Ove Klingberg Mortensen

Ove Klingberg Mortensen (January 16, 1933 - July 6, 2025)

Passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025 with family by his side, in the tender care of the lovely team at Andy's House Hospice in Port Carling, at the age of 92.

Loving husband of Barbara (d. March 2025) for 68 years, and father to Mia Morris (Ron, d. 2010), Robert, and Kevin (Kathleen). Proud Grandfar of Erik Morris and Lindsay Morris, and brother to Egil (Lis), and Mia Wear (Frank). Beloved uncle of Steen and Finn, and Rene and Andre. Predeceased by his parents, Svend Aage Mortensen and Wera Adelheid Klingberg Nielsen.

After a childhood in Denmark, Ove moved to Toronto in 1955 and began working as a house painter to make ends meet. Through his connection with Barb’s mother, he moved into the printing business and later had a long, successful career in sales with Canada Stamp and Crown Canada. Always down-to-earth, on regular sales calls, Ove would enter through the back doors to say hello and chat with the factory workers on the machines. In later years, he was affectionately known as “The General” by his Crown Canada colleagues.

Without question, Ove’s favourite time of year was Christmas. He and Barb were doing the Danish “hygge” long before it became fashionable here. Anyone who experienced one of Ove’s Danish lunches with snitters, schnapps and song would likely never forget it. There would be plenty of laughter, joy and, of course, a “skål” or two. Whether at the house or cottage on Long's Lake, when family and friends were gathered, Ove was in his element as the host-with-the-most, including flowers and candles on the table, music playing, and enough drinks for everyone.

Ove’s biggest passion was tending to his lawn and garden. He and Barb would regularly sit on the porch to say hello and have friendly chats with passing neighbours. Those walking their dogs were especially welcome as Ove always had a stash of dog treats at the ready. At Ove and Barb’s house, there was always at least one cat. Ove loved caring for the cats and brushed them regularly each night. His affection for animals goes back to when he was a young man in Denmark and had a small pet monkey named “Booby”.

Ove always saw in life its beauty and wonder, and in our hearts, he will forever be “as happy as can be”.

A special thanks to Norm and Jeannie Martin and Bob and Marilyn Allen for being such loyal friends to Ove and Barb over the years, as well as the support and neighbourliness of the Covered Bridge Trail community. Ove's family would also like to thank the medical team at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital - Bracebridge site, and all of the staff at Andy's House for their incredible care. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Andy's House Hospice in Port Carling.

A private family ceremony will take place at a later date.