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WALTER STEVE LUKIE Obituary pic

WALTER STEVE LUKIE

Born: Dec 31, 1944

Date of Passing: Apr 14, 2018

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WALTER STEVE LUKIE December 31, 1944 - April 14, 2018 It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dearly loved one, Walter (Wally) Lukie, but with deep love and respect that we honour and celebrate his uplifting Life. He died with dignity, on his own terms, after his courageous battle this past year, surrounded by much love and peace. Walter was born and raised on his parents' farm in Grandview, Manitoba, with his brothers and sisters and amongst his many cousins and extended family who all lived on farms nearby. He had an active life, focused on family, education, farming and leadership in the Ukrainian Catholic Church. He attended both elementary and high school in Grandview and graduated with the highest marks of his Grade 12 class. Walter's lifelong passion for learning and desire to expand his horizons compelled him to explore a number of job paths from 1962 to 1964, including the clergy and summer prospecting in the Northern Manitoba wilds, but he always returned home to help with the harvest. Before long he found his calling and decided to attend Teachers College in Winnipeg. Walter's next chapter began during Teachers College where he met Isabel (Boguski), his wife to be for 50 years. They were married in Grandview in 1968 and had their first child the following year. After earning his certification, he immediately followed up studies toward and completed his Bachelors degree in Education from the University of Manitoba. He put his degrees to good use by teaching for Winnipeg School Division 1 in many levels and schools including J. M. King, Faraday, Isaac Newton, Sisler, and finally 30 years at Sargent Park. He also took a one year sabbatical to acquire his Pedagogy (Masters) in Teaching. He and Isabel had three more children between 1973 and 1979. He had a rewarding career teaching hundreds of wonderful kids, coaching after school basketball, mentoring the yearbook committee, and working in many other capacities. Every trip to a mall or any store meant bumping into former students and them catching up on the meaningful and positive impact Mr. Lukie had on their path. He was truly loved and respected. With summers free, Walter and Isabel made a point of road tripping with his young family, across Canada and the northern United States, providing several lifetime's worth of lampoon-worthy anecdotal vacation stories. When Walter retired in 2004, Isabel retired soon after, and together they have spent these years travelling from coast to coast, crisscrossing the country, visiting their children and grandchildren, who can't seem to stay in one place for very long, as well as to Phoenix. Their dream trip to Ukraine was usurped by the conflict in 2013 and 2014, and subsequent timing to reschedule proved challenging, but he undoubtedly is there in spirit finally visiting The Motherland. Walter's second home was St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church, administered by the Redemptorist Congregation of St. Alphonsus de Liguori, he endearingly called himself a "Redemptorist Rat", through which he continued to make a significant difference in others' lives both in the parish and throughout the extended Ukrainian Catholic community. It was common for him and Isabel to welcome clergy and visiting seminarians into their home for suppers and family events, or to catch a Jets or Bombers game on TV, for that little taste of home life. While the path of the clergy was not his choice after a year of study in the seminary, he was instrumental in guiding his nephew to the Redemptorist order, and with Isabel together faithfully raised their four children also to be active participants and leaders in the Ukrainian church community. He belonged to the fraternal society of the Knights of Columbus Fr. Shyshkowich council, and served as Grand Knight. He also served as Altarservers coordinator, working on the Parish Council in many capacities to pioneer events and projects, such as helping plan and coordinate St. Joseph's annual Praznyk, and spearheading and coordinating the annual Parish Directory. Walter's true passion was the music of the church, the Galician chant, and it's preservation and promotion. He spent many summers promoting and organizing Cantor Schools for the traditional music of the Byzantine church, his mission was to provide the tools and training for the ongoing growth and perpetuation of the Ukrainian church and traditions. Through the school he and his devoted friends and colleagues brought together hundreds of faithful from across Canada and United States. Through this vehicle he was instrumental in publishing the first comprehensive Cantor's songbook. One of the most memorable ways he will be remembered is by his presence in the choir loft on Sunday mornings where he rubbed shoulders with other big voices and sang his heart out. Walter's life was filled with the love and respect of family and friends. By his own example he taught his children respect for the history, hard work and progress of their Ukrainian ancestors, the value in honouring their traditions and bringing their meaning to family and community gatherings with his spoken words and prayers, his very presence. He taught the value of ongoing learning and education, constantly reading and having new insights on current world issues, with a huge fervour for political debate. But above all, his drive was to do everything he could for his family, in any way that he could, to support and inspire and guide no matter what path was chosen. And by his side in every pursuit, was his loving wife Isabel, supporting and guiding him as a true partner does, together united in purpose and faith. Walter was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Mary (Gryba) Lukie, brother Paul, sister Amy (Arnason), and nephew Dennis. Left to mourn and remember him is his loving wife Isabel; daughter Andrea, son Tim (wife Erin), son Chris (wife Tamara) and daughter Mia (partner Liam); his grandchildren, Anastazia, Lukian and Kazimyr (Andrea), Callym and Oscar (Chris), Wyatt, Amelia, Scarlet and Josey (Tim); his brother Edward (Emily), sisters, Ann (Roman) and Irene (Stanley), brother-in-law Les Arnason, and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. Prayer service will be led by Fr. Dmytro Dnistrian, CSsR at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20 at St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Ave. Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by his nephew, Fr. Raymond Lukie CSsR at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 21 at St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Lubov Foundation (Holy Family), Bishop Velychkovsky Martyr's Shrine or St. Joseph's Building Fund. CHRYSTOS VOSKRES KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193 www.korbanchapel.com
Publish Date: Apr 19, 2018

