Da Kirsten (min søster) ringede til mig fredag i sidste uge, troede jeg vi skulle have en hyggesnak om deres ferie på Kauai.

Den samtale formede sig ganske anderledes.

Jeg blev totalt chokeret over, at Jørn Ole var afgået ved døden ganske pludseligt.

Nu tænker jeg tilbage på de mange minder, vi kan glæde os over. På trods af den mangeårige afstand i kilometer, har vi altid haft god kontakt med hinanden. Vi var intenst sammen ved ferier enten på Bornholm eller Canada. Dagene blev fuldt udnyttet.

Kirsten og Jørn Ole repræsenterede et meget gæstfrit hjem og alt andet blev tilsidesat for at give os så mange oplevelser som muligt i Canada. Der blev taget mange foto – også af Jørn Ole. Inden vi skulle køre videre, skulle han lige have et par foto af en blomst. Selvom den sikkert var i albummet derhjemme. Måske var denne lidt flottere. I de senere år var det børnebørnene, der stod øverst på listen af foto. At børnebørnene havde en stor plads i Jørn Ole’s hjerte var men ikke i tvivl om. Hans udstråling af kærlighed overfor dem og stolthed over dem var ganske tydelig. Som vi siger her i Danmark: “Børnebørn er livets dessert”. Jeg og min familie vil altid mindes dig, Jørn Ole, som den altid glade, humoristiske og drillesyge person. Man kedede sig aldrig i dit selskab. Nu skal livet gå videre uden dit nærvær. Det største daglige tomrum bliver for dig Kirsten, men også Susanne og Michael med familier vil savne deres Far, Svigerfar, Morfar og Farfar for altid. Hos os er du: I hjertet gemt, men aldrig glemt.

En varm hilsen til hele familien fra Elna, Morten og Mie, Karin og Torben

Days have passed and, still, mere words fail to express the shock and the grief and the sense of disbelief over your untimely passing, dear friend. The loss of your quiet manner, high principles, wonderful sense of humor and caring nature may eventually lead to acceptance with deep regret and sadness that you are no longer among us physically. We are left to find a small measure of comfort in knowing that your spirit will live forever in our hearts. May the abundance of happy memories that you have given your wonderful family ease the weight of their heavy burden of grief.

For almost 42 years, we have been the closest of friends with Kirsten & Ole. In the earlier days we decided that we would be “family” for each other as our respective relatives lived so far away from Calgary. Christmas, New Years, birthdays etc were all times for mutual and shared celebration. What glorious times we all had!

We find ourselves now in numbed out shock and disbelief on the news of Ole’s passing.

Etched in memory forever are his heartwarming and welcoming smile, his gentleness and authenticity, his wonderful sense of humour and his playful spirit. He was the perfect friend, partner, father and grandfather.

Heartfelt to the core. So missing his wonderful presence.

My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Ole’s family. Ole was a very special person. I had the pleasure of knowing him through the Evergreen hiking club. I will cherish his caring ways, great smile and humour. Just thinking of him makes me smile and now he is smiling on us from above.

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Ole’s passing. He was a caring, gentle and humorous guy and he was always fun to be with. The Evergreens have lost a valued member. He will be missed.

Kirsten and family,

Our sincerest condolences on Ole’s sudden passing. His presence as an Evergreen will be greatly missed.

It was a shock to hear of Ole’s passing. He will be missed very much. He was a wonderful person. He was one of the first member of the Evergreen I met, he made you so welcome. I’ll miss his stories of his loving times with his family. He always had a smile and wonderful humor. So sorry for your loss. My condolences to Kristen and family. May he rest in peace.

So sad to hear of Ole’s passing.

Ole was a thoughtful, kind and generous man.

We will all miss his wit and good humor

Deepest sympathy to his family.

My deepest sympathy to Ole’s family. I only met Ole a couple of times so didn’t have the pleasure of knowing him very well. I have heard many stories over the years of his kindness, helpfulness, welcoming ways, and great love for his family. Especially his grandchildren. May the memories of him bring you comfort always.

