Lennart Meri

Birth Name: Lennart-Georg Meri

Date of Birth: 29 March, 1929

Place of Birth: Tallinn, Estonia

Date of Death: 14 March, 2006

Place of Death: Tallinn, Estonia

Ethnicity:
*Estonian (father)
*Swedish (mother)

Lennart Meri was an Estonian politician, writer, film director, and statesman. He served as the second President of Estonia, from 6 October, 1992 to 8 October, 2001. He was also Minister of Foreign Affairs, from April 1990 to March 1992.

Lennart’s father, Georg Peeter Meri, was a diplomat and later Shakespeare translator. Lennart’s mother, Alice Brigitta (Bergman), was an Estonian Swede, from Tallinn. Lennart was married to actress Helle Pihlak, until his death. He had two children with his former wife Regina Arula; and a daughter with Helle.

Lennart’s patrilineal ancestry can be traced back to his third great-grandfather, Jüri Merri.

Lennart’s paternal grandfather was Otto Meri (the son of Hans Meri Morel and Mari Rikko). Otto was born in Vääna mõis, Keila kihelkond, Harjumaa. Hans was the son of Jaan/Jaak Merri and Merri Meri/Mari. Lennart’s great-grandmother Mari was the daughter of Juhan Rikko and Mari Tito.

Lennart’s paternal grandmother was named Julie-Marie Kepper (the daughter of Karl Keppa and Triinu). Karl was the son of Keppa/Pukka Peebo Jakob and Eva.

Lennart’s maternal grandfather was Josef Engman (the son of Anders Josefsson Engman and Mari Matsdotter Westermann). Anders was the son of Josef Matsson Engman and Lena Matsdotter Westerlund. Mari was the daughter of Mats Adamsson Westermann/Westerman and Katti Christiansdotter Westermann.

Lennart’s maternal grandmother was Maria Brandt (the daughter of Gustav Brandt and Lena Söderlund). Maria was born in Noarootsi. Gustav was the son of Adam Johansson Brandt and Lena Thomasdotter Joans. Lennart’s great-grandmother Lena was the daughter of Johan Matsson Söderlund and Mari Broman.

Lennart’s matrilineal ancestry can be traced to his fifth great-granddaughter, Mari Hinrichsdotter (2 July 1726, Spithami, Noarootsi Parish, Lääne County – 14 December 1808, Spithami, Noarootsi Parish, Lääne County).

Source: Genealogy of Lennart Meri – http://www.geni.com