JOSEPH DANIEL LUCZYK

1973 - 2021

June 3, 1973 – June 6, 2021

On the day of June 6, a kind and gentle heart stopped beating.

Born in Thunder Bay, Joe began his life's journey with a diagnosis of Hydrocephalus at 5 months of age and decades of surgeries and medical procedures ensued. A difficult situation physically and mentally for a young boy. While in the hospitals, his concern was always for the patient in the bed beside him or the one he could hear crying down the hall. There was never a complaint or self pity. We realized early in his life that we were the recipients of a special gift. His childlike innocence and wonder never waned.

He was a big brother to Kristiina and Jason and loved and cared for them throughout their childhood. Years later his sister “Tiina” moved to Sudbury and started her own beautiful family. His relationship with his brother became even closer. They were best of friends and enjoyed many activities together.

“Joey” like playing baseball when he was younger and being part of a team. As he grew older he found that he had a talent for playing a guitar and singing in bands. His brother would jam with him on his guitar and they travelled and attended every concert they could. Weekly barbeques and watching wrestling were high on the list. Jason and Joe were cycling on a sunny afternoon. Joe stopped and his brother Jason was there to help him in his last moments. Their relationship was the embodiment of brotherly love.

Joe's work at Niva's Restaurant and his work family were very important to him. They appreciated his kind, courteous demeanor and he was so looking forward to returning post pandemic.

Every Sunday was family dinner day at our home and following each meal he would thank everyone involved in the preparation, hoist a glass and finish with the words, “This food rocks with an intensity the likes of which I've never experienced”.

Numerous family vacations created many happy memories. Joe was in his element in the Caribbean or Mexican resorts that featured Karaoke or a stage for audience participation. You knew the prize would be his.

The grandparents were a huge part of Joe's life. Alex and Sadie were of Ukrainian heritage. Uuno and Hilda, Finnish. His grandfather Alex entertained him by singing and playing guitar and performing athletics together. Grandmother Sadie tended to his every need. His Pappa Uuno instilled his quiet, reflective ways, smile and jovial manner into Joey's life. He was especially close to his Mummu Hilda after the three other grandparents passed away. Being at their camp and going to the sauna gave him many years of pleasure. Visits with his sister Tiina and husband Mark in Sudbury were special and nieces Sienna and Madelyn loved him as he did them.

Joe was thrilled to be best man for cousin Kyle when he married Marlena. He was happy to be with all of us on a sunny day, in the backyard he grew up in, for his birthday celebration on June 3rd.

Joe was loved by uncle Greg, aunt Jo-Ann and aunt Aila. Aila was very close to him because she resided in Thunder Bay and was involved in his life in many ways and was always there for him.

He was predeceased by grandfathers Uuno and Alex, grandmother Sadie, uncles Aki, Rick and Phil.

He is survived by parents Don and Eija, brother Jason, sister Kristiina (Mark) and their daughters Sienna and Madelyn. Also his loving Mummu Hilda, uncle Greg and his son Dan and daughter Juliana and son Greg. Aunt Aila and her son Kyle (Marlena) and their son Damian. Aunt Jo-Ann and her sons Guytano and Armando. Also relatives in Finland and Sweden.

There is no easy way to sum up our precious Joe's life. We would say he was truly a God given gift and the template of how to live. A person that exuded compassion, kindness and love. Unwittingly he became our mentor. He was a man with so little but gave so much to so many. He wouldn't be able to say, maybe I could have loved more or I should have danced. He always did. We leave with only our name. You brought honour to ours. You have set the bar so high, your standards seem unattainable. For the rest of our lives we will try to live by them.

We live with the hope that we will meet again
and you will be loved through eternity.

Forever in our hearts.

~Don, Eija, Jason, Kristiina

Our special thanks to the first responders and police officers and hospital staff who did their best to save Joe's life and were so kind to our family.

We also thank the staff of Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel for their compassion and professionalism.

The time and place of a Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.