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Johan Martin Ferner has died

Johan Martin Ferner passed away quietly at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, today, 24 January 2015 at 05.25 AM.

January 24, 2015

Mr Johan Martin Ferner


Message of condolence from His Majesty The King:

“It is with deep sadness that we have received the news that Johan Martin Ferner has passed away. Our thoughts go to Princess Astrid and her family, who have lost a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather.”

Johan Martin Ferner

Johan Martin Ferner was born on 22 July 1927. He pursued an education in business in Norway, England and France, and studied at the London Polytechnic Institute, Bradford Technical College and the University of Lyon. Together with his brother he ran and developed the department store Ferner Jacobsen, which was a family business.

Mr Ferner was an accomplished sailor, and was part of the crew that won the silver medal in the 6 metre class at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki.

Her Highness Princess Astrid and Johan Martin Ferner were married in Asker Church on 12 January 1961. The couple had five children together.

Mr Johan Martin Ferner

Wedding 1961

November 1960 the engagement between Princess Astrid and Mr Johan Martin Ferner was announced. Photo: Jan Stage, NTB
Princess Astrid on the occasion of the engagement. Photo: Jan Stage / NTB
Princess Astrid with King Olav at Skaugum after the ceremony. Photo: NTB
The Ceremony took place in Asker church. Photo: NTB
The wedding took place 12 January 1961. Photo: NTB
The couple with their best man and principal bridesmaid, Elisabeth Bahre and Finn Christian Ferner. Photo: NTB
The bride and groom with their bridesmaids. Photo: NTB
22 July 1962 their first child, Cathrine, was born. The couple had five children all together. Photo: NTB