Obituary of 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.