Lars Reinhold Lindkvist

Lars,
We got to know each other a very long time ago and you were very important to me. You have never left that place and will always be in my heart and in my memory.
You were already back then someone who unified everyone, spread joy and warmth, and everything you touched became something amazing. What you have managed to accomplish in the world during your too-short years here, is so much more than any of the rest of us will ever be able to do. You will be missed by so many.
I am so grateful we had the chance to talk on the phone this summer.
My thoughts and love to your beautiful family

Rest in peace, Lars. Your legacy lives on. It inspires, motivates, and humbles.

My memories of you are first as the husband of my dearest friend Wanjira, as Wangari Maathai’s son-in-law, and as the father of Ruthie and Elsa. Your numerous accomplishments came after your humanity and your deep care for people and the planet.

Your work will continue, the youth you inspired have now grown up and are stepping up, and your family and friends will keep your spirit glowing and flowing.

Until our own turn comes…

Our deepest condolences to Lars’s family.
We will remember him for his kindness and gentle presence.
Keeping you all in our thoughts.

Petra and Noam

We’ll see each other again in the next life, Uncle ♡

with love from Claudia

I know Lars had an enormous brain and an enormous heart, but for me Lars was always about family, fun times and food. Man, that man could cook. My happiest times with Lars was always cooking together. It didn’t matter what kitchen we were in … at beloved AV, at the coast, or at Njumbi. His glass was always “full-full” and we would talk for hours about the children, trees, politics and exciting new projects. Lars delighted in pleasing people with his food, his company and his generosity. We had so many unforgettable family holidays and sunny Sundays. Lars leaves us all with many, many happy memories… but I, thank God, also still have his recipe for Jansenn’s Temptation! Rest in peace, lovely Lars.

We will always remember Lars (Uncle Lars) as the 'poster child' for a Scandinavian: soft-spoken; kind; generous; patient, compassionate and gentle - even when he was livid! I'm being literal and specific - Lars was really keen to have Kahina visit Ruthie at his "happy place" in Sweden one summer, and did everything he could to support the visa application for her trip. The visa was declined, as is the prerogative of the issuing country....Lars was FURIOUS! He called Susan to vent, and during the call, admonished the Swedish embassy, and resolved to take up the matter himself, such was his fury. But after the call, Susan remarked that the only way she could tell that he was not pleased was because he very politely and kindly said so: in his gentle and soft-spoken voice!

Go well my friend. Until we meet again.

Remembering Lars

Today we remember Lars — a friend, a traveller, and a man with a deep curiosity about the world and the people in it. Lars loved to travel, but I think what he really loved was to discover. He wanted to see new places, meet people, understand different ways of life and ask questions. Many of us were lucky enough to share some of those journeys with him — to Namibia, Dharamsala, Rajasthan, Lamu and the Masai Mara. Those places, and the memories we made there, will always be part of our friendship with Lars.

Lars also cared deeply about justice. He was concerned about nature and conservation, about indigenous communities and about people living with poverty and fewer opportunities. He didn't simply accept the world as it was. He wanted to understand it, question it, and in his own way make it fairer. His work with the Maasai in the Masai Mara — helping to establish a wildlife conservancy that could benefit the community, and working to set up a school for Maasai girls — are just some examples of that commitment.
I will always remember Lars as fiercely passionate about justice and about making things right.

And then there was Lars himself. He could be stubborn and intense, but he was also loyal, generous and deeply engaged. He cared about things, and he cared about people — his friends, his family and his children. His strong opinions were part of who he was, and perhaps part of what made being his friend so interesting.

For those of us who knew him over many years, what remains are the stories: the journeys, the conversations, the laughter, the disagreements, the unexpected adventures and all the ordinary moments in between. I hope we can honour Lars by keeping some of his curiosity alive — by continuing to explore, to ask questions, to care about the world around us, and not to be satisfied with simple answers.

Lars, we will continue the journey, and we will carry you with us!
Thank you for all your love and friendship.
Rest in peace, Lars.

He was a wonderful client I met through his neighbors Atieno and Dorothy, everytime I got a chance to meet him it felt more therapeutic for me because I would leave more encouraged to face life and do better for myself.

Even in the most challenging seasons of his life he remained so positive and I took few lessons from him that I will carry through my life.

