Douglas Leonard Kulesa

Jean and Leonard Kulesa welcomed Douglas Leonard Kulesa (all 10+ pounds of him) on May 10, 1941, in Miles City, Montana. Since his dad spent a great deal of time away from home due to his job with the railroad, Douglas grew up very close to his mom who instilled in him a deep love of all things Scottish.

During his formative years, Douglas was actively involved in the Boy Scouts and participated in church activities. As a high school student, he held a variety of jobs, including delivering dry cleaning to the local red-light district, where generous customers supported his fundraising efforts for school and DeMolay. He also worked at a service station, which nurtured his passion for cars, and where he spent many hours bent over the fender of his cherished Oldsmobile. Doug’s love for music was evident through his involvement in musicals and his role as a trumpet player in the pep band.

Following his graduation from Custer County High School, he enrolled at Macalester College in Minnesota before transferring to Eastern Montana College where he met the love of his life, Oneita (Nita) Blaylock. They married on August 16, 1964, shortly after they both graduated, with Doug completing his education in Accounting at the University of Denver.

Doug began his professional career at Samsonite Corporation before moving into the information technology sector with Information Handling Services, where he worked in accounting software and oversaw the construction of a new office building. He considered his time at 3t Systems, particularly the years leading up to his retirement, to be the most rewarding, even though it required a daily commute to Fort Collins for a time!

Doug loved dumb “Dad” jokes and puns, feeling quite proud of himself when listeners responded with loud groans. The family shared many memorable camping trips, with Selkirk Campground holding a special place in their hearts—even recalling a nighttime drive over Boreas Pass to Breckenridge seeking medical help for ax injuries! His skills as a campfire cook reflected his patient nature.

Over the years at Bear Creek Church, Doug taught Sunday School, was a Boy’s Brigade Leader, helped in Men’s Ministry, counted the offering, and served two terms as an elder on session. Doug also joined a BCC mission team to Romania. He looked forward to learning and sharing with his Bridge Church Discipleship Group and singing with the choir for holiday presentations.

Invited by a neighbor to join The Denver MountainAires Barbershop Chorus, Doug quickly fell in love with the barbershop style and contributed his tenor voice to the group. Later known as the Colorado Chord Company, he traveled with the chorus to Hawaii to sing at the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

Although Doug readily admitted that he was not a skilled golfer, he enjoyed playing rounds with a close group of patient friends.

Always loyal, kind, loving, and generous, Doug’s humility characterized him. He knew Jesus as his Savior from a young age and reflected that faith throughout his life, as a husband, father, employee, co-worker and friend. 

Doug was especially proud of his children: Kirsta (Damon) Franks, Kent (Lisa) Kulesa, and Ky (Melissa) Kulesa. Known as Pa and Boppa to his eight grandchildren, Doug loved to hear about their jobs and their interests even when he could no longer ask questions. The four great grandchildren entertained him with their chatter and chalk drawings.

Doug is survived by his wife and best friend, Nita, and his kids and grandkids and great grands.  If you wish, you may remember him with a donation to his church, The Bridge at Bear Creek.

A memorial service will be held at The Bridge Church at Bear Creek on November 8 at 11 am.  The address is 3101 South Kipling. 

Doug would also like his friends and family to lift a wee dram of good single malt whisky in his memory!  Slàinte!