Ystävät kaukaa muistavat Karia

<p>Dear friends,<br /> I am very sad to lose a friend for 26 years, our first exchanges dated 1980. Since that time we have exchanged so many letters and information about Finnish flags. As I asked him some translations he offered me a dictionary Finnish/English…! We have met in February 2000 in Helsinki, we have had a very friendly meeting with so many discussions about Finnish flags and Russian Empire flags. Our last meeting was during the Congress of Stockholm in 2003 when he presented a lecture about Scouts flags which were his passion. He had created so many Scouts flags.<br /> I present in my name and in the name of the FIAV Board my deep condolences to his daughter Saija I have met in Helsinki but also to his wife and family.</p> <p><i>Kinds regards,<br /> Michel Lupant Président FIAV<br /> Belgie</i></p> <p>Olen vapudtatud!<br /> Kaotasime tõelise venna ja sõbra. Minu kaastunne kõigile.<br /> <i>Priit Herodes<br /> Eesti Vabariik</i></p> <p>I was deeply shocked to learn about the untimely death of Kari K. Laurla. Although we never met in person, we exchanged books and other heraldic and vexillological informations for many years. Only just recently he sent me a folder about Lithuanian symbols, and from the address on the envelope I guessed that he had moved to Lithuania. I offer my sincere condolences to his family, to the Partioheraldikot and to all Finnish heraldry and flag friends.<br /> <i>Arnold Rabbow<br /> Deutschland</i></p> <p>This is truly a devastating blow for Partioheraldikot ry, a severe loss for the Nordic heraldic and vexillological world, and a very sad moment for the heraldic and vexi community all over the world. We all mourn Kari's loss. Kari was very well known and estimated by both those who knew him personally (like me) and those who knew only his excellent work. His name will remain highlighted in the olymp of the great heraldic artists and leaders of vexillology. He wasn't that old, was he? It's a pity to loose such a talented man.<br /> My condoleances to his family, to his friends and to Partioheraldikot Ry. He will be missed.<br /> <i>Emil Dreyer Swiss Vexillological Society, president Swiss Heraldic Society, secretary past FIAV general secretary</i></p>