We are thinking of all of you. Ole was always so kind we remember him fondly and we can’t imagine what a loss this is for you.

Jason, Kirsty, Kelly, Devon

Dear Kirsten and family, so sorry for your loss. Ole was a great fun loving soul. We will miss him.

Hugs,

Harvey & Lynda

Kirsten and Family,

We are so sad and shocked to hear of Ole’s sudden passing. Seeing the amount of people who attended his service shows how much he was loved by all who knew him. May we never forget his sense of humour and genuine heart. We will forever remember the good times, family dinners, the silly jokes and donald duck sounds he made for the kids. It was impossible not to smile whenever Ole was around. All our love and prayers to your family.

Dear Kirsten and Family

It was such a massive shock when Greg informed me that Ole had passed away so suddenly. It must be an enormous one for you and the family. I first met Ole last summer when I came to stay with my son in Crestmont after my wife passed away in April. After 2 months I joined the hiking group, not knowing anyone outside my family, but Ole and the rest of the hikers made me feel to welcome, he certainly helped me through that difficult period for which I will ever be grateful. He was a very friendly, helpful and welcoming person who will be greatly missed by us all. He had a great sense of humour, quick to make a joke and take the micky at the first opportunity, especially with new and inexperienced hikers such as me. It was great to meet up with him when I returned over Christmas and I was looking forward to meeting up again when I return to Calgary this summer. I will miss him greatly, the coach trips will not be the same without him. It is difficult to come to terms with the fact that someone so fit and active is no longer with us.

My deepest condolences are with you and the family at this very sad time. I will say prayers for Ole (R.I.P) when I go to mass this weekend.

Michael (Manchester, UK)

From my earliest childhood Jorn Ole was the granite foundation of our common life as brothers and sisters. Always the one who took the responsibility of the elder brother – but in the most kind and peaceful manner. He could look at you with a patient smile, but with an underlining of authority which clearly sent a message of how decent behaviour ought to be performed.

He possessed the best Bornholmian deeds. Always ready for action, the ultimate teamworker and fighter, encouraging others to pass obstacles and cross borders, rivers and oceans. “The Good Lord always takes the best”, as we say. And indeed he succeeded in the case of Jorn Ole. Though before that Jorn Ole spread his good genes on the North American continent in the most beautiful collection of children and grandchildren, who just now experiences a great loss, but who in the long run through their moral heritage will win happiness and certainly will flourish

The memory of Jorn Ole will be chiseled in granite in our minds.

Dear Kirsten, we are deeply saddened to learn of Ole’s death. He was a very warm and tender hearted man. May the memories you all share help sustain your grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dearest Kirsten, Mike, Mandy & the boys & Susanne & family,

I was very saddened and shocked to hear about Oles sudden passing.

How I knew Ole was as FarFar through Mike & Mandy. Every time I would be greeted by yourself and Ole it was with a warm and inviting smile. To have a smile as wide as your face is quite remarkable and infectious. I often would look at you and Ole and think to myself that is a wonderful wee team right there and something to aspire to. Ole was the finest definition of a Gentle man and I know he will be deeply missed by all that loved him, but I know that his legacy for loving life and being a good man will be carried on through you all.

A loving husband, a best friend for a Dad and a jolly FarFar a life well lived.

Love & Light,

Shanny

Kirsten, my deepest condolences to you and your family on the sudden passing of Ole. You are in my thoughts at this time of grieving.

Ole was one of my first friends with the Evergreens and looked out for me on some of my first hikes. A friendly, compassionate person, always interested in others. He will be so missed and I am so sorry for your loss of this dear man.

