Obituary of Edward Dave Thiessen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Ed Thiessen.  He passed away Monday, June 27^th at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. He was born December 1^st, 1941 on a farm just 2.5 miles NE of their current house. His first 3 school years were at the Namaka Farm School, and upon its closing, he attended the ‘large’ 4-room schoolhouse in Carseland, AB.  Following his High School graduation at the age of 16, he loaded up his used Volkswagen and moved to Winnipeg, MB to study Engineering at the University of Manitoba.  He graduated with his Mechanical Engineering degree 1964, and as he put it, “he was firmly convinced that city life was not for him!”  From there, he started working for Schlumberger in Dawson Creek, B.C. wherein he met the love of his life, Donna Ellis. After repeatedly asking for her hand in marriage, Donna agreed, and they were married on May 27^th, 1966.  He continued to work in the oilfield until the spring of 1967, after which he, Donna, and little Stuart all moved back to the farm, where they happily resided and where they raised their 5 children (Stuart, Doug, Andrea, Bryan, and Amy).  His return to the farm led to working alongside his dad, and together they started feeding cattle in 1968, and, as he put it, “not knowing any better” they continued increasing the size of their cattle operation.  With Ed’s guidance, this operation has continued to grow in both Strathmore, Alberta and in Outlook, Saskatchewan, and is now run by his sons, Stuart and Bryan. 

Ed always said that his best decision was marrying Donna and he took great pride in their 56 years of marriage and the family that they created. He considered himself lucky, in that his work was also his hobby - he dearly loved building and running his business alongside his children and working with the wonderful people in the cattle industry. He enjoyed remaining involved with the operation even after his sons Stuart and Bryan took over.  Throughout his life he delighted in spending time with his friends and family - skiing, dining, motor biking, discussing politics and travelling. His sincere and gracious personality, his thoughtful insights, and his genuine, hearty laughter will be dearly missed by many.  He truly was the family’s North Star and guiding force.

He was predeceased by his father (Jake), mother (Manja), daughter (Andrea), and grandson (Derek).  He is survived by Donna, the love of his life and wife of 56 years, and the rest of their family: Stuart (Leta) and their children Evan, Kira, and Carter: Doug (Lisa) and their children Dustin, Reanna, Jennifer, and Chelsea: Bryan (Amber) and their daughter Remington: Amy (Matt), and by his son-in-law Darcy and daughter Isabelle, and Darcy’s (Sara-Lynne) other children Annalisa, Mayafaye, and Adaline.

A private family service will be held on Friday, July 8, 2022, followed up by a celebration of life for all who knew and loved him, on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Ed and Donna’s house.  If the location of the celebration of life is required, please email dat210@telus.net, and the location will be provided.