Rest in peace Sir.

I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Lars five years ago and to have worked alongside him on our projects in the Masai Mara. He was a truly wonderful man, and it was a privilege to know him and share some of that journey with him.

He leaves behind a very positive and lasting footprint, both through the work he was part of and through the many people whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

In Honor of a Champion of Justice and a Loved One today, we celebrate the life of a truly remarkable man, a man who began his journey with us as a colleague, became a true friend, and ultimately became family in the end.

I first met Lars at the Basecamp Offices in Nairobi some twenty one years ago.
Since then I worked together with him through the years in different roles and different organisations till now.

Working with Lars was a blessing and a true learning experience.

Lars didn't just work alongside us; he elevated everyone around him through his unwavering integrity, kindness, and dedication to what is right. He was a rare individual who understood that justice and fairness are not just abstract ideals to be talked about, but virtues to be lived out every single day. Whether navigating complex professional challenges or handling daily interactions, he served as our moral compass. He listened without judgment, spoke with courage, and always stood up for the quietest voices in the room. To him, fairness wasn't about treating everyone the same; it was about ensuring everyone had the respect, support, and opportunity they deserved.

Beyond his profound commitment to principle, he brought a steady, calming presence to our lives. In moments of stress, he was our anchor. In moments of success, he was the first to share the credit with me and celebrate others. He gave his time generously, mentored freely, and approached everything he did with a deep sense of responsibility and excellence. Over time, the professional boundaries faded, replaced by a deep affection, shared laughter, and a bond that made him irreplaceable to us all.

In his final chapter, he showed us yet another dimension of his incredible strength as he fought a brave battle with cancer. True to form, he faced this immense challenge with the same dignity, resilience, and grace that defined his entire life. He never , lost his warmth, and continued to inspire everyone around him with his indomitable spirit.

We are all better professionals, and better people, for having known him, worked by his side, and shared in his love. Though he is no longer with us, the legacy of his character, his fierce dedication to equity, and the warmth of his camaraderie will remain woven into the fabric of our lives.

To his beloved family: We extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences. Please know that we share in your profound grief and carry you in our thoughts. He spoke of you often and with immense love and pride. We hope it brings you comfort to know how deeply he was respected, how widely he was loved, and how profoundly he impacted the lives of everyone around him. We stand with you during this incredibly difficult time.

It's time to rest in peace, my dear Lars. Your example will continue to guide us, and your memory will always be cherished.
May Allah grant you Jannat-Alfirdoosh. Ameen

I first met Lars in the early 2000s when he had just arrived in Kenya and had started work at Basecamp Masai Mara as Camp Manager. The first thing that struck me about him was his shy smile, his warmth and his gentle manner. I was, very soon, also in awe of his knowledge of the natural world, his passionate devotion to the cause of environmental and wildlife conservation and improving the lives of the people that were the custodians of it. His vision was, invariably, delivered in his soft-spoken, unassuming and modest manner.

Over the years, as Lars’s career path took off on a meteoric trajectory, I was always impressed by his dedication, work ethic, ability, seeming limitless capacity to acquire knowledge and his gift of bringing people together. The many international and local accolades he earned seemed to spur him on rather than make him complacent.

Through the challenges and crises we faced together, I learned a lot about Lars, The Man. The qualities that came to the fore, during those times, under pressure, were his strength of character, eternal optimism and confidence that things would turn out alright in the end as well as his courage and will to keep fighting until success was achieved. “Cool, calm and collected” would be an appropriate phrase to sum it up.

As a person, Lars was a true and loyal friend. He had a wonderful sense of humour, natural charm and wit and always seemed deeply interested in what one had to say. When he confided in me, with his trademark shy smile, about having met Wanjira and how taken he was with her, I was genuinely touched by how happy and thrilled he was. I was honoured to be asked to witness their pre-wedding ceremony and to have been a part of the dignified, time-honoured tradition. It was also heart-warming to see how his initial nervousness evaporated and he would beam with pride whenever his lovely bride walked into the room. It was the same glowing pride that I saw when Ruthie and Elsa were born and when he introduced me to Jacob for the first time.

At my own wedding, Lars and Wanjira participated more as family members than mere friends. All those major milestones we shared cemented our friendship, and will always be treasured memories.

