Jun 9, 1936 - Mar 14, 2018
Niels was born in Havrebjerg, Denmark. Despite the hardship during the German occupation of Denmark during WWII, Niels' childhood was full of family fun and shenanigans with his sister and many cousins. After grade school, Niels completed 18 months of compulsory military service in the Danish Royal Military, an adventure that he cherished. He enjoyed sharing the stories of his experiences, particularly the day he was leading a tank brigade through the streets of Copenhagen, took a wrong turn and drove the procession accidently through the King's Palace Courtyard.
As a teenager, Niels had worked on various farms in his village and at the age of 20 his desire for travel and farming brought him to Manitoba. He took advantage of Canadian Pacific's exchange program; passage for labour. After fulfilling his contract through a cold winter on a Manitoba farm, Niels took his reserved wages, bought a car and travelled West.
Arriving in Creston, he saw the fertile valley and knew this was where he wanted to be. Walking into the grain elevators he met Mr. Bishop, Mr. Piper and Mr. Christenson. Mr. Bishop recognized his passion for farming and hired him on the spot. A year later, promising to return, Niels departed for Denmark, enrolled in Agricultural College, met and married his first wife, Edie Lomholt.
In 1962 they immigrated to Canada, returning to the Creston Valley. Niels began to farm in earnest. Optimistic and resourceful, his efforts quickly achieved fruition. After purchasing his first farm, Niels and Edie began their family, and soon four children were part of their lives. Tragedy struck in 1978 as Edie died in the PWA airplane crash in Cranbrook, BC. A new chapter began in 1982 with his marriage to Carolyn Kropinak, bringing two more children into the family fold.
Niels successfully farmed in the Creston Valley for over 45 years. He was innovative, a firm believer in diversity and partnership. He had a farrow to finish hog operation, grain production, commercial nursery and turf farm. He specialized in commercial vegetable production, mostly potatoes, and was very active with the BC Marketing Board. He believed in staying involved and informed in his industry. Throughout his career he supported organizations that fostered interest in agriculture, particularly the International Agricultural Exchange Association.
Niels is survived by his loving wife Carolyn; his children Kristina, Elaine (Kevin), Brian (Michelle), Nina, Ian (Ginger), Kim; his grandchildren Pelle, Cecili, Terry, Haden, Devon, Sofie, Keomi, Kyra, Anna, Brynn and Rasmus; his great-grandchildren Miya and Kinsley; sister Anne Lise Knudsen and niece Thilde Knudsen.
Throughout his life, Niels' love of family and the outdoors often found him in a boat or canoe, on a set of skis, water or snow, or throwing a casual barbeque for forty. His love of travel was infectious, whether it was family camping excursions, world travel, or his final enthusiasm, Zipolite, Mexico.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 11:00 am at Creston & District Community Complex "Creston Room", 312 19th North, Creston, B.C. Elder Brian Davidson Officiating.
Friends and family wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to Creston Valley Hospital "Equipment Fund", Bag 3000, Creston, BC, V0B1G0.