1939 – 2013

CUMBERLAND — Klavs Kjaer, 73, of North Yarmouth, beloved father, husband and grandfather, died unexpectedly Thursday, Aug. 1, on his way to the hospital.

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Dec. 10, 1939, he was the son of the late Gunnar and Eli Kjaer. He was educated in Denmark and graduated from Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College and received his master’s degree in graphic design. He retired from the advertising business after many years as president of his company, Danemark Ltd. He was formerly a regional manager for Pepsi, representing the Scandinavian markets.

He exited this life just like he lived each day — embracing the moment, not looking back and preparing for his next adventure in life. His favorite expression was, “If one wakes up and you are on this side of the grass, it’s a good day.”

He will be remembered for his passionate love of skiing at Sugarloaf, one of the most favorite places in all of his worldly travels. A great joy for him was the few winters he spent as a skiing instructor at the mountain.

Klavs’s gardening and keen artistic eye has left a permanent footprint at his home in North Yarmouth. Flowers bloom on schedule, and the profusion of color will be his lasting signature.

He was someone that any of us could depend on in a time of need. We will miss him.

He is survived by his wife, Donna L. Talarico of No. Yarmouth, whom he married Sept. 5, 1991; his children, daughter, Nana and son, Jens-Christian of Denmark; his grandchildren, Louise, Alexander, Sebastian and Eda Marie; his father-in-law, Frank Talarico of Lewiston; and his brother-in-law, Frank Talarico Jr. of Carrabassett Valley.

The family wishes to thank the Cumberland Police Dept., Lt. Milton Calder and all of their friends and relatives for their support, especially the Archambault family for making his last weekend a truly fun and memorable one for him.

Online condolences and photo gallery may be shared at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.