Obituary of Torkild E. Vennesland

Torkild Eugene (Smaen) Vennesland, 88, of Clifton Park, NY passed away peacefully on July 29, 2017 with his family by his side.  

Gene was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, the son of Torkild and Solveig Vennesland, and raised in his native Norway before returning to Quincy with his young family in 1958.  A Graduate of the University of Gothenburg Sweden with an Engineering Degree, Gene was an engineer for many years, transitioning to Computer Technology with a long career at General Electric Co in Boston and Albany.  Following that, he pursued his passion of antiques, owning shops in Schuylerville and Schroon Lake, NY.

Gene was an excellent Track & Field athlete in Norway and continued to enjoy sports, often attending his grandchildren’s events.  He was a life-long player of Contract Bridge, winning tournaments in Massachusetts and New York and achieving Life Master status.

Gene is survived by his wife Laila (Sorensen).  They were together for 63 loving, happy years.  He is also survived by his daughters Mai-Lis Day of Scotia NY, Bente Vennesland (Bill) of Florida, and son Torkild Benn Vennesland (Debbie); five grandchildren, Neal Day, Jennifer Day-Suits, Melissa (John) Lee, Jason (Claudia) Vennesland, and Jennifer (Ken) Persson; six great-grandchildren, Laila, Hailey, Gabriel, Mara, Shane and Alana; his brothers Martin (Anne) and Arne (Inge) Vennesland of Canada; cousins Dr. Doug (Sue) Rund and Blanche (Philip) Cahalin here in America, and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews in the United States and Norway.  

Funeral service will be private and held at the convenience of the family.