“In memory of the Norwegian Squadron 330 who from April 1941 to April 1943 operate out of Reykjavik , Akureyri and Budarevri” Now if you are wondering what is that all about… This is what is featured on Preserving the Past II. A reader found Clarence Simonsen’s research about Little Norway. It was […]
Contribution from David Wold
David wrote…
God Jul – Merry Christmas
As you might know the local Norwegian newspaper (in which one of Elwood’s relatives work) did cover the wreath laying ceremony and here is their article just published as part of the Christmas edition.
Feel free to share (even if in Norwegian i am sure you understand the impact and reminder it would give the current generation in Norway).
All the best and God Jul as we say in Norway.
Peace to all,
David
Updated 29 September 2021
For your guidance with today being 80 years since Elwood Norman Ericksen lost his life over England , Lauren MacNeil arranged for a wreath to be placed at his grave. The Canadian military attachee in Oslo was kind enough to place the wreath and meet with the family.
Original post
In the comment section
My Mother had a beau from « Little Norway » in 1940 and early ’41. He was « B » in Cabin 5. He was Elwood Norman Eriksen, nicknamed « Erik », from near Oslo. She was 20, he was 21 in ’41. He lost his life in an accident at RAF Chilbolton, Hampshire, England in September ’41. My Mother, Marjorie Morse, from Toronto and Black Lake, Haliburton, mourned him the rest of her life. He was handsome, brave and I think had much strength of character as well as a sunny personality. I believe they would have married. Many, many thanks to David Wold for his on-going and so very helpful research and assistance. The light burns so much brighter for all his contributions.
These are the two ships manifests that came over to Montreal and Toronto with the original pilots for the RNoAF.
David
SS Iris
SS Iris manifest
SS Lyra manifest
Riksarkivet (the National Archives)
David Wold is sharing this today…
The wreath was safely delivered this morning! See attached photo.
For some reason the ribbon looks quite pale in the photo but it is darker in
person, like last year.Eleven poppies to symbolize the 11 provinces of Norway.
Let us never forget what Canada did and what those who got their training
there contributed to the liberation of Norway.My understanding is that there was at least 7 nations that stepped into
Norwegian uniforms to take part in the fighting for liberty.Thank God and Country ,
Regards
David
Updated 15 March 2021
Kaare Nevdal 1920—2021
On Saturday, March 13, 2021, Kaare Nevdal, 100, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend passed away at his home in Rockford, IL, with his children by his side. Kaare was born in 1920 and raised in Ytra Arne, Norway, surrounded by the love of parents, siblings, and friends in this small town just outside Bergen.
In 1941, after one year of living under the Nazi occupation, he escaped by boat to the Shetland Islands and enlisted in the Royal Norwegian Air Force in exile in London. While training in Toronto, Canada, he met his wife, Muriel Jones. They immigrated to Rockford in 1948, and raised three children, Karen, Sandra and Mark.
Kaare’s first job when he came to Rockford was at Ingersoll as a pipefitter and then a draftsman. He sold real estate in the evenings and eventually was employed full time for Lutheran Brotherhood as an insurance salesman. He then worked for Home Life of New York (Phoenix). In 1976 Kaare became certified as a CLU (Certified Life Underwriter).
The family joined Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in 1952, where Kaare served as Chairman of the congregation several times, taught Sunday School and remained a member for the rest of this life. Kaare was a past President and an active member of the Rockford Kiwanis Club for 56 years.
He was also a member of the World War II Combat Flyers Club. Kaare regularly and openly spoke of his many blessings. One of his final blessings he considered to be the wonderful care he received from Heartland Hospice, the family expresses special thanks to Robin and Rosa for their loving care.
Special thanks also to Vicky of Siena of Brendenwood, he really treasured her friendship and support.
