing leadership positions through Allied Engineering, Swedish Association of Western NY, and president of both the Tonawanda Bridge and Golf Clubs. Meanwhile their second daughter was welcomed into the family.

In 1968, a fortuitous circumstance occurred, Arvid was selected as one of the design engineers (The Pioneers) to work on a monumental project for Western Electric/ATT&T: plan and implement the construction of the world’s largest telecommunication cable manufacturing plant - designated for Atlanta, Georgia. His first words were, “I’ll never have to shovel snow again.” The advance planning team relocated to Baltimore, MD as his family remained in Buffalo for a year and welcomed another member - a son.

1970, the Tegners, with others from the northern states, became part of the Yankeeinvasion of Atlanta; a new chapter of this incredible life began. Arvid purchased a new home under construction in a concept neighborhood being developed in extremely rural Marietta. The draw of this development was the golf course with a clubhouse. The thought of playing golf year-round was the determining factor after years of playing in Buffalo’s snow squalls - this was paradise. Meanwhile, at the new Atlanta manufacturing plant, his team of engineers worked on developing many useful technologies including fiber optic cable.

Always being an intrepid pioneer, Arvid made the most of this Atlanta adventure. Besides Golf, he befriended many new people who shared his other interest which was Bridge;he played weekly with the same group of gentlemen into his 90’s. Longing to meet other Swedes, Arvid explored starting an organization for other Scandinavians. He found other Swedish couples, and they all started an Atlanta Chapter of Vasa (fraternal organization for Scandinavians) which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The Atlanta organization was the catalyst for many other similar organizations, councils, and festivals around Metro-Atlanta.

Since early childhood, he was an Olympics Games enthusiast. When it was announced Atlanta would be hosting the 1996 Centennial Games, he sought out ways he could get involved. He was honored to work as an Olympic Attaché for Team Sweden during the summer games. He also was able to give us a tour of all facilities before the games began which was a special treat for his grandchildren.

Arvid lived his life to the fullest after retirement. Not being able to sit still, he continued to volunteer and pick up a few jobs: wine sales rep., tax preparer, construction estimator, and even a warehouse manager for popular baby products. He traveled throughout many interesting places: Scandinavia, Europe, Asia, and North America. Bridge and golf remained his favorite past-time activities; however, he was also known as a very good dancer becoming sought after at galas.

He had a larger-than-life personality, very gregarious, humorous, and extremely smart. Up until his passing, he was able to converse on world history and politics with a perspective of having lived almost 100 years with no cognitive issues. He had a strong constitution - surviving an extreme case of Covid and defying all odds; he really fought death to the end. In his final days he said, “I don’t want to die, I’m going to miss this all.” But forever the joker, he pulled a sheet over his head playing a ghost.

Arvid is proceeded in death by his wife Dorothy of 52 years who passed in 2009. He leaves behind: his daughter Mona Brown (Mason) of Atlanta, GA; Karen of Tucson, AZ; Eric(Karri) of Romeoville, IL; three grandchildren Collin Brown and wife Lyndsey; Kelsey Brown Barth with husband Chris and newborn twins Anderson and Benjamin., Logan with great grandson Lawson; two step grandchildren that he also welcomed into the fold Kris Jordan and Amanda Briick.

Arvid was an exceptional and generous person; he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Arvid will certainly be missed by all; however, he made an wonderful and indelible impression on his family, his friends, and the world.

He will be interred at Arlington Memorial Park; plans are in still undetermined. In lieu of flowers contributions to Tunnels 2 Towers would be appreciated.