WALTER STEVE LUKIE December 31, 1944 - April 14, 2018 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Walter Steve Lukie, age 73, at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, MB, on April 14, 2018. Prayer service will be led by Fr. Dmytro Dnistrian, CSsR at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20 at St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Avenue. Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Fr. Dmytro Dnistrian, CSsR and Fr. Raymond Lukie at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 21 at St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church. Longer obituary to follow. CHRYSTOS VOSKRES KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193 www.korbanchapel.com
Publish Date: Apr 17, 2018

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 19, 2018

Condolences & Memories (21 entries)

  • Best teacher in my life, I wondered if I could see you one more time, last time was late 1990's early 2000's. See you on the other side Mr. Lukie. - Posted by: Brad Atkinson (Former student Sargent park) on: May 07, 2019

  • It is with much sadness that I learned of Wally's passing. I came from Gilbert Plains, next door to Grandview but got to know him while we both attended the university of Manitoba. He was a good friend. Even though I did not see him very often, i have many fond memories of him. We will miss him. - Posted by: Ernie Boyko (Friend and school mate) on: Jul 23, 2018

  • Chris and I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to you and your precious family in the loss of a loved one. May you all be comforted in knowing that he is in the presence of our Lord free from eternal pain and suffering. We can be assured that his quality of life will no longer be an issue. God bless all of you as you go through this difficult time. - Posted by: Mel & Chris Zurkowski (Through sister Linda married to Lorne Boguski) on: Apr 26, 2018

  • Sorry to hear of your loss Chris. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Sincerely, Yvonne - Posted by: Yvonne (Former colleague) on: Apr 22, 2018

  • Our condolences to the entire Lukie family. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Melissa Sadiwnyk (Derkach) (Friend) on: Apr 21, 2018

  • My Deepest sympathies to the entire Lukie family... Thinking of you... Вічная Пам'ять - Posted by: ANDREW HRYNIUK (FRIEND) on: Apr 21, 2018

  • Our deepest sympathy to you Isabel and your family. We have fond memories of Wally and your family when we were at St Joseph’s. So sorry for your loss, and that we were away and not able to attend the funeral. Our prayers are with you and the family. Wayne & Karen Whalen - Posted by: Karen & Wayne whalen (Friend) on: Apr 21, 2018

  • Deepest sympathies to the Lukie family... Thinking of you - Posted by: Zdan shulakewych (Friend) on: Apr 21, 2018

