The European amusement machine industry is mourning the passing of one of its most popular personalities. Kjeld Erichsen, the international business development manager for Bandai Namco Amusement Europe (BNAE), died on Friday of last week.
Kjeld who only recently (September 3) celebrated his 60th birthday had for years fought a courageous battle with multiple myeloma to which he eventually succumbed.
Kjeld leaves a wife of 30 years; Gitte and daughter Josefine and a great many friends across the European industry who will be deeply saddened by his loss.
James Anderson, commercial and sales director of BNAE said: “Our company and indeed the whole industry has lost a legend and a dedicated “family member” whose in-depth knowledge of the amusement industry will be hard to be replicated. Everyone at BNAE is deeply shocked. Kjeld was a remarkable man; for 12 years he fought his illness with outstanding optimism and constant humour throughout. We have the utmost respect for him and offer our heart-felt sympathy to his family.”
Kjeld had for most of his 27 years in the industry worked for BNAE or for its forebear, Namco. He began in the industry with Nova Apparate in Germany in 1992, joining Namco in 2001.
The funeral will take place on Saturday, September 21, at 1.00 p.m. at Gentofte Church, Gentoftegade 28, 2820 Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark. The family has requested flowers as a celebration of his life.