Liebe Familje Thülig,
I first met Andreas in 1991 when I began as a project manager over there at Ericsson Eurolab in Aachen. Andreas was part of the CME20 ph3 Switching System project, a pivotal endeavor that helped Ericsson conquer the GSM market. He was always cheerful and positive, a beacon of optimism in our challenging and demanding project. Despite the difficulties, Andreas never let setbacks hinder us; instead, we faced challenges with a smile and unwavering dedication.
Our paths diverged in 1994 when I left Aachen, and we only occasionally stayed in touch. However, upon my return to Aachen in 2004, we collaborated again for the next five years. Initially, Andreas worked somewhat separately from what I was involved in, but when the MSC renovation, the blade cluster, became urgent, it was Andreas, with his persistent dedication (still smiling and upbeat), who ensured that this challenge too was met and brought to the market in record time.
Beyond work, Andreas was always there to help a language-challenged Finn like me navigate the complexities of German society. He assisted with appointments, acted as an interpreter, and subtly advised on the dos and don'ts of German customs and communication. Our last contact was a week before his untimely passing; we tried to coordinate our schedules for a meeting at the Aachen Christmas market, but family commitments prevailed, and we couldn't meet despite our efforts.
I am deeply saddened by Andreas's premature departure from our lives. His positive spirit, dedication, and invaluable support will be dearly missed.
