ERIC DANIEL LUSSIER

Condolences & Memories (18 entries)

• We just learned of Eric’s passing and were totally shocked. I first met Eric in the early 80s as a harpsichord student and quickly became friends. I admired his depth of knowledge as a Baroque musician and his supreme skill as a musician and conductor and also his brilliance as a performer and recitalist. This led to his generosity in putting on recitals for several years at our home in Kenora known as Baroque by the Lake, held in August and attracting an enthusiastic audience of “Lake people”. As a performer he was known for his expressivity, truly making the music come to life. Eric, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for that. It was a privilege to be your friend, and you will never be forgotten. - Posted by: Colin and Monica Foster (Friend and student) on: Dec 29, 2023

• Profoundly brilliant musician! Inspiring, knowledgeable teacher. The world so benifitted from Eric's presence. - Posted by: Kevin Harper (Friend ) on: Dec 20, 2023

• I was lucky enough to attend a Chinese New Year dinner with Chris one evening so many years ago… That night he met Eric. I will never forget it, and will remember fondly forever, the beautiful partnership and marriage that they had. Eric was really special. He was at once, so dignified, scholarly and gracious… and also fun, silly and kind. I will miss him very much. Sending much love and strength to Chris and Eric’s extensive circle of family, friends, students and colleagues. JJ - Posted by: Jacqueline Jasinski (Friend) on: Nov 25, 2023

• I had the pure pleasure of attending many concerts of the Musik Barock Ensemble, under the baton of Eric Lussier, musician and conductor extraordinaire. What a gift he was to the musical life of Winnipeg, and it was a very sad day when this ensemble no longer was in existence. He has passed away far too early in life. I loved each and every concert with which he had a guiding hand. My condolences to his nearest and dearest family and friends. It is my hope that if heaven exists, and if we all get there some day, that we will arrive to the heavenly sounds of a Baroque orchestra being guided by Eric’s familiar baton. What could be nicer? - Posted by: Catherine Lee (Appreciative audience member of Wpg Baroque Orchestra concerts ) on: Nov 22, 2023

• Thank you for the generous support with a free harpsichord for the time I was studying at the Collège universitaire de Saint Boniface and at the University of Manitoba, as well as the valuable lessons, the audition evenings with the other keyboard students, and the trust to be able to use the apartment with the piano during his absence for concert tours. Contact with Eric was a meeting made in heaven on earth. wish you great sensual pleasures in every way in heaven! - Posted by: Jutta Kessler (Jutta, German harpsichord student and former neighbor at 812 Wholesley Avenue #9, Winnipeg (1988-198) on: Nov 22, 2023

• I will miss you my dear friend. I will never forget our lunches when ALL we would talk about was Baroque music. You were such an amazing friend to me. Your friendship is something I will always treasure in my life. Rest well. - Posted by: Mario Fonseca (Friend) on: Nov 21, 2023

• Rest well sweet man. He was a gentle soul loved by many, a gift to this world. The music in heaven now reflecting his talents. - Posted by: Marie Buchok (Friend) on: Nov 21, 2023

• I worked at CBC and I thought Erik was so warm and funny and committed to his music. I enjoyed knowing and interviewing him and hosting cozy house concerts. But most of all I remember one of the scariest things I ever did --to play the slide whistle in Musik Baroque's performance of the Toy Symphony. I was a journalist, not a musician, but Eric assured me I could do it. And so I did—but only by listening to a recording over and over, counting the bars so I could make my goofy sound at the right moment. I was terrified. And, along with the other 'guest artists', dressed in tuxedo pants, shirts, and fancy vests, we mingled with the audience in the lobby. A few people came up and asked for a drink. We were dressed exactly like waiters! Remembering your spirit. Jacqui Good - Posted by: Jacqui Good (colleague) on: Nov 21, 2023

• Eric was my friend since we were both in grade 9. I saw him from time to time and always felt a connection. He played music at my wedding and for my first gymnastics competition. May he make music in heaven for us all. - Posted by: Valerie Hindle (Friend ) on: Nov 20, 2023

• Dear Chris, All our condolences on this very sad turn of events. We saw how much you and Eric were deeply committed to each other. We can only wish you much solace in remembering the wonderful years Eric and yourself had together. Please convey as well our condolences to Eric’s friends and family. - Posted by: Paul Sherwood (Friend) on: Nov 19, 2023

• Although I have much appreciated Eric's musicianship, what I want to acknowledge is the dear friendship he held with my Auntie for many years. A good friend is hard to find, and this was a special one. Loving thoughts to all those who held Eric dear. - Posted by: Kathleen (Friend of a friend) on: Nov 19, 2023

• Sincere condolences to Chris and the Lussier family. All who knew and loved Eric are mourning his untimely death. I have fond memories of Eric's playing without break JS Bach's fiendishly difficult Goldberg Variations to sustained applause at Crescentwood Fort Rouge United Church many years ago. I remember his coming to my home and playing my homemade harpsichord and not criticizing its 'shortcomings'. He could be a 'character' with an incisive wit so he was fun to be around. In honour of his longtime prepping and accompanying the Grey Nuns' choir, the order gave him what was to them an unplayable (and therefore unused for decades), 21 stop harmonium, colloquially a 'pump organ'. As he was preparing to leave for Paris for a year of study with Kenneth Gilbert he offered to sell me the instrument and I jumped at the chance. It remains today a treasured possession in my home, and is now a connection to my memories of Eric. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Gord Richardson (Friend) on: Nov 19, 2023

• Nos plus sincères condoléances pour le décès de votre frère et beau-frère Éric. Nos prières viendront sûrement mettre un baume sur votre peine, enveloppées par la musique d’Éric. Nous pensons à vous… Réjeanne et Marc - Posted by: Marc et Réjeanne Pelletier (Bonnes connaissances de Claude et Thérèse) on: Nov 19, 2023

• Sincerest condolences to his whole family. We have many wonderful memories of Eric through our teenage years. We were honoured to have him participate in our wedding, providing his love and music and his friendship some 50 years ago. - Posted by: Russ & Lise Wilson (Friends) on: Nov 18, 2023

• Sincerest condolences to his whole family. We have many wonderful memories of Eric through our teenage years. We were honoured to have him participate in our wedding, providing his love and music and his friendship some 50 years ago. - Posted by: Russ & Lise Wilson (Friends) on: Nov 18, 2023

• Most sincere condolences to all who loved him. - Posted by: Norm Funk (Friend) on: Nov 18, 2023

• Most sincere condolences to all who loved him. - Posted by: Norm Funk (Friend) on: Nov 18, 2023

• Mes sincères sympathies à toute la famille.. Perde un frère n'est jamais facile. Que tous le beaux souvenirs vous aident durant ce temps difficile. - Posted by: Lorraine Tetrault (belle soeur de Claude & Thèrèse) on: Nov 18, 2023