PATRICK JAMES LUCIER

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PATRICK JAMES (PJ) LUCIER October 31, 1977 - May 11, 2017 PJ Lucier, aged 39 years, of Eriksdale, MB, was peacefully set free from this life on May 11, 2017, at the I.H. Asper Institute in Winnipeg, with family and friends surrounding him, after bravely fighting a critical illness. PJ leaves behind to celebrate his memory, his mother Rita, brothers: Floyd and Bob (Angie), sister Judy (Larry), his girlfriend Kristy and daughter Alyssa, his nieces and nephews: Evan, Courtney, Kiana, Cora (Darwin), Ryan and Rianna, and great-niece Sienna, who were all truly his biggest pride and joy in life. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. PJ leaves us to join his grandparents Alexander and Julia Lucier, Uncle Fred Lucier, Uncle Ken Lucier, Aunty Doreen Howard, and a few special friends who we know were waiting for him with open arms, and an ice cold spiced rum. PJ was born in Winnipeg on October 31, 1977. He was raised and went to school in Eriksdale. After school, he took up many occupations, including working at the local Co-op Hardware, before moving on to power line work and then eventually to truck driving, most recently with Forbes Bros., which was his passion. He enjoyed hitting the road across Canada and travelling across 48 states. He had a tremendous work ethic, was an incredible driver and employee. He loved sharing photos and stories of his travels with family and friends. If you had ever been blessed to know PJ, you knew that he had an undeniable zest for life. He was such a unique man. One of the most unforgettable things about him was how his eyes twinkled when he would smile. He was always laughing, you could hear it a mile away, and made you feel like you wanted to laugh too. Constantly teasing, was very quick witted and outgoing. He also had a way of making sure the people that he loved felt special and important. PJ would do anything to help someone; he would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He brought laughter, comfort and big bear hugs that will be missed by so many. It was truly a gift to have him in your life. Some of his hobbies included hunting, camping, going cruising in his truck with the windows down and the music turned up, and spending time with friends. He enjoyed volunteering for the MMF and helped out a lot with youth initiatives, and the local tractor pulls. He also enjoyed getting tattoos, each had a specific meaning to him, and each he was very proud of. PJ met his 'me' when he found Kristy, truly two peas in a pod. The only condition was that she could not drive a Ford! He showed her what true and genuine love really is, and he accepted her daughter Alyssa as his own. Recently they enjoyed a family vacation to Wisconsin with Alyssa. The best parts of the trip was the look of excitement on his face when he told her where they were going, the deep fried cheese curds, and belting out tunes along the way. PJ's nieces and nephews were his world. From 'just because' movie dates in the city, late night phone calls when we needed a ride, to professional eye rolling lessons, there wasn't anything that he would not do for us. He was more than an uncle, he was a best friend, a shoulder to cry on when needed, gave a good scolding when we deserved it and most importantly, he was always our biggest cheerleader. He often said he never needed his own children because he had us. Uncle PJ, thank you for giving us a lifetime of unforgettable memories. You were always there when we needed you, we never doubted being able to count on you for anything. It was an honour to have been with you when you needed us. You will never know how lucky we have been to have had you for our uncle. We love you! A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2017, in the Eriksdale Recreation Centre with Shirley Russell officiating. Service will conclude at the hall with a luncheon to follow. Interment will take place at a later date. Pallbearers will be his brothers Floyd and Bob Lucier, Ian Capner, his nephews, Evan Maytwayashing, Ryan Hogue, and Darwin Moman, cousins Cody Lucier and Lymen McLeod, and special friends Kevin Kallstrom and Brad Desjarlais. Honorary pallbearer will be his lifelong friend Jenn Kiesman. The family conveys their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and care teams at the Asper Institute Intensive Care Cardiac Surgery Unit. A special thanks to Dr. Ghorpade for his hard work, and to nurses Blake and Dale for helping us get through this journey. Also thanks to Chaplain Chenene Layne. To Cora Brunen, our guardian angel, thank you so very kindly for being our contact person while Uncle PJ was in Grace and St. Boniface Hospitals and at the ICCU in I.H. Asper Institute. We could not have done it without your guidance. God bless you, Cora. You are our rock! Love you! In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in PJ's memory to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, C1026-409 Taché Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 (Cardiac Care), or to the Children's Wish Foundation, 350 St. Mary Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3C 3J2. Arrangements by: ARNASON FUNERAL HOME Ashern - Lundar 1-204-768-2072 1-866-323-3593

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 17, 2017