Born in 1927 in Säter, Dalarna, Sweden. Both father and mother primary school teachers. Father became the headmaster of a group of local primary schools. Grew up in the school house in Kullsveden, just outside Säter. Spent much of his childhood and youth with sports. Was quite a successful footballer but excelled in the field sports of, for example, putting the shot, throwing the javelin, running. Was a keen painter from a very early age and as a young teenager participated in a distance learning course in painting led by the Swedish artist Gotthard Sandberg. Was interested in becoming an artist but decided that such a career was too risky so turned to academic studies and became a psychologist instead, however, with time now and then reserved for taking part in art classes led by professional artists. Married to Gillian (née Standing), four children, ten grandchildren and 2 greatgrandchildren.