The Story of Peeter and Annie Kruus
Narrow Escape
When Peeter Kruus was a little boy in Tallin, Estonia, he had a daring adventure.
It was 1944 and the Soviet invasion was imminent. His mother prepared carefully, loaded the children into a boat and escaped to Sweden.
Peeter never forgot the importance of planning his adventures.
In 1949, the family immigrated to Toronto, Canada. Peeter was a good scholar and received a scholarship to attend the H.C. Orsted Institute in Copenhagen.
In 1963, he met Annie Jensen, an apprentice Medical Laboratory Technologist. Like him, she was a meticulous planner who loved travelling.
They wasted no time. In short order, their studies were finished, they were married and living in Canada and Annie was pregnant.
Exploring the World
The young couple lived in Toronto until Peeter had his doctorate. Then they moved to Ottawa, where he became Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Carleton University. By 1970, they had four children.
Peeter's academic schedule left room for outdoor adventures and travel. Carefully planned sabbaticals took them to Europe, British Columbia, Malaysia, and South America.
Annie seized opportunities to broaden her skills. Her work ranged from laboratory instructor, graphic artist and fundraiser, to language teacher and environmental consultant.
Peeter planned to retire early. In 2002, he and Annie bought an old cottage for future downtime.
But soon Denmark and Tanzania beckoned. They visited family, went on safari and explored Zanzibar.
Unforeseen Circumstances
In 2003, Peeter retired. Carleton University asked him to teach part-time but cancer struck.
He taught as long as possible, prepared his final lecture, and died the following day. His adventures were over––in this life.
Annie babysits grandchildren, attends Danish-Canadian groups and visits family overseas. She's replaced the old cottage with a winterized home for future downtime.
But she's won't be there much: she's planning more adventures.
Adapted from the 2008 Heritage Book,with permission from the Federation of Danish Associations in Canada
More Immigrant Stories:
• Planning your trip to our Museum? Check out the Scandinavian Trail Tour
• Will Karen Sommers' bequest lead to an excellent new adventure?
