Lucien passed away peacefully in Powell River with family at his side. Lucid until the end, he enjoyed the steady stream of family, friends and phone calls from around the world during his few weeks in hospital.
Lucien grew up in Belgium and was in the Belgian Armed Forces when Germany invaded in May 1940. Following the surrender of the Belgian army, he managed to escape and join the French Resistance, where he supported Allied efforts in France, including D-Day operations and the liberation of Paris.
Seeking a brighter future, Lucien immigrated to Canada in 1949 and, after a few stints as a farmhand, got a job at the mill in Ocean Falls, BC, where he met his future wife Irmgard; they were married in 1952.
In 1954, Lucien and Irmgard moved their family to Powell River where Lucien worked at the mill for 28 years. In retirement he enjoyed early morning golf, working in the garden,and being a devoted grandfather. He and Irmgard travelled to Europe regularly to see relatives and to Mexico for warmer weather.
Lucien showed tenderness and love for his wife, especially as she developed Alzheimer’s, until her death in 2007. In the 10 years since she died, though with a huge void in his heart, he continued to travel to visit family and friends.
Lucien loved a good story or song and had many of his own. He also liked to banter with anyone who would engage. He enjoyed good wine, cognac and the occasional cigar. On a bet never lost, Lucien agreed to give up cigars when the Canucks won the Stanley Cup.
A longtime supporter of the Montreal Canadiens, Lucien witnessed 17 Stanley Cup victories for his Habs during his time in Powell River. A soccer player in his youth, he followed European soccer, particularly Bayern München and Arsenal.
Lucien is survived by his children André (Margo), Suzanne (Tom), Martin (Silvia) and Anne (Glen), 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger sister Suzanne in Belgium and six nieces and nephews with families in Canada and Belgium. He was predeceased by his older sister Suzanne in 1925 and younger sister Marie-Thérese in 2009. Lucien was also deeply loved by the large German family he married into.
Lucien’s family extends sincere gratitude to his many health-care providers, especially Doctor Rossouw, and earlier, Doctor Dougan, for their wonderful care. Special thanks also to the dedicated staff at Kiwanis Garden Manor. “Grand merci” to Father Dass and Father Tepoorten for their pastoral care and to all his other visitors, especially Hans.
Prayers for Lucien will be held at 7 pm on Friday, September 22, at Church of the Assumption. Funeral Mass will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, September 23, also at Church of the Assumption, followed by a reception in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made to Powell River Hospice Society or to the medical clinic project in Irudayampattu, Tamil Nadu, India, home village of Father Dass (through the Church of the Assumption office).