Mats Gunnar Granlund, a computer programmer analyst in UCLA’s Graduate Division who was admired for his professionalism, attention to detail and good humor, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on July 3 while engaging in one of his favorite activities — playing squash at UCLA’s John Wooden Center. He was 61.

Granlund, who joined UCLA in 2001, served as the project lead, data architect and system designer for the Graduate Division’s GAIN system, which streamlined the support of fellowship awards to UCLA graduate students. He also led the development and production of the division’s institutional research data system, which provides valuable information to assist in the examination of issues affecting graduate education at UCLA and nationwide.

Born in Ornskoldvik, Sweden, on July 22, 1952, Granlund pursued multifaceted interests in music, books, travel, sports and outdoor activities, and spiritual exploration.

In high school in Stockholm, he played the guitar and formed his own rock group. His musical tastes, reflected in a vast record collection, included the Beatles, Marilyn Manson, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, progressive jazz, blues, avantgarde, hard rock, classical and meditation music.

A voracious and eclectic reader, Granlund during his university years developed a special interest in computer technology, which was still a relatively new field when he earned his B.A. in computer science from Stockholm University. Before joining UCLA, he worked as a programmer analyst at organizations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Germany and Sweden, including the Rikspolisstyresen —   the “FBI” of Sweden.

In the 1980s, after spending six months backpacking across South America, followed by a job with Sweden’s Johnsson Line Shipping Company that found him traveling throughout Europe, he accepted an opportunity to work in the L.A. area and moved to Pasadena. On his first day on the job, he met his future wife, Susie, but the couple was separated a year-and-a-half later when his employment contract ended and he returned to Sweden. Following a brief, long-distance relationship, they were married in 1990. Throughout their marriage, they traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico and Brazil.  

An avid athlete, Granlund played rugby for Attila, one of Stockholm’s best teams. After breaking his jaw and twice breaking his nose while playing rugby,  he switched to soccer and later added squash. He was also an outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, camping, canoeing and kayaking.

In more recent years, Granlund’s interests extended to the spiritual realm. Continually searching for ways to improve the quality of his life and the lives of those around him, he practiced meditation, studied many spiritual modalities and became a healer.

Grandlund is survived by his wife, M. Susan; his mother, Margit Granlund; and his brother, Kurt Granlund.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Aug. 7, at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary, 1218 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles, California. The service will take place from 1-3 p.m., followed by a reception from 3-5 p.m. On the UCLA campus that same day, the flag at Pauley Pavilion will be lowered to half-mast in his honor. Read more about Granlund on this memorial website.