My story is not an oldtimer’s story but in the time I have spent here – I am in my sixth year – I have collected many memorable memories.
I emigrated from Switzerland in 1955, arriving in Montreal with “true adventure” running through my veins! I loved the big city atmosphere and the people – my plan was to see the country I had heard so much about and then return home. I was longing to see the mountains, the famous Canadian Rockies, so I applied to work for the C.P.R. Hotel, Chateau Lake Louise, where I worked the summer of 1957. This was a true adventure – I had a wonderful summer and met many nice people, some I actually still have contact with to this day. That was the time I first came to this little town of Canmore during my “exploring days”. I always loved this spot, surrounded by mountains and also the friendliness. Years passed, but every time I came through this area I would say, “Someday I’d like to retire here.” Many years passed. I spent short visits here in overnight accommodation while exploring the Kananaskis area before there were any hotels there, and just passing through with visitors from overseas.
I spent twenty-five years in the Northwest Territories, working as a nurse at the Stanton Hospital. At times, even on my days off, I escorted children or patients home via airplane and therefore was familiar with several native communities. I enjoyed and explored that area, but my wish to be closer to the mountains was still very strong. I retired from my nursing job in 1994 and came to live in Canmore.
When I came to live here from the North, I joined my niece and family. We share housing. I don’t see them as much as I had hoped – they have their own busy life to live.
Many of us who are newcomers are looking for company and things to keep us busy so we have joined different groups. I soon became involved in group activities – the Mountain Cabin Quilters Guild and the Meanderthals (hikers), a wonderful bunch of people from all parts of Canada and also the world! I became involved as a volunteer at the Nordic Centre, with ski races and dog-sled races and I love cross-country skiing myself. What a wonderful place to be!
There are many activities in Canmore to be involved in – so many nice places to hike and enjoy the beauty of nature and the mountains in general. I can only praise the town of Canmore and the wonderful people who live here. It has become bigger and busier but is still a friendly place. Like every other place, Canmore is suffering with ups and downs of “growing pains”, but it’s wonderful to have friends and good neighbours and to be able to fully enjoy life in this wonderful Bow Valley of ours. I sure keep busy; somedays I wish there were more hours in the day.
In the short time I have been here the population has doubled, so many people have discovered the beauty of the Bow Valley, the friendliness and all. The access to the National Parks is wonderful. I still enjoy them although they have changed since my early days of 1957. Due to tourism and overseas visitors the population has grown. Fewer wild animals are visible in their natural habitat.
To keep fit, I walk a lot, and go to aquasizing at the Rec. Centre. Here, too, I enjoy the groups. A special time in the International Year of the Older Person in 1999 was the hike to the Middle Sister. I just enjoy the Bow Valley so much.
Margrit Ramil always busy in the maternity ward
Margrit Ramil (over 65’s) climb the Middle Sister for IYOP
In Canmore Seniors at the Summit, ed. Canmore Seniors Association, 2000, p. 236-237.