Dear Kirsten, Michael, Susanne and your families

Here in Denmark it has saddened us very much to hear, that Jørn Ole has so suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. My brother, Andreas, and I traveled with our parents 20 years ago to visit Jørn Ole and his family. That trip was like an adventure for us, and we will always remember how kindly we were treated, and it filled us with joy to know that we have such nice family connections in Canada. We have seen Jørn Ole and Kirsten, when they occasionally visited Denmark/Bornholm, and the summer family reunions were always something special, when the eldest brother of the family was present. We will never forget Jørn Oles warm smile always with a twist of humour and always ready for a laugh. We send our condolences and kind thougts to you all in Canada.

– Andreas and Rasmus West, nephews from Denmark

The Evergreens are really going to miss Ole’s friendly greetings and stories during our outings. His family will be comforted in time by memories of him, but now the hurt is very deep and sad, and we Evergreens hold you, his family, in our thoughts and hearts.

Dear Kirsten,

Ole always spoke of you, your family and grandchildren with warmth and joy, showing how much he loved all of you. I think of Ole as kind, witty, inclusive, vibrant, a capable gentle man appreciating nature and enjoying his heritage. I will remember his kindness when I had a hard fall, his enthusiasm for being outdoors, how he knew the songs of birds and his advice, delivered with a smile, to drive like a Dane.

We will remember him.

Dear Kirsten, Susanne, Michael, Aaron, Mandy and the grandchildren, Erika, Justin, Ryan, Owen, Colin and Ultan.

We were shocked and saddened on Saturday to hear of the passing of Olé, a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. To us he was a wonderful, thoughtful, generous and joyful friend! His infectious smile, great wit and loving hugs are what endeared him to us. He loved the outdoors: hiking, skiing and just sitting taking in the wonder of it all:

the birds, flowers and animal life. We’re thankful for the vacations and adventures we shared and will treasure the memories including the craft beers we tested! Olé, you will be sorely missed!

Kirsten and family, I too was devastated to hear of Ole’s Passing. He was always proud and upbeat when talking of his family. Ole had such a positive approach to life and encouraged all the Evergreens to enjoy outdoor activities and the wonderful scenery.

He will be missed.

My deepest sympathy to Oles family. He was so friendly with a great sense of humor and always smiling He will be missed by all.

Kirsten og Thomas Thors

Charlotte – Oles sister – called us sunday and told us that Ole has died unexpectedly after a trip to Hawaii.

Her message made us very sad. Kirsten her children and their families have lost a gentle and decent man and we want to express our deepest condolences to them.

Ole and I grew up together here in Ronne. We lived in the same neighbourghood in which his parents had a grocery in the house where they raised their six children. It was a good warm and hardworking family. Their was room for all of the childrens friends. Our friendship with Kirsten and Ole has been important for us and we have seen them here on Bornholm when the visited their families.

We will miss Ole and our heartfelt meetings.

Ole was always quietly amazing. He always took time for a quick chat. We will miss his wit and wisdom.

I still have not understood that Jørn Ole is no longer among us. Maybe I don’t want to understand, because it hurts too much. Jørn Ole was the best brother you could have, but he was also a fantastic friend. He was the oldest of 6 brothers and sisters and during our childhood we were always sure that Jørn Ole would be there for us. He took responsability. He had lots of friends because he was the most genuine person I have known. You were always sure of him. Although we lived in separate parts of the world for the last 40 years our close relationship remained. Whenever we met, although maybe five years had passed we would just take up from where we left. He will be greatly missed. Kære Kirsten, Susanne og Michael og familier. I er i vores tanker, vi har mistet en dejlig bror og ven, men I har mistet jeres dejlige mand, far og bedstefar. Vi tænker på jer i disse svære dage. De bedste ønsker og kærligste hilsner fra Flemming, Anne, Morten og Lissa

I met Ole only 11 hikes ago but I feel like I’ve known him a long, long time. A special guy … gentle, very kind and so, so funny. The last time I spoke with him Ole was beaming because the Grandkids were going to be over the next day. I remember thinking what a great grandpa he must be and that the kids were going to be royally entertained.

I’m so sorry for your loss. We were all lucky to know him.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Ole was a special man and will be missed greatly by us all in the Evergreens. Love and God bless……Pat Weatherley.

