General Gunther Rall has passed away at the age of 91 years old.

[Raimo Malkamäki]

I had the honour to have a steady contact with Mr Rall since 2002. I was hosting his first visit to Finland in 2003 and co-hosting his second visit in 2006.
In last May I visited his beautiful home at Bad Reichenhall with my wife. He gave us a 2 hour drive in the Alps in his VW Polo. I´ll never forget that trip.

We were supposed to meet again four weeks ago in September, when I visited Munich. He had to cancel a few days before. When he called me to announce and apologize that he couldn´t make it, he told me that we will meet the next time when I travel to South Germany. Unfortunately, that next time never came.

He was a great officer, pilot and person.
When he was asked during one of his lectures here in Finland about the best moment in his life, the answer was quick as a lightning: "When I married my wife!".

I am sure that they will meet again.

Rest in peace.


Raimo Malkamäki