The Story of Carl-Ove Andersen
Denmark
Carl-Ove Andersen was born in Ringsted, Denmark in 1925. He was the eldest of 6 children, part of a close and loving family. After completing school he became an electrician.
Carl-Ove married Else Petersen in 1952. By 1957 they had two children and were heading to Edmonton, Canada. His Uncle Paul lived there and said opportunities were better.
Hard Work
The family came to Canada by ship. Carl-Ove developed blood poisoning on the way and was detained in Halifax for treatment.
The language barrier made their five-day train trip to Edmonton difficult. Someone taught Carl-Ove how to say bacon and eggs, so that's what they ate all the way to Edmonton.
The family stayed with Uncle Paul, then rented a suite. Their first furniture was apple boxes. Financially, it was a struggle.
Due to electrical differences in Canada, Carl-Ove had to start over as an apprentice and return to school. He attended SAIT in Calgary, coming home on weekends. He took evening English classes. Meantime, Else managed home and family.
Carl-Ove worked for various companies, then settled down at Western Electric. His hard work paid off and by 1966 they were able to buy a house. Just in time––they now had four children!
Stained Glass Windows
Now retired, Carl-Ove keeps busy gardening, volunteering and visiting friends.
He has a flair for stained glass work. In 2002, the Danish Canadian National Museum Society asked him to make stained glass windows for the Dagmar Pioneer Church . Carl-Ove loves seeing visitors examining the Danish and Canadian symbols in his windows!
Carl-Ove and Else have never regretted coming to Canada. Uncle Paul was right; the opportunities here really were better. And they agree––their first step toward a wonderful life in Canada was learning to order something besides bacon and eggs!
Adapted from the 2005 Heritage Book,with permission from the Federation of Danish Associations in Canada
More Immigrant Stories:
• See Carl-Ove's symbolic stained glass windows in the Dagmar Pioneer Church.
• How will feisty little Else Petersen find freedom from misery?