I knew Ole as a man who lived life To its fullest.

Our prayers are with the family

Ole was one of the most popular members of the Evergreen Seniors Outdoor Club. He had a brilliant sense of humour and could keep us laughing on our bus trips. I worked with Ole on the board of the club for the last few years and he was probably the most enthusiastic membership director that we have ever had.I will miss him greatly and I offer my condolences to the family

John Boyd

What a loss to a loving family and to all who were privileged to spend time with Ole. One of my personal experience was in hiking with him and Gary Kerr . Together they diagnosed and treated my severe loss of balance and muscle control. I believe I am here today because of their care. Thanks Ole -you are missed but in safe hands.

Ole was always an upbeat and positive guy. I’ll remember him for his funny stories and big smile. The Evergreens Club will miss him dearly.

My sincerest condolences to all of Ole’s family.

Our thoughts are with you Kirsten, and your family. Sending you many hugs.

I am in shock and sadden by the news. Ole will always be remembered for his warm and sharing energy.

Condolences and blessings to his family

I just knew Ole for over a year as a new member of the Evergreens. He was so welcoming and had such a great sense of humour. I remember singing happy birthday to him on a hike last year. What a great guy! Carol Rose-Skelly

My thoughts are with your family. Ole will be greatly missed. Always a big smile on his face. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Ole was such a gentle, kind soul! He always made us smile! Sending you and your family hugs and love. Cherish all your happy memories, I know there are many!

As the Evergreen membership director, Ole had fun getting as many guests to join our club as members as he could. He had many gifts in his personality to do the job. From time to time I sat next to him in the bus to enjoy his company. He will be missed a lot. I am sorry not to be able to attend the ceremony due to a medical operation the day before.

Dear Kerstin, Michael, Susanne and family. We’re so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Ole. He was a brilliant grandfather and such a lovely, kind man. You are in our hearts and prayers. Sharon, Jörn, Cillian, Moya and Fionn

Kirsten and family, I was so sad to hear of Ole’s passing – my sincere condolences to all of you. I am a relatively new member in the Evergreen club, but Ole’s friendliness and enthusiasm was instrumental in very quickly making me feel at home with the group. I know he will be sorely missed by many.

My sympathy to Ole’s family – I enjoyed knowing Ole, he was a kind and gentle man, had a funny and crooked smile, and a twinkle in his eye. I shared a seat on the bus with him, and learned he loved his family, and showing his grandchildren the love he had working with wood, teaching them to be creative. His family was Number One to him. Ole was truly an outdoors man, summer and winter, he will be missed, by his family, and his many friends.

I still have not recovered from the shock at hearing of Ole’s passing. Ole really was a very special person – so cheerful and fun-loving – and he shared his joy of life with all of us who knew him. We will miss him on the Evergreen bus and on our outings in the mountains. My deepest condolences to Kirsten and all of his family.

Words cannot express how grateful we are to have gotten to known Ole since joining the Evergreens. He was truly a great friend and he will be missed in so many ways. The tributes that others have left here are a testimony to Ole’s good nature, and totally engaging personality. Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to Kirsten, Michael, Susanne and their families.

Such a great loss, wonderful man who always greeted you with a smile. Fondly remember the many family gatherings where he’d do the rounds and made sure to check in with each and everyone there. Pure gent with the rare ability to make you feel he was genuinely interested in all you had to say. Rest In Peace Ole, you will be sadly missed, Skål

Kirsten, I was so shocked and saddened to learn Ole is no longer with us in this world. I will always remember him for his quick smile, kindness and quirky sense of humour on our trips in the mountains.

My sincere wishes for you and your family is to find peace in your memories of a friend, husband, father, grandfather and wonderful human being.

Rest in peace Ole – we miss you!

We are so saddened to learn of Ole’s passing. As Associates Members, we always had such pleasant visits with Ole on our ski outings. He will be greatly missed and long remembered. We extend our Deepest Sympathy, and Blessings to all of Ole’s Family.

