It is with great sorrow that we learned of the death of our colleague and friend Pekka Tuominen. Since the beginning of EDF, Pekka has been involved in one way or another in the organisation, as a board member, treasurer and executive committee member. In recent years, Pekka was currently working with EDF as a member of our Finance Committee.
Yannis Vardakastanis, EDF president said:
Pekka was part of the soul of EDF and the European Disability movement as a whole. We started together the establishment of the European Disability Forum in mid 90s. He served with dedication and commitment EDF and its members throughout his presence in EDF for a quarter of the century. Pekka was a real political leader in its classical sense with a tremendous and profound knowledge of history and politics and with absolute dedication and commitment to social justice and democracy. But Pekka also knew how to enjoy life and we did enjoy life together. For me Pekka and his wife were family friends. We are going to miss him and his very human approach to life.
Javier Güemes, fomer EDF colleague said:
Pekka was a founder of EDF, he was a fighter to make sure that EDF was a truly representative organisation all over Europe. He took care to make sure that all EDF members could find a good position in EDF while keeping a financially sound organisation. He led the finances of EDF during the most critical years of crisis.
Pekka was a courageous sailor, an admirable character who created a good atmosphere between members and a tireless storyteller of his wide and rich political and disability movement activities. He made all of us learn where the Aland archipelago is on the map and its rich history.
Valerie Asselberghs, former EDF colleague said:
Pekka will leave a lot of good memories to all those who have known him. He was a life enjoyer who loved to share his taste for good food and wine. He was a wise strategic thinker. Generous, good listener and storyteller, EDF staff and members very much enjoyed his company. It is a big loss for EDF but Pekka’s legacy will continue to live in our hearts and minds.
The entire EDF team and former EDF colleagues wish to express our most sincere condolences to his loved ones, and will never forget his great contribution to persons with disabilities in Europe.