Nordiq Alberta News

The Story behind Ole Heie’s Ugly Toque

 

I (Ole Heie’s Mum, Leigh) made that ugly toque on a long car ride from Alberta to Manitoba. I was in pursuit of making the perfect toque. This one was intended for Ole & Ava’s “Papa” (aka Dad, Rob) ~ so naturally I made it on my biggest loom. Ole and I bought that yarn thinking it would make a very funky striped pattern…however, as the colors and “swirl” began to reveal themselves, it became evident there were not going to be stripes and the pattern that ensued became the entertainment of the ride.

After hours and hours of looming and becoming increasingly worried about the pattern, I proudly put the finishing touches on the toque and held it up for Rob to see. Our entire family burst out laughing hysterically at its hideousness.

No sooner did Rob politely say “thank you” with a smirk that meant “I won’t be caught wearing that thing”, did Ole’s tiny hand snatch it up from the backseat. With a beaming smile on his face, he plopped it on his head and said “I’ll wear it! I love it!”.

He was 7. It was so big on him and so hideous but he made that toque look so good. From that moment on, rarely did that toque leave his possession. If it wasn’t on his head, he knew exactly where it was. It had a label on the inside, but I doubt it was ever needed. Everyone knew who’s toque that one was. Over the years, that toque accompanied Ole pretty much everywhere - year round - winter, summer, and even on his travels around the world.

It lived up to its name “the Ugly Toque” and became an icon, along with Ole’s joyful smile, around the trails and on the podium. Little did I know that day, as Ole’s then tiny fingers snapped it up from the backseat, just how special and important it would become to so many people.

As much as I would love to see ugly toques everywhere, I couldn't’ begin to recreate this one…and to be honest, noone could pull it off quite like Ole. Ole was also known for his love of buffs and always had one on him, which inspired Camrose Ski Club friend and coach, Ashlee Marshall to design buffs with the same strange swirly pattern, knitted stitches, and bizarre colors as Ole’s iconic “Ugly Toque”.

Ole became well known in the nordic and running community for not only being a talented athlete, but also for his incredible kindness, encouragement, good sportsmanship, big joyful smile and long blonde hair. At only 12, he taught so many of us what is really important in life. He has touched more lives in his 12 years than most of us will in a lifetime. These buffs are just a small reminder to live life to its absolute fullest, don’t waste a moment and to enjoy the “process”.
#livelikeole #skilikeole

All proceeds from Ole’s Ugly Toque Buffs will go towards a Legacy Fund being set up in Ole’s name. They are $10 each.

To get your buff, contact Ashlee Marshall at 

The Heie family is truly grateful for the incredible support from our Nordic community.