Dear Kirsten and family, Our hearts break for your sudden loss. We are so very sorry to hear about Ole. He was a kind, funny, loving man and will be missed greatly. May your family have warm memories. Our deepest sympathy, Marie and Don McEachern

Ole was such an authentic, caring, and kind man who always took great interest in other people and their lives. He showed such joy being around his grandchildren and you could see the delight in his eyes when they were around or talking about them. We will greatly miss having Ole around for family gatherings. We hold you all in ours thoughts and prayers.

Love Paddy, Jocelyn, Anthony, and Neeve

Kirsten, you and your Family are in our hearts and prayers. To say that we are shocked at Ole’s passing is an understatement! Speaking for my family and the wonderful experiences that Ole brought to Stefan and David at Cubs and Scouts, we will always remember the part he played in their lives. Your Freckles family offers our condolences and please know we are here for you. Hugs to you and your family.

Dear Kirsten and family, Ev and are very saddened by the news of Ole. He had a lovely quietness about him with with a sense of humour that we both enjoyed. He will be missed. Kirsten, take care , love Diane and Ev Altenhof

Kirsten I am heartbroken for you and your family. May your memories of Ole bring you comfort in the days to come.

Kirsten – I was shocked and saddened to hear of Ole’s passing. It still seems hard to believe. I really appreciated his gentle manner, his patience and his humour. I will never forget hiking with him to Kirsten Lake. He was determined to find it and get there, which he did – `my wife is called Kirsten and she is very special ‘. Please accept my condolences at this time.

We cannot believe that Ole has gone. He was always so full of life and found joy in everything he did. He was one of the most caring and gentle people we have known and he will be sadly missed. Our love and our thoughts are with you Kirsten and your family.

Sending you and your family my sincere condolences Kirsten.

Diane and I are very shocked and saddened by the loss of Ole. He was a great guy to be around with his quick wit and his sense of humour. Hold his memory close.

Dearest Kirsten and family. I am in a state of shock having just opened my email to see your sad message. Lyle and I are deeply saddened to hear of Ole’s passing. We cannot imagine the loss you must be experiencing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ole was a wonderful man and we wil miss his smile and easy going manner.

Dear Kirsten –

My heart goes out to you and your family.

Ole – not only was a very special hiking buddy – he is also the friend – I think warmly about once a month – when my danish pension arrives –

Ole solved my danish problem – like “a piece of Danish pastry”.

Knus from Anne

I was saddened to hear the news of Ole’s passing. He was a kind and gentle man with a wonderful sense of humour. He readily brought a smile to those of us travelling on the bus to another adventure in the mountains. He will be dearly missed. My deepest sympathies to the West family.

Dear Kirsten, our hearts are heavy to hear this sad news. We hold closer now the memories from our visit this past fall. Upon our return to home we shared with our Toronto friends; we now have “Calgary” friends! Our afternoon on the Kerr’s deck will be forever cherished and close to our hearts! Ole’s presence was a gift!

Love from your friends,

Susanne and Ron

My sympathy for all of Ole’s family and friends. I met Ole over a year ago, and I remember how welcome he made me feel to be part of the Evergreens. I won’t forget his big smile and wonderful sense of humour. We frequently exchanged Scandinavian humour as it was part of our heritages. It was a privilege to meet and know Ole. What a loss for all of us!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Kirsten, and with your family during this very sad time. Ole was a special person, funny, kind and compassionate. We will miss him.

Kirsten, I was shocked to read of Ole’s unexpected sudden death. He was always so alive and vital, polite, and humorous. I will miss him.

I met Ole through the Evergreen’s hiking. What a caring, quiet and funny man. We will miss him. Prayers to all his family.

Kirsten and family, we are totally shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Ole. Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family. Ole is a fellow that always had a big smile on his face and great sense of humor.

Devastating news, such a kind gentle man. We will miss him on the trails.

