Marko Björs tells about a moment that took a toll on his friend Aira Samulin’s funeral.
A dance legend who died at the end of October Aira Samulin-Suvio was blessed on Friday to rest in the grave in Helsinki’s old church. The beloved strong woman of the entire nation was being escorted on her last journey by a large group of relatives and friends. Riding trainer Marko Björs carried his friend’s coffin at the funeral.
– Moods varied a lot during the day. It was a really beautiful blessing ceremony and the bishop Teemu Laajasalo gave a great speech in the church, Björs tells Iltalehte.
Marko Björs was moved at Aira Samulin’s funeral. Atte Kajova
– It was a beautiful moment when I was able to be alone with Aira’s coffin in the church for a while and say goodbye to him, but after that I collapsed. I managed to pull myself together on that trunk of the coffin.
The legend’s memorial service was held at Bulla’s corner after the blessing ceremony.
– The place was packed. Most of those who were in the church went to the memorial service. It was so Aira-like, the main thing I remember about it was joy and laughter. They danced, sang and heard really good speeches there, he characterizes.
When the grandchild of a dance legend Niko Samulin asked Marko Björs to be the pallbearer, he did not hesitate for a moment.
– It is an honorable mission, he says.
“I miss honest friendship”
After the funeral, the friend feels wistful, but relieved. He feels that Aira is now at peace and good to be. Still, the longing is in the heart, and always will be. The long friendship left Marko Björs with good memories, which warms his thinking.
– I miss Aira’s honest friendship. He always brought out the best in me. He told me to be bravely myself and that I am enough as I am.
– He was so tolerant and valued strong friendship. We could always talk honestly. He shared a lot of wisdom on a daily basis. It was simply easy to be with him, despite the age difference of 40 years. Yet we talked as if we were the same age.
Aira Samulin and Marko Björs were close friends. ATTE KAJOVA
Marko Björs says his friend created faith and hope for the future. When necessary, Aira knew how to kick butts and boldly step towards new things.
– He didn’t leave a person. He was careful that you shouldn’t sit back, you have to work and move forward. There are many young people in Finland whom he has encouraged so much that they dare to be themselves.
– Aira defended different people and minorities – those who lacked their own voice. He was always ready to do charity work.
“Fire from behind the tree”
Aira’s death came as a complete surprise to Marko Björs.
Of course, he understood the reality of a dance legend’s advanced age: at some point, everyone’s earthly journey ends.
– Yes, I often thought about that when I thought about Aira’s age, and yes, getting older can be seen at some point. But it still came from behind a tree, says Marko Björs.
The two had agreed on Aira’s participation in the Animal Protection Gala.
– It was talked about in the last few days, says Marko Björs.
The plan was not realized due to the passing away, but instead Aira Samulin was remembered at the gala and a moment of silence was held.
At the gala, he gave a speech in which he recited Aira’s often-heard words aloud.
– Each of us has our own due date here, sometimes this ends. But until then, have fun and life goes on.