Thomas Bache-Gabrielsen

1883 – 1942

Thomas Bache-Gabrielsen, was the son of Josef Alexander Gabrielsen who was the manager of a trading company in Holmestrand that had exclusive sales rights to sell and serve liquor in the municipality.  In order to acquire some practical working experience abroad he travelled to France in 1903 to a place that appealed to both his heart and his brain.  In those days individual Norwegian liquor companies traded directly with the producers of wines and spirits.  Thomas was intending to establish links with cognac producers, stay in France for a few months and then return home to a career in the same trade as his father

The young man from Holmestrand was taken on as an apprentice at the reputable company of Renaud de St. Louvent where he met P. A. Rustad for the first time.  Thomas enjoyed being in Cognac with his friends from the Scandinavian Support Association.  He fell in love with the charming Odette Villard, who he married in 1906.  The couple had three sons, René, who took over the running of the company, Eric, who became a lawyer, and Guy, who became a doctor.  All three sons have left behind large families in France. 

Even though Thomas lived in France, he was keen to teach his children about Norwegian traditions, i.e. the outdoor life, Norwegian food and Norwegian Christmas customs, and his home offered hospitality to young Norwegians in Cognac.  Thomas remained a Norwegian citizen and was often called home to undertake refresher military service.  He also maintained good contact with his Norwegian family, and this contact has been upheld by subsequent generations of the Bache-Gabrielsen family.