My deepest sympathy and prayers to Ole’s family.

I will miss Ole’s sparkle and wit, his kind and welcoming ways. As a new Evergreen hiker, am so glad I got to meet him.Took a walk up Nose Hill this morning, found a crocus and saw a butterfly-as I sat and thought about him. Sending much love and support to Ole’s family

So saddened to hear this. My deepest sympathies to Ole’s family. I will always remember Ole for his love of the outdoors and his wonderful sense of humour.

Rest in Peace.

As an associate member of the Evergreen Hiking group I wish to pass on my condolences to Ole’s wife and family. Ole thoroughly embraced the outdoors and his fellow hiking companions who are left with cherished memories.

Kirsten, Ole’s last conversation with us at the airport was about the enjoyment of your holiday at Poipu. May the memories bring you comfort.

Aloha, Bill and Lucia Laidlaw

Deepest sympathy to his family. We will all miss this kind and gentle man.

Such sad news to learn of Oles passing. Deepest sympathy to all his family.

I am so sad to hear of Ole’s passing. Condolences to his family. Ole was a lovely and funny man. I will always cherish the memory of his infectious smile.

Ole had become my newest best friend, but then I think he was soon best friends with almost everyone he met. Our Evergreen Club band of brothers and sisters just won’t be the same. Ole is sorely missed for so many things: kindness, energy, enthusiasm, and his spontaneous sense of humour.

I remember Ole as one of the first Evergreen member I met. Being new to the club, he helped to make sure I had company on my first trip. I fell a few times, had wax trouble and he was there to help. As I got used to the club, he was always there to share his jokes (coloured or not). As we were in Hawaii the same time as Ole and Kirsten, Frank thought of the jokes he’s going to share with Ole across the bus aisle. Something that will no longer happen. We are still in shock and disbelief that Ole has been taken away from his family and his friends. He’s left a spot that will be very difficult to fill. He will always be with us. We’ll think of him watching us on the ski and hiking trails. After all, he called himself the ‘snow god!’ You will always be remembered, Ole! I hope you can continue to ski and hike in God’s paradise.

Dear Kirsten, I’m remembering what a lovely time we had at Island Lake Lodge last summer, hiking the trails, cajoling each other up the next steep switchback, finishing each day off sitting in the sun on the patio. You and Ole were waiting for the phone call that you had a new grandchild. We shared your excitement then and are so sorry now for your loss. Ole was in every way the best of the Evergreeners, welcoming, kind, positive with everyone, a wonderful hiking and skiing companion.

He leaves a wonderful legacy with you and family.

Mary Kelly and Peter Kubica

Sometimes things in this life happen that we cannot understand. The sudden passing of Ole is simply not comprehensible. Ole was such a vibrant, inclusive person with a wit that endeared everyone to him… you just felt so very good whenever you were around Ole. I will miss him so very much. Sincere condolences to Kirsten and the family.

To Ole’s family my heartfelt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I met Ole five months ago, through the Evergreen Club and Greg Mckenzie. Ole welcome me to the club and we quickly became friends.

The past five months Ole, Greg and I skied together and we had a fantastic time.

It did not take long to figure out that Ole had a wonderful sense of humor. At the end of a ski, Ole would say to me ‘Chris you for cof’ to which I would reply ‘you for cof too’. Which meant we were going for a coffee.

I will always remember Ole as a happy, funny, caring person with an incredible appreciation for nature. He loved the Mountains, he loved Skiing, he loved Snorkeling but most of all he loved his family. He spoke so very proudly of his wife Kirstin, his Children and Grandchildren and how spending time with them meant so much to him.

I will miss you my friend.

I am saddened and will miss Ole’s smile and his humorous stories. Blessings to his family.

Linda and I send our condolences on the passing of Ole. I remember him as a wonderful friend – always cheerful and happy. Every outing with him was an enjoyable one. Will miss him very much.

My heartfelt sympathy to Ole’s family; he was a wonderful and funny guy. My prayers are with the family.