LAURIDSEN, Hans Vyff
June 25, 1923 – Jerrig, Denmark
November 1, 2014 – Strathmore, AB
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, a farmer, arborist and all-round lover of life, Hans died November 1, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. He will be fondly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Ida, their children Rikke (Jim), Susanne (Steve), Peter (Fiona), and Kristina (Michael), grandchildren Noah (Kristen), Adele, Aiyana, Lona, Kai, Erin, Julian, Matthew, Gabriel and Frances, as well as many friends, neighbours and extended family. Hans and Ida were married in Denmark on April 2, 1954 and soon thereafter set sail to Pier 21. There they began their adventure in the new world. For six years they worked on various farms in Alberta and Montana before settling in Rockyford in 1960, where they farmed until the mid-nineties. Along the way, they realised the dream of having their own land when, in 1975, they purchased a farm in the Rosebud area. The farm remains with the family and, throughout his retirement, Hans worked (and played) there, draining sloughs, building ponds and planting and nurturing the many trees under which his great-grandchildren will one day play. Although Hans had little formal schooling he was a lifelong autodidact with a broad range of interests. He loved puzzles, both practical and recreational. The greater the challenge, the more determined he was to solve it. He could fix anything from toasters to tractors and, along the way, with an eye to recycling and repurposing, came up with a number of small but practical inventions. He took up downhill skiing in his late fifties, para-sailed in his seventies and began learning Spanish in his eighties. Hans was the second of eight children and is survived by two sisters (Gudren and Agnes) and a brother (Axel). His greatest gift to his family was not any single accomplishment, but the vigour, courage and curiosity with which he approached life and, ultimately, death. In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to plant your own tree. Plunge your hands into the moist soil, breathe deeply and embrace nature. Please join us for a celebration of Hans’ life on Saturday, November 8th at 2 pm at Lord of All Lutheran Church, 112 Lakeside Boulevard, Strathmore.