Wherever and whenever I spent time with Lars, whether on safari, in an office, at a social event or on the golf course, it was always such a relaxing and pleasant experience and I always came away from our meetings enriched and, somehow, more knowledgeable.

I didn’t see much of Lars over the past few years but I learned, with great sadness, of his health challenges. However, it seems that his best side came to the fore and all his qualities shone brighter during this most difficult of times. When I last saw Lars at a book launch some years ago, his warmth, affection and joy at being reunited with an old friend were undimmed. His trademark shy smile was the same and I had the impression that Lars was at peace and content with what life had given him.

My heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies go out to Wanjira, Ruth, Elsa, Jacob and all the family for this great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult of times and we share in your sorrow.

However, do take heart in the knowledge that Lars and his wonderful qualities will live on in you, his family, and everyone who was privileged enough to come to know Lars and call him a friend.

I am one such person.

Salah Amin

Lars came to me in 2012 to ask how solar energy could assist the pastoralist groups he was working with in Naboisho. Together we designed an initiative that showed how communities could implement -- and own -- solar installations that serve their communities: the schools and clinics, the tourism sites, the training centres and the community households themselves. The project we worked on was before its time but very much a success.

During the course of project execution, it became clear to me how much work Lars had done to turn the Naboisho Conservancy idea into a plan that now helps communities and wildlife thrive. I met him a number of times after the project. Even as his health was failing, his commitment to green ideals never failed.

May he rest in peace and may his family's grief be tempered by the knowledge that his legacy will live on.

It was such a pleasure meeting Lars onboard Peace Boat's 100th voyage where he shared an important message with the voyage participants: "The state of the world is better than you think - and each person has the ability to make it even better." Wanjira, Elsa and Ruth - my thoughts and love are with you!

When I reflect on my friendship with Lars I picture us sitting under an acacia tree in Naiboisho Conservancy as he shares his plans for Basecamp and a girls school. I see him in his kitchen at Arboretum View concocting some delicious Swedish dish as all the neighborhood kids are running around playing. I remember us walking along the coral reefs at low tide off of Kilifi with a young Ruthie looking for ocean creatures. I see us around my dining room table creating a plan for Schooner Africa and dreaming about ways we can work together and improve the lives of smallholder farmers in East Africa. I am grateful for my last shared moments with Lars, spending quiet moments of reflection when he stayed in my guest cottage while receiving Ayurvedic treatments while losing his sight.

To me Lars was very much a renaissance man-talented in so many ways both intellectual and practical. He possessed a vast curiosity about the world-whether it was furniture making, architecture, music or conservation. He always had a fascinating pile of books sitting on a table next to his reading chair.

Lars and Wanjira gave me a home in Kenya before it was my home. They gave me the honor of being Elsa’s godmother. They led me to Arboretum View and a community of friends I cherish. Lars was a friend to me, a big brother, a teacher, a mentor. Lars shared with me his love of the Mara and when I find myself enjoying a cold beer at a beautiful sundowner spot I will think of him and toast our friendship. See you there Lars and rest gently.

We are gathering across several venues with our hearts filled with memories of Lars—a kind man who gave us so much more than just his time. He brought us joy and a courage that eased our fears. He faced every challenge with fortitude and grace, and no malice towards anyone did he leave a trace. With a gentle laugh, a knowing smile, and with enduring strength, he persevered through every trial.

As I remember Lars, there is so much I could say, but many of those thoughts are best captured in the melody of the song "My Way." I met Lars shortly before the discussion of Wanjira's bride price,which had
to be just right...not too much and not too light. With his usual quiet demeanor, he fulfilled the request
with precision and demonstrated again the honesty of his decision.
We celebrate the man for the moments we shared and wish to show the world how much we cared.
Lars left his footprints in numerous diverse global locations and accomplished his goals with integrity we can say. Whatever the gains he left behind he did it all "his way".



Best regards,

Vertistine Mbaya

I’m deeply sad. This is truly heartbreaking. I have such wonderful memories of my friendship with Lars, both from Kenya and Sweden.

We did projects together, but above all, Lars was such good, caring and fun friend💥. Lars was a true gentleman, full of ideas and with a great sense of humor, always working for the greater good.

