PARAFIANOWICZ, Lucas
With shattered hearts we announce the passing of Lucas Parafianowicz on November 20, 2018, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the age of 35. He was surrounded by his family and peacefully passed to heaven, enveloped in love.
Lucas was born and raised in St. Catharine’s, Ontario, to John and Dorota (Musial) Parafianowicz, and he was the world’s best big brother to Lydia (Erwin van de Kreeke). He proudly attended Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School, followed by the University of Waterloo (Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering, 2007) and Dalhousie University (Master of Industrial Engineering and Master of Business Administration, 2009). He also earned his Professional Engineering Designation.
In choosing the east coast of Canada to continue his education, Lucas also reunited with a high school science camp friend, Tricia, who was the love of his life. In August 2010, they married in the beautiful village of Baddeck, Nova Scotia. Without any doubt, the greatest joy in Lucas’ life was becoming a father to three beautiful children, Anna Lydia (6), Daniel Lucas (3) and Stanley Ian (7 months). Our solace is knowing that his spirit will live on in each of them, and they will grow up to know the amazing man who is their father.
Lucas was an extraordinary son, husband, father, brother, and friend. He was known for his patience, compassion, humour, integrity, work ethic, constant gratitude, and spirited competitiveness (especially at board games). His gentle kindness was like a warm campfire that drew you in and made you want to linger a while.
Lucas spent his professional life as an industrial engineer. He last worked at the IWK Children’s Hospital in Halifax striving to improve the overall efficiencies of the hospital. His hard work and dedication resulted in being recognized with an IWK Star Award in his last month of work.
He was passionate about curling, hockey (go Leafs and Blackhawks!), canoeing, traveling, running and the simple pleasure of an Alexander Keith’s outside on a summer day. Above all, he loved to spend time with his family in their Halifax home.
In spite of his diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in March 2018, Lucas continued to live life to the fullest with positivity and incredible perseverance, all the while never complaining. His journey was an inspiration to us all. We know that Lucas is resting in heaven with his grandparents, Adam and Jozefa Parafianowicz, and Kazimierz Musial.
Lucas is survived by his wife, Dr. Tricia Doyle, formerly of Sydney, NS, and their children, Anna, Daniel and Stanley; his parents, John and Dorota Parafianowicz; his sister, Lydia and husband Erwin; his grandmother, Brunhilde Musial; uncle, Henry (Louise); uncle, Steve (Kim); cousins, Jeff and Aly (Nolan and daughter Noelle); parents-in-law, Ian and Anne Doyle of Sydney, NS; brothers-in-law, Ian James (Kylene) and Brenden Doyle; and support cat, Baddeck.
Lucas, you have left us far too soon, but you have touched every one of our lives, and you will never be forgotten. We love you, Lucas.
Visitation will take place at the Cruikshank’s Halifax Funeral Home (2666 Windsor Street) on Friday, November 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, November 24 from 1 to 2 p.m. with a Celebration of Life to follow at 2 p.m.
We will be creating memory books for Anna, Daniel and Stanley. We would like this to be a compilation of the many stories that friends and family have shared with us, so that his children can have a special memento of their incredible Dad. If you have a story about Lucas that you would like to contribute, please email it to lucasjohnmemories@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (http://www.llscanada.org) or the IWK Childrens’ Hospital Foundation (https://iwkfoundation.org/ ) would be greatly appreciated.
For online condolences please visit: www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com.