Mr. Harlan Cornelius Hulleman, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at the age of 88 years. Harlan was born on February 6, 1935, in Balkbrug, Holland. Later, when he was twelve, the family moved to Apeldoorn. He remained there until immigrating to Canada in 1954, at the age of nineteen. His early years in Canada were spent in Edmonton, and eventually, he settled in Red Deer, a place he would proudly call home for the remainder of his life.

Once in Canada, Harlan earned a Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing, his first profession which he used to support his lifelong interest in becoming a teacher. Harlan later obtained a Bachelor of Education, with a Minor in Music from the University of Alberta. Harlan’s pursuit of knowledge then took him to Paris, where he studied French. While in Paris, he met the love of his life, Walda, at a Dutch Consulate Christmas Party. In 1963, they exchanged vows in Edmonton, marking the beginning of a loving and lasting marriage of sixty years.

Harlan’s academic interests were not complete and later he obtained a Master’s Degree in French Literature, with a Minor in Linguistics from the University of Alberta in 1969. He dedicated most of his career to educating others, initially as a French Teacher and later as a Teacher-Librarian at the Lacombe Composite High School, retiring in 1992, at the age of 57. He made the library a friendly place and brought modern Research Technology into the library. He took special interest in the progress of each student and was instrumental in the production of the school newspaper.

“Retirement” did not slow Harlan down. For the following fifteen years, he turned his energies to lobbying, advocacy, and community. He was an early voice advocating for smoke-free hospitals during his time on the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre Board. He also served on boards for the University of Alberta Senate, Access Television, CKUA and others. He was particularly proud of his involvement in a team that published a local history book, “The Little Village That Grew,” a history of North Red Deer. He played a key role in preserving the CPR Railroad Bridge, now a pedestrian-cycle bridge. After his son’s brain injury from a cycling accident, Harlan’s most significant contribution was his extensive work with the Central Alberta Brain Injury Society (CABIS). He was the founding editor of the “Hi Hope” newsletter, and he later served as the President of CABIS for many years.

Harlan’s community involvement was recognized with numerous awards, including the Mayor’s Award in 1993, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2003, the G.H. Dawe Memorial Award in 2004, the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005, and the Heritage Recognition Award in 2009.

Beyond his Community Service, Harlan was a dedicated reader, editor, and writer, with a deep love for exercise, each day doing one of swimming, running, biking, or skiing. His passion for a healthy life was so exceptional that he continued to win gold medals in local Triathlons well into his 70’s and he continued cross-country skiing into his 80’s.

Harlan had a deep connection and love for music. From his childhood, well into his adult life, he participated in choir, including many Christmas Productions of Handel’s Messiah at various Red Deer venues. His melody of “too doo, loo” remains on the family’s answering machine and still elicits a smile. He loved the piano, diligently practicing daily into his 80’s. While his musical tastes were broad, he favored classical – his favorite piece was Bach’s St Matthew Passion, Part II, No. 47, “Have Mercy Lord, My God, for the sake of my tears”.

Harlan also enjoyed wine making, proudly producing Châteauneuf-du-Pape for less than $2 per bottle! He would save his best for special occasions, one of which became family lore. He served his cherished three-year vintage at his daughter’s wedding, whose fame quickly was associated with the legendary hangovers that ensued. Harlan attributed his good health and longevity to his beloved wine, humorously telling others that it kept his blood pressure at that of a teenager.

Harlan had a kind, calm, and caring disposition, which was complimented by his humility. His perseverance, diligence, and compassion were not only the foundation of his rewarding career but also for his legacy of community service and a beautiful family life. Harlan’s memory will forever touch the hearts of those who knew him, a testament to a beautiful life, well-lived, and a legacy that will continue to inspire.

Harlan will be lovingly remembered by his wife of sixty years, Walda, their four children: Vaughn, Warren and his wife, Myriam, Monique and husband, Mark, and Curtis; and his four grandchildren: Anabelle, Oliver, Kirsten, and Sofia, who brought immense joy to his life. He also leaves behind his siblings: Henk, Bertus, and Gre. Harlan was predeceased by his sisters, Ria, Truus, and brother, Wim

A Celebration of Harlan’s remarkable Life will be held at Parkland Funeral Home, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, Alberta on Friday, November 24, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., providing friends and family an opportunity to come together and honor the legacy he leaves behind. In lieu of flowers, if desired, Memorial Donations in Harlan’s honor may be made directly to the Central Alberta Brain Injury Society at www.cabisbrain.com, a cause that was deeply close to his heart. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2023-11-07
• Location : Locally Family Owned (Red Deer) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com