My thoughts are also with Wanjira and his beloved family. Rest in peace, my dear friend Lars… ❤️❤️

I was very sorry to hear news of Lars passing. I met him on my first trip to Kenya over 10 years ago. We went on a field trip to look at sustainable social enterprises and talked for hours about life. We stayed in touch afterwards and I was always loved his company, wisdom and advice. He was a very warm and kind person who also introduced me to many other fascinating people who shaped my time in Kenya. I was only thinking about him the other day so this news comes as a real shock. My thoughts and condolences to Wanjira and his family.

Dear Lars, even though we only met a few months ago, you have left a lasting impression on our hearts; we will never forget you. Your warmth, your determination, and your openness will always serve as an example to us. We will remain forever connected to your beloved wife and family. Katrin

Dear Lars. We bought Orust together 28 years ago and we share so many wonderful memorys in this paradise. We have seen our children grow up, Ebba was newborn when we bought Orust and this summer she was married in our Orust garden. Time flies. Jacob and Jesper has grown up to become wonderful, wise men and we have enjoyed watching Ruth and Elsa play in the garden. Orust is going to be very empty without you Lars, but there is so many things there who will remind us of you.

Love,
Mia, Ebba and Pontus

I first met Lars in Kenya 7 or 8 years ago. I’m trying to recall what struck me most about this cool Swede drinking coffee in downtown Nairobi. The stylish air of urbane sophistication? The breadth and depth of his knowledge, worn lightly? The knowing humour, delivered with a warm smile?

Over time I came to know that there was so much to this exceptional man, far too much to relate here - I know that all those reading this will understand. I consider myself truly fortunate to have met Lars.

My deepest condolences to Wanjira, the family and those many people who knew and loved Lars.

Trevor Rees

It is with a heavy heart I read the announcement that Dr. Lars Lindqvist has passed.
I met him very briefly on his arrival here in Sweden, together with his daughter earlier this summer - but that short meeting left a very strong impression.
Dr. Lindqvist told me about the Basecamp Foundation (I asked) and I promised him that I would one day visit ( a dream I’ve had for more than 40 years). I tried to find Dr. Lindqvists residential adress here in Sweden, as I wanted to send him a symbol I would have wanted him to carry during his trips back and forth to Germany where he received his treatment, but unfortunately I did not succeed in finding it.
Those minutes at the airport made me understand Lars was a remarkable and very unique person. My warmest condolences to his family.

Sincerely,
Erica

I only met Lars Lindkvist a handful of times over the past 15 years, through Strømme Foundation and Basecamp Foundation Kenya. Still, he made a lasting impression on me. Lars spoke differently from most people — slowly, wisely, calmly, and with a quiet insistence that made you listen. I am especially grateful for the long conversations by the fire in Naboisho.

One memory stays with me. On a long, difficult drive through the rain and mud of the Maasai Mara, Agnes— the wonderful female Maasai guide — was struggling with the heavy safari vehicle. Lars knew what to do. But he did not take over the wheel. Instead, he calmly guided her through it, all the way.

For me, that moment captured something important about Lars. He often knew more than the rest of us, but he was willing to take the time to help others learn, grow and find their own way. I will always be grateful for what I learned from him. And I am proud that we will continue supporting the work of Basecamp Foundation through Å Energi.

Rest in peace, Lars. You made a difference.

We will miss you. So glad that we got to have you here to stay with your fantastic family. When I think of Africa I see you. Until we meet again❤️

Today, I remember with a heavy heart Dr. Lars, who has sadly passed on after a long battle with illness.
Dr. Lars was more than just my boss at Basecamp Foundation Kenya. He was a mentor, a visionary, and someone who gave me the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the work that I remain very proud of.
Some of the projects that will always remind me of him was the establishment of Naboisho Conservancy and Green Villages concept in the Mara Ecosystem, which he passionately led for the Mara communities, Mara Girls Leadership School among others. He believed that conservation could go hand in hand with improving the lives of local communities, and he was committed to turning that belief into practical solutions.
I remember his passion, his ideas, and the way he encouraged us to think beyond what was immediately possible. Working with him shaped my understanding of conservation and community development in many ways.
Dr. Lars leaves behind a great legacy not only through the projects he initiated, but also through the people he mentored and the lives he touched. I feel privileged to have been one of those people.
To his family, my heart goes out to you. May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Your loss is deeply felt by all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
Rest in peace, Dr. Lars. Thank you for believing in people, communities, and a better future for the Mara. Your vision and legacy will live on.

