Obituary of Lee Thulien

Lee was born in Coronation, AB on July 13, 1947, the eldest of six children and among the vanguard of the new generation born after the second world war. Raised on a farm south of Veteran, Lee left home at age 17 to attend high school in Red Deer. While in Red Deer, Lee met Donna Doan of Halkirk, AB, whom he got to know after strategically offering to give her a ride on weekend visits home. After graduation Lee attended the Full Gospel Bible Institute in Eston, SK, then went on to study engineering at the University of Alberta.  

Lee and Donna were married on May 3, 1969, and they settled near Veteran where Lee had begun farming with his dad and brothers. After several successful years of growth, they expanded into the farm equipment business and Lee took on a full-time role managing that part of the operation, moving his family (now including four children) to Coronation in 1980. Through his involvement in the farm equipment business and various church and community organizations, Lee became well known to many over a wide area, recognized for his integrity, wisdom, kindness, and rock-solid dependability. 

After further expansion of the equipment business to include a Stettler location, Lee and Donna moved to Stettler in 2005 and enjoyed 16 years in that community. Following Lee’s retirement from the business, he and Donna moved to an acreage north of Wetaskiwin. As one who enjoyed being outside and working on various projects, Lee had long desired to have a place in the country and he was invigorated during his time there. In his free time Lee also enjoyed camping, spending time with his grandchildren and compiling a voluminous family history.  

Lee was deeply loved and highly respected by his family and all who knew him. He had a strong sense of duty and responsibility for others, always willing to put the interests of others ahead of his own. He was a natural leader in different areas of life while displaying humility, gentleness and a sense of humour.  A sincere, contemplative man with keen intelligence and a deep Christian faith, Lee sought to build his life on a sound foundation and to consistently put into practice what he believed. As a result, he had a strong influence on his peers and on younger generations, always making time to encourage others, sharing from his heart with the many who valued his insight and guidance. 

Lee is survived by his beloved wife Donna, to whom he was deeply devoted and almost inseparable for 55 years. Her support and influence were essential to all that Lee accomplished in life, and he greatly treasured his place as a member of the Doan family. 

He is also survived by children: Brent Thulien of Red Deer, Ryan (Naomi) Thulien of Colborne, Ontario, Lori (Jeremy) Heigh of Millet, and Aaron (Gillian) Thulien of Red Deer; grandchildren: Haley (Riley) Adkins, Auston (Kayla) Thulien, Nash Thulien, Madison Thulien, Mackenzie Thulien (Ben Dawson), Jackson Thulien, Keaton Heigh, Kesler Heigh, Sarah Heigh, Jayna Thulien, Payton Thulien, and Landon Thulien; great grandchildren: Grayson Adkins, Kena Adkins, Cyrus Thulien, Hudson Thulien, and Flora Thulien; brothers and sisters: Lois (Don) Toth, Milt (Terry) Thulien, Yvonne Thulien, and Nolan (Edith) Thulien; sisters and brothers in law: Gloria Thulien, Melva (Ron) Mabbott, Pat (Bob) Hocking, Phil (Jane) Doan, Merle (Belma) Doan, and Bernie (Bernice) Doan; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and many dear friends, co-workers and neighbours. Lee was predeceased by his parents Anne (Durksen) and Obed Thulien, parents in law Muff and Bernice Doan and brother Eldon Thulien.

Funeral Service

Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 2:00 P.M.

Veteran Full Gospel Church, Veteran, Alberta

Donations in Lee’s memory are gratefully accepted to Veteran Full Gospel Camp, Circle Square Ranch-Halkirk or a charity of the donor’s choice.