Nils Olaf Lundin, of Norwell, formerly of Quincy, an accomplished and respected musician, died Dec. 28, 2014 following a brief illness. He was 93.
Born in Torsaker, Gavleborg Sweden, Oct. 30, 1921, he was one of seven children born to the late Lars V. and Maria O. (Stahlberg) Lundin. He emigrated with his family to the U.S. in 1929 and settled in Quincy, where he graduated Quincy High School in 1941. Mr. Lundin served his newfound country with honor during WWII in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in the South Pacific nation of New Guinea as a Cryptographer.
He was honorably discharged in Oct., 1945 with the rank of Sergeant. After his time in the service, Nils began his career with Pneumatic Scale Corp. of Quincy, where he worked for 40 years before retiring in 1985 as an Inventory Supervisor.
A highly regarded Accordion player and composer in both the US and Sweden, he began playing as a teenager in the Lundin Brothers Orchestra, which also included brothers Carl and Eric. His life-long love of music served to promote and encourage the preservation of Scandinavian music, dance and tradition; earning him a medal from the King of Sweden in 1981 recognizing his achievements.
He was also awarded the prestigious Elin award |the Swedish equivalent to a Grammy award- for his American Wooden Shoe Polka. Mr. Lundin was a long- time, active and faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church of Quincy, where he loved to entertain and support the childrens programs and other important causes. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Vikings Stenkil Lodge #92, Vasa Order of Braintree, American Legion and the Lions Club.
He was the husband of the late Audrey (Smith) Lundin, and former husband of the late Rena (DuBois) Lundin. Loving father of Carol Lundin of N.H., Christopher Lundin and wife Mary Lou of Fla. and the late Catherine Sides and husband Ed Sides of Texas. Cherished grandfather of Darrin Sides of N.Y., Sandra Lundin of Fla. and Scott Sides of Mass. Great-grandfather to Mia, Noah and Kiera Sides, all of N.Y.
He was the dear brother of the late: Anna Larson and Joseph, Lars Oke, Carl, Eric and Helge Pelle Lundin. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great- nephews, extended family and close friends.
His funeral, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited, was on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015 at 10 a.m. in Faith Lutheran Church, 201 Granite St., Quincy, with the Rev. Heidi Johnston, Pastor, officiating. Visiting hours Monday, Jan. 5, from 3 – 7:PM at the Hamel, Wickens & Troupe Funeral Home, 26 Adams St., Quincy Center. Interment private.
Instead of sending flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be made to either Faith Lutheran Church, or the Catherine Sides Memorial Scholarship Fund, sending either to: c/o Carol N. Lundin, 22 Holly St, Concord, NH 03301.
Hamel, Wickens & Troupe Funeral Home
26 Adams St Quincy, MA 02169 (617) 472-5888
