It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of  Olav Henning Naess, who died suddenly on September 16th, in Houston, after a tragic accident.

Olav is survived by his wife, Kumi Kobayashi Naess, and our thoughts are with her as she comes to terms with the loss of her beloved husband.

Olav was born in 1960. He enjoyed a career with Odfjell that spanned almost 36 years, living overseas for more than a quarter of a century with assignments in Tokyo, Riyadh, Singapore, Hamburg and most recently Houston, where he had lived since 2016. He met Kumi during his first tour of Tokyo and they were married for 30 years.

Olav was recognized throughout the shipping industry as a consummate professional. He was loyal to his organization, dedicated to his work and his competence, reliability and unwavering ethical standards set him apart. He was an exemplary role model for colleagues, customers and brokers, as well as the wider business community.

Away from work, Olav enjoyed the peace and tranquility of his home life. He was a gentle, modest person whose main interests were spending time together with Kumi, their two dogs, as well as adding to his extensive vintage cartoon and stamp collections. He also had a large catalogue of vinyl music.  Olav had a quick wit and a dry sense of humour - he always enjoyed a good story and had plenty to share over a glass of wine in the company of his closest friends. 

Olav was a man of many virtues … too many to list here and we hope that this book of condolence will help to show him, and all of his wonderful qualities, through the eyes of the people who pay their respects.

A remarkable man, a true Viking, and a good friend.  Rest well Olav, you will be greatly missed. 

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