Sir Ulf Ake Gunnar Brynjestad, PHD

Ulf had an interesting career spanning engineering, medicine/health technology, Swedish-American affairs, and Scandinavian-American organizations such as the VASA.

 

He served with the Royal Bohuslan Infantry Regiment in Uddevalla and was commissioned  2nd Lieutenant in 1960.  Subsequently worked as a design engineer with Volvo while achieving his degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1963. 

 

He married JoAnne Spear in Goteborg in 1964, and the two of them settled in Southern California. JoAnne was an important part of his life and sadly passed July 2004. He became involved in medical technology and pharmaceuticals.  In 1999 U.S. patented by Ulf as the inventor of a knowledge-based expert system for pain management.  Also associated with Hygia Pharmaceuticals and served as CEO.

 

In 1992, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden awarded Ulf the Gold Medal of the Royal Order of the Polar Star.

 

He was appointed Honorary Consul for Sweden in San Diego, beginning in 2002. He became a prominent leader of the Vasa Order of America, a Swedish-American organization.  In 2006, he was Grand Master, presiding over its 36th Grand Lodge Convention in San Diego.  By 2010, he was recognized by Sweden with a second medal associated with the Royal Order of the Polar Star.  

 

In 2007, he married Cynthia Brang and by 2011 they moved to Cypress, Texas and he became active in the Houston area and was involved with the Commemorative Air Force, including rebuilding World War II aircrafts activities.  A 2011 Houston Chronicle article specifically photographed Ulf with the restored Lockheed C-60A 'Goodtime Gal.'

 

He had many pleasures, rebuilding his P1800 Volvo, sharing the love of Porsche's with his son.  Driving his Porsche with the top down and blaming fast driving for losing his hair.  He enjoyed flying planes and making historical period planes come back to life.

 

He had a fantastic way of looking forward, seeing the best of what can happen.  When one asked him a question, he had that ready smile and answer.

 

Ulf leaves behind his wife Cynthia, son Michael Brynjestad, daughter Katherine McWhorter, and step-daughters Heather Brang-Kulp and Alllison Brang-Spates, and many grandchildren.

 

We will host a "Celebration of Life" on October 17th from 1 pm to 4 pm, at home.  

 

For information of the gathering, contact via email--- brynjestad@att.net