Kaare is survived by his children, Sandra Rogers (Doug) of Marietta, GA, Mark Nevdal (Sue) of Davis, IL; grandchildren Eric Nelson (Mary), Jennifer Serrano (Jacob), Todd Rogers (Keri), Jake Nevdal (Kara), Aaron Nevdal (Kristen), Ben Nevdal (Breezy), and Luke Nevdal; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Kaare’s surviving siblings include his sister, Halldis, 96 and Arne, 83, who live in Norway. He was predeceased by wife, Muriel, daughter Karen, brothers Birger, Arnold, Johannes and Knut.
There will be a walk-through visitation from 11:00 to 1:00 on Thursday, March 18, 2021 with masks and social distancing required at Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave, Rockford, IL. A funeral service with only family in attendance will be held at 10:00 pm prior to the visitation.
Those wishing to view the service may do via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88284365919?pwd=a1hoazhxTThELzVaOU5jZU03V3UwQT09
Meeting ID: 882 8436 5919
Passcode: 097363.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Kaare’s name to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607; Lutheran World Relief, 700 Light St., Baltimore, MD 21230; or Vets Roll, 1777 Gardner St., South Beloit, IL 61080. Please share your memories by posting on his tribute wall at www.olsonfh.com.
Original post
I have just received the sad news that my friend, even if we never meet, Kaare Nevdal passed away in his sleep, at home, yesterday morning. He had been brought home after a few days in the hospital after falling and broken his hip. His son and daughter with in-laws where at his side. He was very satisfied with his life here on earth and lately he had express no higher wish that the Lord would come and take him on the eternal flight. Greatly missed already , what a Guy he was !!
David Wold
David Wold message
Picture taken when he got a medallion from the Norwegian Government at the 75th anniversary at Little Norway, Muskoka 2 years ago.
STAI, DAGFINN MAGNE January 29, 1920 – February 12, 2021
Rest In Peace and Thank you
We announce, with sadness and with gratitude, the peaceful passing of Dagfinn the morning of February 12, 2021. He was much loved and will be forever missed by his daughters, Trish, Karen and Sonja; their partners Andy, Bill, Stephen and his grandchildren: Keith, Larry, Lisa (Sam); Laura (Aubrey), Corey (Joanne), Caitlin, Cesia, Grace, Emily and Spencer. Also missing his Sunday calls, his younger sister, Else, in Norway, and family there who knew and cared about him. Dagfinn was a good man… honest, decent, fiercely independent and hard working. He was a lifelong learner; a man who would much rather create or fix something than buy it new and his garage is testament to his ingenuity and creativity. He loved his sailboat; his cottage and he loved his family. He was born in Norway the eldest of six children. He joined the Army and then the Airforce and came to Canada during the second World War. It was here the handsome young Air Man met and married a dark-haired beauty named Grace. Together for seventy-five years, Grace died 2 years ago, and Finn’s life was never quite the same. We will celebrate their lives forever in our hearts and in our memories and it gives us great comfort to think of them reunited “on the other side.” We are deeply indebted to the LHIN/Dorothy Ley Palliative Care team and the wonderful care providers who blessed our lives in the last weeks of Dad’s life. Arrangements entrusted to Turner & Porter. “I must go down to the sea again… to the lonely sea and the sky… and all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.”… smooth sailing Dad ’til we meet again…
Published in Toronto Star on Feb. 24, 2021.
Updated 9 September 2020
In the comment section
My Mother had a beau from « Little Norway » in 1940 and early ’41. He was « B » in Cabin 5. He was Elwood Norman Eriksen, nicknamed « Erik », from near Oslo. She was 20, he was 21 in ’41. He lost his life in an accident at RAF Chilbolton, Hampshire, England in September ’41. My Mother, Marjorie Morse, from Toronto and Black Lake, Haliburton, mourned him the rest of her life. He was handsome, brave and I think had much strength of character as well as a sunny personality. I believe they would have married. Many, many thanks to David Wold for his on-going and so very helpful research and assistance. The light burns so much brighter for all his contributions.
These are the two ships manifests that came over to Montreal and Toronto with the original pilots for the RNoAF.
David
SS Iris
SS Iris manifest
SS Lyra manifest
Riksarkivet (the National Archives)
David Wold keeps remembering Little Norway where his parents met.
Preserving the Past II 