Born in Tammisaari in December 1947, Tabermann's work celebrated the ties that bind people, peace and erotic love. He was a prolific artist, producing nearly 80 works since his debut effort in 1970. He was elected Poet of the Year in 1995.
Tabermann also hosted the popular tongue-in-cheek current affairs programme "News Leak" (Uutisvuoto) for nine years and worked for a long time as a journalist, including for YLE Radio News in the 1970s.
He was elected to Parliament on a Social Democratic ticket in 2007 to represent constituents in Uusimaa. He will be replaced by Risto Kuisma of Pornainen.
His swansong piece, titled Amen, is still to be published.
