A True Visionary and Community Leader

Aksel was a long term resident of Oregon (Roseburg, Grants Pass, and Medford).  In 1974 he co-founded the Rogue Valley Soccer club (now renamed Rogue Valley Timbers) with Jim Lowry.  The Rogue Valley Soccer Club started with just a handful of players and now is one of the largest youth soccer clubs in Oregon.  Over time, he was also instrumental in getting soccer into Medford’s high school athletic programs.  

Aksel's passion for the sport of soccer was unparalleled. He spent over 30 years developing the soccer club, coaching countless teams of all ages and skill, and refereeing games into his late 60’s.  As a coach he taught the fundamentals of the sport but also ensured players learned valuable life lessons which included good sportsmanship, the value of practicing hard for what you want to excel in, and respect.  Aksel’s impact on the kids he coached cannot be quantified except for stories shared as these young adults turned into adults; for some he helped serve as a father figure, others were able to clean up unhealthy behaviors, and many simply note he inspired them to be a better person.  

Throughout Aksel’s life his selflessness and ability to captivate kids through playing games were some of his greatest attributes.  In many respects he taught us all that life is just one big game to be played.