June 2, 1932- June 24, 2021
After a brief illness, Leonard Paul Lukas passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family in Sundre, Alberta, on June 24, 2021, at the age of 89 years.
Leonard was born on June 2, 1932 in Calgary, the eldest of two sons born to Lithuanian parents Peter (Lukosius) Lukas and Teodora (Zekys) Lukas, who had arrived in Canada in the late 1920s. The Lukas family lived in Calgary, then during the Depression moved to Montreal to find work. In 1947, with enough money saved, they moved west again and purchased a half section of land in James River, north of Sundre, for $3,000. They had only three cows, one team of horses, a wagon, and a set of sleighs. Optimism and hard work kept the farm developing and moving forward.
Leonard met his future bride Jean (Nagel) Lukas at the Sundre General Hospital in 1972. They married in 1973 and had two children, Sandra (1975) and Carl (1976). While Jean continued to work weekends at the hospital, the kids spent time with their dad as he farmed. Weekends meant traditional Lithuanian meals at Grandpa and Grandma Lukas’s and good times spent with the whole family. Leonard farmed into the mid-2000s. In 2013, Leonard and Jean moved to Sundre and here they enjoyed the rewards of retirement. Leonard's family remembers his hard work, perseverance, ingenuity, and an insatiable interest in life-long learning. In addition, he was proud of his heritage and often told stories of our family history, showing us how parents can talk to kids openly and with respect about our beginnings, our choices, and the lives we lead.
Leonard was predeceased by his father (Peter, 1988), mother (Teodora, 2006) and cousin Ruth (Bob) Youngs (2008, 2010).
He is survived by his wife Jean Lukas, his daughter Sandra (Jeff) Amulung and son Carl (Kim) Lukas; grandchildren Regan, Vivian, Juliet, Avery and Erik; brother Vic (Judy) Lukas, nieces Cindy and Kim and nephew Rick; cousins Albert (Dorothy) Lucas and Leonard (Martha) Lucas. In keeping with Leonard’s wishes, a small graveside service was held at Sundre and District Cemetery on June 28, 2021. The family of Leonard Lukas asks that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd. Olds is entrusted with arrangements - 403-507-8610. Condolences and tributes may be sent and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com.
