CHRESTEN, Melgaard Jensen
December 21, 1930 - September 26, 2013
Chresten Melgaard Jensen was born December 21, 1930 in Novling, Denmark. He was the youngest of Johannes and Ane’s six children. Chris grew up with his five sisters, Edith, Gudrun, Anny, Martha, and Lily on a farm in Novling. He attended 9 years of school and worked on the family farm. Chris emigrated to Canada in March of 1949 and was employed on the Kane Dairy Farm at Lethbridge. He came with very little money in his pocket and didn’t speak English. Chris soon started to learn the language by buying candy at the local store so the Kane children would read comic books with him. Later, he moved west of Big Valley and worked for Kerbes’ and Tipman’s for 6 years. At the same time he rented a half section of land. It was then he met Florence Kathleen Soop. They were married on June 23, 1958. In November of that year, they purchased the farm at Rumsey where their three children Alex, Doreen, and Brian were raised. A new farm house was built in 1967. Many evenings were spent with neighbours socializing, celebrating birthdays and many other occasions. Chris, Florence, and the children farmed which included grain, raising pigs, milking cows, and raising/showing Maine Anjou cattle. Chris volunteered in the community and curled in the square draw for a few years. He enjoyed his exotic birds which included peacocks, wild turkeys, and pheasants. He made sure the wild ones flying by his window never went hungry. In later years, on a warm afternoon, he could be found sitting beside his honeybee hive watching them work. In 1983, Chris and Florence celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. All five of Chris’ sisters made the trip from Denmark with their spouses to see where their little brother lived and meet his family. A visit enjoyed by all and the start of many trips between Canada and Denmark. He travelled with different family members and enjoyed every visit to his homeland. A year after Florence’s passing in 1996, he met a new lady, Irene Duncan, who became his next love. They spent the next 16 years enjoying life together. Irene came over every day and made a meal or two for Chris. They spent time socializing, playing cards, and dancing. They also went on many trips, cruises and voyages home to Denmark. Chris was very proud of his seven grandchildren, ranging in age from 8 to 25. Chris enjoyed them all, teasing and joking with them. He always had coins in the jar for a good report card and a deck of cards ready to play Casino with him. He supported them by attending hockey games, skating carnivals, and a band concert. Chris passed away September 26th in Hanna, Alberta at the age of 82 years. He will be laid to rest in the Rumsey cemetery beside his wife, Florence. Chris is survived by his oldest sister, Edith of Denmark. His fiancée, Irene Duncan of Big Valley, and by his children: Alex (Mary-Ann) Jensen of Rumsey, Doreen (Greg) Mappin of Big Valley, Brian (Myrna) Jensen of Hanna. And his grandchildren: Mattie Jensen; Kyle (Tacy), Cass, Ty Mappin; Doane, Rebekah, Kiersten Jensen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial service will be held October 28, 2013 at the Rumsey hall at 2:00 pm. Donations in memory of Chris can be made to the Alzheimer Society, Bladder Cancer Canada, or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered at www.hannafuneralchapel.com.
