The Story of Erik and Birgith Hedegaard
Denmark
Christian Erik Hedegaard was born in Vang, Denmark in 1926.
His curiosity about how things work made him study engineering. After qualifying, he worked for a company in Thisted. Biralked into his office one day, and the rest is history!
The couple was married in 1950, then moved to Aalborg, built a cozy home and had a baby daughter.
Off to Canada
By 1957, Erik wanted to learn more about HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems. He headed to Edmonton, Alberta, never dreaming he would stay permanently.
Within a few days of his arrival he had met the local Danish community and landed work with a large engineering firm. Birgith and their little girl followed and soon another daughter was born.
After a couple of years, Erik moved to a smaller company (now Hemisphere Engineering) to widen his experience. The projects became more complex: schools, office towers, large hospitals, critical disease laboratories.
His travels took him to dangerous places. In Dubai, a drunken police officer held him at gunpoint. In Tehran, he was detained. But he made it home safely each time. Eventually, Erik became a senior partner in the company.
Home and Family
In 1973, the family moved to an acreage where they could have horses. While Erik traveled, Birgith looked after the girls, horses and acreage.
She also worked with the Girl Guides of Canada and volunteered with the ski club. But when she became co-owner of a retail business, the horses had to go. It was a heartbreaking day for all.
Erik retired in 1994. Now he and Birgith enjoy the acreage, skiing, and their grandchildren.
They've never regretted coming to Canada, but their Danish roots remain strong. At Christmas, they still dance around the Christmas tree singing, Nu Det Jul Igen (Now it's Christmas again).
Adapted from the 2007 Heritage Book,
with permission from the Federation of Danish Associations in Canada
More Immigrant Stories:
• Discover Danish Christmas customs and recipes
• Read about May, Andy Kjearsgaard's special horse
