Obituary of Aage Evald SORENSEN

May 4, 1925 – Aarhus, Denmark
April 11, 2021– Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts, that the family of Ed Sorensen, of Calgary, AB, announces his passing on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at the age of 95 years.

Growing up in Denmark during the Second World War would have a great impact on Ed’s life and would chart a course for his future that was filled with hope and new adventures. His memories of this time would provide countless stories and a personal view of history for generations to come. After the war, he went on to serve as a Second Lieutenant in the Danish Military and there he came to know the world outside of Denmark. He took a job at the Silkeborg Bank to earn money to fund his dream of moving to Canada. In the spring of 1950, he made the great voyage to North America. It was in Calgary, that Ed would find a career that would utilize his love of drawing and he went on to become Chief Draftsman for the Seaboard Oil Company where he met his wife, Mary. Ed moved to Texaco Exploration and during that time, he and Mary would start their family. In May of 1970, he would open his own successful Reproduction and Drafting Company.

Ed worked tirelessly for many years but always found time to be with his family and support them in everything they did. Cultivating and guiding them through all of their endeavors, his steadfast commitment to always be there, was the foundation to his life as a father.  

Ed and Mary were members of the Lutheran Church of the Cross and Ed spent many years on the church council. He was also a founding member of the Danish Canadian Club, where you would often find him “holding court” with the other Vikings, telling longwinded stories over some “herring and schnapps”. He and Mary would enjoy many times there together with their friends at club dances, and over the years it was often the place to come together for family celebrations.  
 
Some of his favorite trips were the ones back home to Denmark where he spent time surrounded by loved ones, reminiscing and sharing his views of the world. His lifelong love of art and painting were enriched by these trips and the beauty he found there. His affection for animals, horses in particular, would often become the subject of his artwork.  As a young boy in Denmark, Ed won first place in the National Art Contest. This was the beginning of his lifelong passion, and his artwork would fill the walls of his home and those his family and friends.  

Ed enjoyed being active and taking on new challenges. He often told the story of how when he first came to Canada, he had borrowed an old one-speed bicycle for an afternoon ride to the Rocky Mountains. He had assumed it would only take a couple of hours to get there, and off he went. Ed kept peddling and peddling, but those great big mountains never got any closer. He had no idea by comparison just how big those mountains were and how long it would actually take to get there! He decided thereafter, to go to the mountains, he’d just take his car. Ed enjoyed many years playing tennis and golf. He believed that it was exercise that was the key to vitality. You would often see Ed out on his daily walks around Lake Bonavista, something he did until the very end of his life. He would become a benchmark to many on how to stay in good health, stay young at heart and never give up! If you can’t get to where you’re going by bike, you can always take your car.   
    

He will be remembered for his quick sense of humour, charm, wit, and bountiful generosity. Perhaps most of all, Ed will be remembered for his wonderful way with children. He could often be found telling grand stories, playing the harmonica or running around with them endlessly. It was his own grandchildren that would bring him his greatest joy. For them, he knew no bounds. To them, he was “Poppa” and he would tirelessly be taking them for walks to the lake, trips to the playpark or making trains out of the kitchen chairs where each child would joyfully take turns being the conductor. His energy and smile would light up any room, particularly, the family-room. It was there that his best times were had.   

Ed will always be remembered by his loving wife, Mary, whom he was married to for over 63 years. Along with her, he is survived by his son Mark Sorensen (Deb Beston) of Calgary; two daughters, Andrea (Stewart) Gilroy of Camrose and Annelise Sorensen-Clark (Brad Clark) of Calgary; five grandchildren, Jeff Beston of Calgary, Emily Gilroy of Ottawa, Cpl. Scott Gilroy of Camrose, Chloe Sorensen-Clark of Calgary, and Paige Sorensen-Clark of Calgary. He will be greatly missed by his numerous friends and family, and children of all ages in both Canada and Denmark. 

His legacy will live on in those who loved him best. And if you were lucky enough to be one who found yourself around his Christmas table, with his favorite song, “Silent Night” playing in the background, you will share a smile for his most famous line of all, the one you would wait all year for…”and the cat peed…on the matches” 

While we may commiserate in our loss, Ed has left behind a lifetime of memories, laughter and joy. It is here, in the laughter and joy that he would want to be remembered.    

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”
by Soren Kierkegaard.

A special thank you to Dr. Ghobrial and to the wonderful staff at the Chinook Care Centre.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Ed’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.
 
In living memory of  Aage (Ed) Sorensen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.