Robert Ellis Lien

Ronald Ellis Lien (80) of Thomson Lake, SK passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Pasqua Hospital on September 2, 2024 following nearly two decades fighting cancer.

Ron was predeceased by his mother and father Kathryn and Melvin (Gus). He will be painfully missed by his wife Carol (NEE: Johnson), sister Lana & brother-in-law Al Fromm, first son Mark & daughter-in-law Deborah Terrett, and second son Trevor & daughter-in-law Danette Flegel.

Ron fell in love with his lifelong wife when he first saw her through a school bus window near Lake Alma, SK. Ron and Carol's life grew from their youthful love affair, to a happy marriage blessed with the birth of two sons, time at university in Saskatoon earning his degree with High Honours in Engineering, and early career time working in Winnipeg, MB. Ron and Carol met life-long friends from university and early jobs during these years. Ron cherished those kindred spirits they met. They remained close and shared in their joys becoming as extended family even through the distance of future moves and life changes. Ron and Carol returned to Regina for the bulk of Ron’s career with the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) which culminated with his role as Water Conservation Manager working out of Thomson Lake Regional Park near Gravelbourg, Sk. Their beautiful lake house there ultimately became their retirement home.

Ron enjoyed many years both while working, and during his retirement, continuously learning and building unique skills. He held deeply informed interests in Sailing, Photography, Ore Prospecting, Agriculture, Electronics Technology & Design, Radio Controlled hobbies, Nautical design, Architecture, and History and was very involved in black-powder and North American Frontiers historical recreation societies. He received awards and accolades in diverse areas such as competitive marksmanship and sharpshooting, and as a glider pilot where, for many many years, he held the Canadian record for solo altitude gain. Ron was well known and active in the Experimental Aircraft association and as an contributing member of the Flying Farmers with whom he and Carol enjoyed countless trips flying to fascinating destinations across North and South America in flight convoys of small aircraft; these trips exposed them to many difficult-to-find experiences and sights. Beyond flying his own plane , Ron loved his travels with Carol all over the world to places that fueled his readings and his imagination such as Morocco and China. Ron loved travel and warm weather - leading Ron and Carol to spend many retirement winters in Mexico and Arizona and ultimately in their winter home in Yuma Arizona until Ron’s declining health prevented it.

Ron applied his academic brilliance and passion to his fight against cancer. Year after year, his diligence and study allowed him to dramatically improve his prognosis beyond the expectations of his medical professionals. Although Ron’s retirement years were marked by his cancer, he enjoyed those years as he enjoyed his life - filled with learning, deep interests, wonder, and the surrounding love of his wife and family.

At Ron's request, his ashes will be interred at the foot of his parent's in the Nordalen Cemetery, 8km North of Lake Alma, SK.  The interment of the ashes will be a simple gathering with a few words at 1:00pm on Sunday September 15th.  No formal public memorial will be held thereafter.