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ALEXANDER LUKIE  Obituary pic

ALEXANDER LUKIE

Born: Dec 29, 1942

Date of Passing: Sep 21, 2016

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ALEXANDER LUKIE Alexander Lukie (Al), adventurer, joker, diplomat and a man with a golden heart, passed away peacefully in the evening of September 21, 2016. Alex was born on December 29, 1942 on the family farm in Grandview, Manitoba as the eighth child of eleven. He was a devoted family man for all of his life and his love for his wife, four daughters and two granddaughters was boundless. He grew up on the farm, strongly rooted in the Ukrainian and Catholic tradition, and then attended St. Vladimir's Minor Seminary in Roblin. After earning his BA at Windsor University, Ontario, the small town boy took a trip to Europe and fell in love with the world. Al entered Canada's Immigration Service in 1966, embarking on an exceptional forty-year career that took him to many inspiring places around the globe. His compassion, humanity and humility built a legacy of hope and opportunity for countless families. He was especially proud of his role in helping thousands of refugees reshape their lives in Canada, particularly the persecuted Ismailis from Uganda and thousands of Vietnamese "boat people". Alex was an unforgettable man, larger than life. An admired colleague and boss, the most dedicated family man, and the life of every party he had abundant charm and a kind soul. He retired in 2006, only to be diagnosed months later with Parkinson's disease and then Lewy Body Dementia. Despite this, Al's faith and humour never left him, allowing him to bear a terrible illness with exceptional courage and grace. Al was loved until the very end. We are grateful to the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, the caring staff of Holy Family Home, Dr. T. Babick and Dr. A. Babick, and his incredible support caregivers, especially Deb (in Ottawa) and Pat, who eased his last months. Alex leaves his wife Angela and four daughters, Natalya (Christopher), Christina, Amanda (Greg) and Stefanie (Perry); his two granddaughters, Mara and Fia, and his siblings Ollie (Ernie) Gurica, Anne (Alex) Sommer, Jeanne (Keith) Porlier, Morris (Helen) Lukie, Wynn (Harv) Edwards, Fr. Bohdan Lukie, Ron (Marlene) Lukie, Gary (Jan) Lukie, Brian (Hannia Tarasiuk) Lukie and his many nieces and nephews. He was also very attached to Angela's children Melanie (Moritz) and Nikolas (Mandi). Al was predeceased by his parents John and Helen Lukie, sister Mary and brother-in-law, Wally Pindera. Thank you to the many family members and friends who have provided immeasurable support in his last years. Evening Prayers will be held at St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Avenue, Winnipeg at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 29. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 30, officiated by his brother, Fr. Bohdan Lukie, C.Ss.R. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be sent to the Parkinson Society Canada or Holy Family Home in Winnipeg, Manitoba.CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL  204-586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2016

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

  • Alex was a great colleague. He always brought a sense of fun and humour to all his activities. This was coupled with tremendous knowledge and compassion. He was a positive mentor to a number of us and is sorely missed. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Bob Orr (Colleague) on: Oct 10, 2016

  • Dear Brian, Hannia & your extended families Sending you sincere sympathies from across the world. My prayers and thoughts are with you all as you remember your beloved brother/brother-in-law/uncle Alex. His memories will be with you forever. With sympathy Joanne Sarakula (nee Hrycak) - Posted by: Joanne Sarakula (nee Hrycak) (Friend) on: Sep 26, 2016

  • Al and I served together in Delhi in the early 90s. As the obituary suggests Al was larger than life and a wonderful father to his children, a great boss and a fine colleague. I remember him as the life of the party and for his terrific sense if humor aa well as his kindness. Although I was not a member of the immigration staff, he considered me as part of the family. REST in peace my friend. - Posted by: Marie berube (Friend and former colleague) on: Sep 26, 2016

  • Al was a close friend from our days together at St. Vladimir's College, throughout our many adventures together in North America, Africa, and Asia, and will be sadly missed by us. Very sincere condolences to all his immediate and extended family. Vichnaya Pamyat. - Posted by: Roman and Theresa Herchak, with children Andriyko and Larissa (Friend) on: Sep 25, 2016

  • There is a great emptiness left by Al's passing, but I'm certain that strength of the love that the family share for each other and for Al will get you through this difficult time. May that love honor his memory and may you cherish the time you had together. My sincere condolences to Ron, Marlene & all the entire Lukie family. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. - Posted by: Mary Schmidt (friend) on: Sep 24, 2016

  • To Gary, Brian, Ron and the entire Lukie family, Having known Al since a young girl I have a collection of wonderful memories. He was an incredible human being with an unparalleled sense of humour. The world is a little sadder place with out him in it. It was a privilege to have known him. My prayers are with all of you. Veechnaya Pamyat! love , Monica Lega - Posted by: Monica Lega (Friend) on: Sep 24, 2016

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