The Story of Solvejg and Børge Nielsen
Denmark
Both Solvejg and her future husband, Børge Nielsen, were born on farms in 1932. Solvejg lived on the island of Funen (Fyn), Denmark and Børge lived in Djursland.
After high school, Solvejg worked as an "au pair" in London, attended the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, then trained as a nurse in Denmark.
Børge worked as a farm manager, then attended Uldum Folk High School, completed his military service, and immigrated to Canada.
Solvejg Finds Her Man
In 1958, Solvejg attended her brother's wedding in Timmins, Ontario, with plans to stay "about a year" in Canada.
She got a nursing job in Toronto and met Børge at the local Danish Lutheran Church Youth Club. She immediately knew he was her man. He didn't even try to get away!
In 1959, the couple headed to Vancouver. They found jobs: Solvejg in Nursing Resources at the Vancouver General Hospital and Børge as a mechanic for Wolfe Chevrolet Oldsmobile.
In December they got married and bought a house. By 1967, they had three children.
Solvejg and Børge are active volunteers at the Danish Lutheran Church of Vancouver, B.C. and Dania Care Home.
Solvejg has served on the boards of many other Danish organizations, including the:
• Danish Canadian National Museum and Gardens
• Danish House Society
• Federation of Danish Associations in Canada
• Scandinavian Community Centre of Vancouver
Still Busy
After Børge retired, the couple moved to North Delta. Now they enjoy occasional cruises and Børge plays golf whenever he can.
But these busy bees can't really retire––yet. Solvejg has lottery and raffle tickets to sell.
They both have ideas about improving the Scandinavian Centre: "We need to get younger people involved. And the Hall needs expanding. And...and...and...".
Adapted from the 2004 Heritage Book,with permission from the Federation of Danish Associations in Canada
More Immigrant Stories:
• Find out what Aksel Nielsen's Ready-Made Farm included.
• See why little Rita decided to marry Orla Andersen.
