Benny Lee VanLoon

   It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lee VanLoon on February 20, 2020 at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre, Blairmore, AB.  He was 63 years of age.

   Lee was born on May 28, 1956 in Brocket, AB and was raised in the Crowsnest Pass, AB.  His parents, Edith and Buddy VanLoon instilled in him a love of family, animals and nature, and taught him to appreciate all of life’s blessings.  On June 10, 1976, Lee married the love of his life, Theresa Meadows, and the happy couple went on to be blessed with two wonderful children and almost forty-four years of marriage.

   Whether horseback riding or walking his dogs, Lee never missed an opportunity to get out and enjoy the mountains.  He also liked hockey and prepping high performance cars for quarter mile racing.  Lee’s great love of horses was shown by his involvement in gymkhana and rodeo, and by his instinctive ability to break and work with them; a gift he inherited from his father.  His commitment to his community was showcased when he helped his father establish the Crowsnest Pass Rodeo Grounds in Hillcrest, AB, and by his role as a founding member of the Turtle Mountain Riding Club.  Lee treasured his family above all else, especially his grandchildren – they were his world.  From quiet walks, to playing with them and everything in between, being with them was when he was the most content.  Lee lived his life well and he will be remembered with love and respect.

   Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life is his wife, Theresa of Bellevue, AB; his son, Ben VanLoon; his daughter, Leanne (Pete Beauregard) VanLoon; his grandchildren, Kaydence, Lydia and Liam; his brothers, George (Randy) VanLoon and Bill VanLoon; his sisters-in-law, Brenda (Doug) Temple and Shelley (Roland) Robertson; his brother-in-law, Doug Meadow; numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; as well as his extended family and many friends.

   He was predeceased by his parents, Edith and Buddy VanLoon; his sisters, Doris VanLoon, MaryAnn VanLoon and Amber VanLoon; his grandparents, Benny VanLoon, Beatrice Lee and Victor and Nora North Peigan; his aunt, Marg Morin; and his uncle, Robert Morin.

   A private family service was held at Fantin’s Funeral Chapel with Eric, Rod and Manfred North Peigan presiding.  Pallbearers were: Larry Hostead, Dawson Robertson, George VanLoon, Kevin North Peigan, Pete Beauregard and Brad Harris.  Honorary pallbearers were: Eric North Peigan, Rod North Peigan, Manfred North Peigan and John Haluck.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by Gentle Giant Acres to provide equine therapy to children who have suffered trauma.  Donations can be sent by mail (PO Box 71, Welling, AB T0K 2N0), by electronic transfer (ggacres@hotmail.ca with “Lee VanLoon” in the message), or by contacting Tammy Hein at (403) 382-9879.  Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements.

(403) 562-8555

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