Pirkko Mannola, Raili Hulkkonen and Kaija Koo arrived at Aira Samulin for the funeral on Friday.
Entertainer Pirkko Mannola the dance legend arrived Aira Samulinin for the funeral on Friday in Helsinki’s Old Church.
– He lived a great life. He left beautiful memories, Mannola describes the mood of the day to Iltalehti.
– He was a legend who didn’t think he would leave. Still can’t believe this is true. It came as if suddenly.
Mannola sat with Samulin Dancing with the Stars – in the audience just two weeks before Samulin’s death.
– He was brisk and always got up when a performance impressed him.
Mannola describes Samulin’s essence as always bright.
– The light came into the room when Aira walked in.
Pirkko Mannola and Raili Hulkkonen arrived at Aira Samulin’s funeral together. Atte Kajova
Mannola also highlights Samulin’s legacy of meaningful career and work for dance and war veterans.
Mannola especially praises Samulin’s ability to tell his memories of the war.
– He remembered everything. I could listen to Aira’s speech for any length of time. He told so vividly.
In 2016, Samulin was awarded Speaker of the Year.
– He is certainly in the memories of all Finns. Everyone remembers and mourns him.
Mannola wishes Samulin, who lived a wonderful life, a beautiful journey to heaven.
– I hope that he meets others there and finds his peers. Putting up step ups there, Mannola laughs.
Raili Hulkkonen remembers Aira Samulin for his cheerfulness and energy. Pete Anikari
Makeup artist Raili Hulkkonen what I remembered most about Samulin was his cheerfulness and energy.
– I knew him for 58 years. It can hold everything. He gave us all so much, Hulkkonen tells Iltalehte.
Hulkkonen wishes Samulin a peaceful journey.
– He has created such a wonderful picture of the world for all of us.
Kaija Koo honors Aira Samulin with her funeral dress. Atte Kajova
Vocalist Kaija Koo arrived at the funeral wearing sneakers.
– I also thought about Aira in clothing. You can be braver than at a regular funeral, Kaija Koo explains.
The singer and the dancer formed a connection with each meeting.
– They have been memorable moments, it was always really nice to meet him.
Kaija Koo describes Samulin as encouraging, brave and positive. The humor was also impressive.
– I appreciated his long career.