  • Our deepest sympathy to the Lukie family. Having crossed paths many many times in the past number of years in church groups, church activities and in the church family, it has been a pleasure to know you. You are now on your next journey and your pain is gone. CHRYSTOS VOSKRES VICHNAYA PAMYAT - Posted by: Lawrence, Nettie, Frances & Adele Chuckree & Families (church family) on: Apr 21, 2018

  • Isabel, Andrea, Tim, Chris, Mia, So sorry I am not there for Wally's funeral mass. It is hard to believe he is gone -- hard to believe he was 73! In my mind, Isabel, you and Wally are forever young. I really loved Wally. He was a very genuine person, who gave you his full attention. I know he must have been the most awesome teacher. Lucky Anastazia, Lukian and Kazimyr, Callym, Oscar, Wyatt, Amelia, Scarlet and Josey for having Wally as Gido. Вічная Пам'ять - Posted by: Loreen Pindera (cousin) on: Apr 20, 2018

  • Dear Isabel. Wally was a very close friend when I (Roman) lived in Winnipeg 1966-68. We fondly remember you both attending our wedding in Saskatoon in 1968. We know Wally is in heaven, watching over you and your family. Roman and Theresa - Posted by: Roman and Theresa Herchak (Friends) on: Apr 20, 2018

  • We offer our deepest sympathy to you Isabel and your family. May his soul Rest In Peace. Christ Is Risen! - Posted by: Dave and Elaine Derksen and family (Friends) on: Apr 19, 2018

  • Tim's Saint John, New Brunswick years with Erin and their children gave their extended family the opportunity to meet and enjoy Wally and Isabel. This tribute gave us an even better appreciation of his dedication to students and education a profession Tim has followed both in NB and now back in Calgary. Our condolences on a life well lived. - Posted by: Charlene E. Barry and John P. BARRY (Erin and Tim's aunt and uncle Reeves/Barry side) on: Apr 19, 2018

  • We did not know Mr Lukie well, but from family and friends tributes as noted above, he had some great friends and appreciative students, which are the markers of a person's life. Condolences to all his family and friends. - Posted by: Tom and Carolyn Barry (friend and relative by marriage to son Tim) on: Apr 19, 2018

  • We and our family members have been much enriched by the witness of Wally and Isabel to the beauty of the Ukrainian Catholic traditions and the culture of thrir heritage. Wally's love of his faith, music, family and culture has inspired us. Our grandchildren that we shared with Isabel and Wally are indeed fortunate! Guidon will be missed. - Posted by: Mary and Philip Reeves (In laws) on: Apr 19, 2018

  • Isabel we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Much too young. Much too soon. Our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Lesia & Wasyl Zablockij (Friend) on: Apr 19, 2018

  • Mr. Lukie was my teacher at Sisler High School. I will always remember his kindness and patience, always giving of his time to those of us who had some struggles with a particular subject. He also had his hands full with some of us on occasion but was always so good natured about it! Rest in love and peace sir. You have earned it. - Posted by: Barbara Judt (Former student) on: Apr 19, 2018

  • To Isabel and Family - Remembering Wally is like remembering being in University, all those years ago. I always thought of him as "one of the good guys". Reading his obit today confirmed that he stayed the "good guy" all his life. My condolences to you all. Вічная Пам'ят. - Posted by: Marianne Wawrykow (Friend) on: Apr 19, 2018

  • Please accept my sincerest sympathies Isabel, to you and all members of your family, immediate and extended. - Posted by: Monica Lega (Friend) on: Apr 18, 2018

  • We offer our deepest sympathies to you Isabel and your family. Hopefully your memories of Wally will help you get through this difficult time. Our fondest memories of Wally is when you lived next door to us and we didn't even have a fence between our yards. Our doors were always open to each other. We are out of the country at the moment and will not be able to attend the funeral on Friday, but our thoughts and prayers will be with you, Isabel and your family. - Posted by: Marilyn & Robert Kowalchuk (Neighbours) on: Apr 17, 2018

  • Our deapeast sympathies Isabel and family. Vichnaya Pamiat Christos Voskres May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Terry and Pat Stychyshyn Family (Friends) on: Apr 17, 2018

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