The Story of Arla Hill (née Norre, then Morck and Hill)
My grandmother, Ruth Norre (nee Thomsen), was born near Dickson, Alberta. Her husband, Soren Norre, was a lucky Dane. He just missed boarding the Titanic and caught the next ship. In 1932, the couple had twin daughters, Ardis (my aunt) and Arla (my mom).
Mom was a passionate soul who never did anything halfway. Music was her first passion. She was a registered piano teacher, public school music teacher and community organist. She loved all types of music. Her motto: a good song should rock the rafters.
When she was 21, she found a new passion: Oscar Morck, a local farmer. They married and had three children. They taught us to love farming, outdoor adventures, fishing and hunting, music and art.
After Dad died, Mom married Gordon Hill. He introduced Mom to new passions, like driving an All-Terrain Vehicle and flying her own plane, a Piper Cub.
Picture This
You're relaxing by the campfire, watching the geese fly across the setting sun. Listen––here comes an ATV. A silver-haired lady is driving.
She dismounts excitedly to tell you the news, then notices the sunset and says, It is so beautiful––I wish I could paint that. Mom loved art and always dreamed of painting with watercolours.
Music and handmade crafts enhanced Mom's Christmas Eve feast. Moist turkey, mashed potatoes, perfect amber gravy and saskatoon pie. Seconds, anyone?
Mom was always looking for the perfect fishing spot on the Clearwater River. Once I took her to my secret spot. She was entranced by the unspoiled beauty, excellent fishing and a playful otter family. The next week my secret spot was full of people. A nice lady—Mom—at the Spruce View Co-op had recommended it to them. Mom believed great experiences should be shared.
What did Mom teach us? Live life passionately. Help others along the way.
Adapted from the 2008 Heritage Book,with permission from the Federation of Danish Associations in Canada
More Immigrant Stories:
• Visit Arla's former home
• Check out the Kjearsgaard boys' antics on the farm
