Euro the municipality’s long-term culture manager, FT Sirpa Wahlqvist died of a sudden illness at home on July 23, 2024. He was 64 years old, born in Rauma on July 16, 1960.
Wahlqvist graduated in 1979 from Rauma’s Aronahte high school and went to study chemistry at the University of Turku, but soon changed his major to ethnology, which turned out to be a lifelong interest. In 1991, the young bachelor of humanities became the culture secretary of the municipality of Eura. In his work, he particularly distinguished himself in bringing prehistory to life, maintaining industrial tradition and bringing Alvar Aalto’s production to the fore. As an author, he also contributed to the creation of several publications.
At work Wahlqvist was liked, rich in ideas and a practical operator. He networked extensively with actors in the cultural sector. He saw the strengths of people and communities and brought different actors together, gave them space and trusted their expertise. In this way, e.g. Eura’s film event, Children’s January and many other events. He was awarded the 2017 Pro Eura medal for his merits in making his hometown famous.
In 2012, Wahlqvist completed his PhD at the University of Turku: Sailboats built with heart. Construction of war reparation schooners and builders at FW Hollming Oy’s shipyard in Rauma 1945–1952. In his dissertation, he was able to combine his Karelian roots, the history of his family, the collection of memory information and his love for the sea into a whole that is of interest to many.
He participated in numerous national and provincial organizations and working groups in his field. The most significant of these were the art committee of Turku and Pori county, the network of Alvar Aalto cities and the management board of the Satakunta fund of the Finnish Cultural Fund.
Sliver highly valued his Karelian, Koivisto ancestry. Family and relatives were important to him. After the death of her parents, her nephews and their families were close to her, especially Maija and Sanni, whose great-aunt she was.
In his free time, Sirpa also enjoyed a lot of culture. He went to the theater, concerts and exhibitions and read a lot. Sirpa also enjoyed traveling both at home and abroad. The last trip was a spring trip to London with friends. Still, one’s own home in Kauttua was the most important place, especially its well-kept garden with gazebos. Sirpa did woodwork, knitted all the time and she liked to cook. Relatives and friends often got to enjoy the products of their hobbies as well.
Minna Lääperi
Juha Majalahti
Sirpa Wahlqvist’s long-term friends and colleagues
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