John A. Madsen, 47, dies in Copenhagen
Special to the [Toronto] Star [no date of publication available]
Unionville, July 9 -- Word reached here today that John A. Madsen, 47, Canadian gymnastic teacher and manufacturer of gymnastic equipment, has died suddenly in Copenhagen, Denmark where he was visiting friends on route [sic] to the Olymnpic games in Finland.
News of his death came in a wire from his wife who was with him in Europe. Their three children, Britta, 14, Karen, 7, and Annelis, 2, are at home with friends during their parents' absence.
Mr. Madsen is known throughout the country for introducing the Danish version of folk schools in which dancing, gym work and handicrafts are taught. He came to Canada in 1927 and taught P.T. here and in Europe before setting up his factory here for the manufacture of gym equipment.
Born in Aahus [sic], Denmark, he was a graduate of the Niels Bucks school in Denmark where he received his gymnastic training. He has equipped gymnasiums in all parts of Canada.
From an unidentified newspaper
Madsen, John A. -- Very suddenly in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Monday July 7, 1952. John A. Madsen, dear husband of Betty Hansen, and beloved father of Britta, Karen, and Anne-Lis. Burial to be held at Oerun Church [sic, Ørum kirke(?)], Vaeth Pr., Langaa, Denmark, Saturday July 12, 9 a.m. A memorial service to be announced here later.
From an unidentified newspaper
The tragic news -- contained in a brief telegram -- reached Cherry Hill Farm on Tuesday morning that Mr. John Madsen had died suddenly after arriving at Copenhagen. Mr. and Mrs. Madsen left by plane on June 28 and planned to be absent about a month, visiting Paris, Switzerland, Denmark -- their native country -- Holland, Sweden, and attending the Olympic Games at Helsinki, Finland. Mr. Madsen was only about 48 years of age, and, although recovering from an injury he sustained a few months ago, was apparently in good health. The only explanation of those who knew him best, was that Mr. Madsen had driven himself too hard. Unlimited energy and enthusiasm for his very wide interests were qualities in Mr. Madsen that everyone who knew him recognized.
His remarkable accomplishments could only be achieved by such a man. Born and raised on a farm in Denmark, he came to Canada in 1929 at the age of 26, arriving at Halifax with 40 cents in his pocket and not a word of English. He took a low-paying farm job in Prince Edward Island. But, in a sense, he had a mission -- and the zeal for it -- to bring the folk school movement of his native Denmark to this country. In a short time he became a leading recreational worker among Danish groups on the East Coast. In 1932 he was brought to Toronto to teach Danish dances, sport and gymnastics. In Toronto he met and married Betty Hansen, a young Danish artist, and together they began saving and planning for the day when their dream of a Canadian folk school would be made a reality.
In a few years they built one of the most successful dancing classes in Toronto, and the John Madsen folk dancers won fame across the continent. They helped to form the Ontario Folk School Council. Partly to aid in the growth of this movement, what was renamed Cherry Hill Farm, between Markham and Unionville, was purchased in 1945. On this was built a sporting goods factory, a growing business which had its beginning in the basement of Madsens' home in Toronto 15 years previous. This business has continued to expand, and a new building in now nearing completion. But the large barn and other buildings were converted for use in the folk school movement. There is absolutely no question that this was a labor of love, from which no remuneration of a financial nature could be expected.
Those who have read reports in this paper from time to time, know that definite progress was being realized in the folk school movement. Many local people have enjoyed fellowship in classes at Cherry Hill Farm, and it has been the hub of the province-wide organization. Fresh in the memory of many is the recent Folk Festival, in which many nationalities participated.
It may be said with the deepest sincerity that the community has suffered a genuine loss in the death of John Madsen; and not only this community but a great host of friends throughout the province and elsewhere will feel a personal loss. We have referred to one outstanding quality of Mr. Madsen. He had many other such qualities: his friendliness, his obvious sincerity of purpose, were apparent to all who knew him.
People usually spoke of "The Madsens", since Mrs. Madsen was an equal partner with her husband in folk school activities. She is now left to carry the burden, together with her three daughters, Britta, 13, Karen, 6 and Ann, the youngest.
According to word received by Mrs. Madsen's sister in Toronto on Wednesday, Mr. Madsen's funeral will be held Saturday, with interment in the family plot, in Denmark. Mrs. Madsen will leave on Tuesday by plane to return to Canada.
DENMARK Folk Dances and Soloist
John Madsen's Folk Dancers
John Madsen has developed a Folk Dance Club [Danish Canadian Folk Dancers] which is a real asset to Toronto. This group represented Canada at the National Folk Festival held in St. Louis in 1947. Toronto and Canada, can well be proud of this group, not only because of its fine Folk Dancing, but, because of its keen interest in spreading abroad "goodwill". These young people financed the trip to St. Louis through concerts and a few subscriptions. What better evidence can be found of good citizenship than this demonstration of Canadians all . built on good will to all.
Source: <http://www.archive.org/stream/folkfestivaljune00artguoft/folkfestivaljune00artguoft_djvu.txt>
Bibliography
Bryans, Helen L. & John Madsen. Scandinavian dances: Danish and Swedish folk dances. Book I and II. Toronto, ON: Clarke, Irwin & Company Limited, 1942.
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