Our paths first crossed properly as Lars was building the foundations of Naboisho Conservancy. It took tremendous dedication and hard work to get the ball rolling and in the process he charmed us (Kicheche) into joining forces as one of the Tourism Partners. From those shaky beginnings Naboisho has grown into a fabulous premium conservancy of which a huge amount of credit is due to Lars! Ashe oleng and RIP

In loving memory of Lars, a long-time friend of the Saruni Basecamp family.

We were deeply saddened to learn of Lars's passing. Over the years, he became a true friend to all of us, and his warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

The result of his commitment and passion to conservation will be enjoyed by generations to come. At Saruni Basecamp, we are beneficiaries of this. Naboisho Conservancy has become a special place for us, and we credit Lars for that.

Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones. He will be greatly missed.

With love and gratitude.

Some people leve an impact in your life
They help you find a path you didn’t know existed
They see more, they care more, perhaps they even live a little bit more

I’m forever grateful that I have known Lars
For all the adventures
For all the opportunities
For all the care
For all the laughs
And all the cold beer

I came to Kenya as a 20-something
And I have always felt like he took me under his wings, tried to keep me safe, tried to push me forward, believed in what I could do.

I last saw Lars five years ago at Orust. I will always think of him with gratitude and warmth.

My deepest condolences to Wanjira and the whole family

As a former employee at Basecamp Foundation Kenya, I am deeply heartbroken to hear of the passing of Dr. Lars.
Having witnessed firsthand the transformative initiatives he championed for local communities, I take comfort in knowing that he leaves behind a powerful legacy. He truly touched countless lives in a deep, meaningful way. May his soul rest in peace, and may the fire and passion he ignited continue to burn brightly.
My heart and deepest condolences go out to his family, loved ones, and all who were impacted by his work.

My mentor,you told me a lot especially in the field of Conservation,humility and love for all.

Dr. Lars Lindkvist taught me work-life balance. I hold this dearly to this date. Rest in peace.

Thankyou for all wunderful memories,in Sweden and Kongo,love for ever from me and my girls❤️❤️❤️

I visited Lars three weeks ago at his wonderful cottage on Orust. We had such a lovely evening together, sharing memories over a few glasses of wine and a delicious fish soup made from his own recipe.

My thoughts are with you, and I will try to attend the memorial, although I’m not sure I’ll be able to as I’ll be in London at the time.

I send you my heartfelt condolences. I’m deeply saddened, but also grateful for all the good memories of our friendship, and especially for that last evening we spent together.

Lars will always be remembered as someone who supported and connected others. His kind and gentle soul will be missed. His dedication and contribution to Kenya and the wildlife should not be forgotten.

Dear Lars,

Thank you for the wonderful memories we shared. We look back with great warmth on Jespers and Jessica’s wedding, birthdays and Christmas eves we celebrated together, and we cherish the meaningful conversations we’ve had.

You will always have a special place in our hearts and your memory will stay with us.

Our warmest thoughts are with the whole family,

Marika & Magnus Pamp

My heart goes out to Wanjira, Malin and the entire family as we mourn the passing of a true champion. Dr. Lars Lindkvist was the best leader I ever worked with, He mentored me from the role of project officer to program manager at BCF, His words still echo within me & I can vividly remember the values he lived by. To me, he was never a boss, he was a father figure, a mentor and a friend. His presence inspired many and his legacy will continue to live in the hearts of all who were touched by his vision. I carry his lessons with me and I stand committed to walking alongside those who strive to honor and preserve the legacy he left in the Mara.

My condolences for this loss. Lars was very committed to his work in Kenya and supported us in the conceptualization of the Wangari Maathai Institute, where he attended several meetings. We shall miss him. I pray for the good Lord to comfort the family at this difficult time.

Lars, Ole Bernt & I enjoyed a last meal in Nairobi remembering two decades of friendship and engagment in the Mara. RIP Lars. An inspiering visionary!

We will miss you so much Uncle Lars🩷