Meint “Mike” C. Lukkien
June 6, 1932 – May 8, 2025
It is with celebration of a long life and meaningful memories that on May 8, 2025, Meint “Mike” “Meiny” Lukkien, 92, went to be with his saviour.
Mike leaves behind Elly, his devoted wife, best friend, and whom he lovingly referred to as his angel, just shy of what would have been their 70th wedding anniversary. He is survived by daughters Yvonne (Pat), Dorothy (Joe), Michelle (Bill) as well as seven grandchildren Erica (Brett), Cody (Amy), Morrisa (Alex), Mariah (Eric), Alyssa (Rohan), Morgan (Noah), Addie, and 8 great grandchildren.
An active member of his Bethel Christian Reformed church community, superintendent of the Sunday School program for 25 years, and a mentor to many youth and adults as a leader in the church, Mike was known for his big heart and the many songs he would sing for the congregation.
Born in Amsterdam, The Netherlands,1932, Mike’s early years were anything but ordinary. He spent part of his childhood living on a boat in Holland—an experience that gave him a love/hate relationship with water. Mike’s smile, big dimples, as well as his wild and wavy locks, won over the hearts of many which allowed him to get away with mischief others may have not.
Mike’s youth was shaped by the hardships of World War II. He endured lack of food, surviving on very little, making buddies with Canadian soldiers, and seeking out creative ways to get coal for his mother. He remembered the sound of distant bombings and the sight of cities impacted by the curse of war. The liberation of Holland by the Canadians shaped his deep appreciation for his life in Canada.
At just 16, Mike met the love of his life, Elizabeth. It was then they became Meiny and Elly. Their love story began in wartime and endured Mike’s short service in the Dutch Army. Meiny and Elly were married on May 12, 1955, and set their sights on a brighter future. They emigrated to Canada, just two weeks after they were married. They joined others with the same vision on the ship The Waterman with hope in their hearts and a couple of trunks of treasured essentials.
In the early days, Mike worked several jobs, finding his way as a tailor’s apprentice and door-to-door brush salesman. He found his calling as a stone mason and went on to specialize in fireplace design, where his creative eye and strong hands built warmth in countless homes across Saskatchewan. He began retirement in 1985 after a car accident slowed him down, but never stopped him.
Mike’s days were filled with the things he loved most: spending time with his wife; whether, traveling in their Lincoln Continental, to California in their fifth wheel or just a ride in the van, as well as telling people exactly how long they had been married (69 years, 11 months 361 days). He enjoyed abstract painting, singing with his guitar, collecting antiques, refinishing furniture, and bringing less than loved items back to life. He believed himself to be quite the comedian —a role he fulfilled with varying degrees of success.
Mike leaves a legacy of love, perseverance, creativity, and laughter that will be carried forward by the many people whose lives he touched.
Special thanks to the palliative care nurses at St Paul’s Hospital. Your love and care was deeply felt and appreciated.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, May 26, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Bethel Christian Reformed Church. Corner of highway 11 and Road 381 (Clark’s Crossing Road) 5 minutes north of the Saskatoon city limits.
To watch the live stream of the service please click on the link below.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE MEINT “MIKE” LUKKIEN
(A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above. The copy will be available for approximately 6 months.)
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to World Renew (formerly CRWRC) Disaster Response Services.
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
9 Comments
Condolences to all , Elly and the girls , we have great memories with Mike also have a fireplace still in our living room build by this talented man and the many card games we played , we cannot attend the service flying out to Nova Scotia that day , thoughts to all , Jack and Villy
We were sorry to read in the Star of Mike’s passing. Lots of memories of Mike helping to build our farm house and while living on 5th St. came to mind. For example, he went to a family stone pile, split rocks and built us a stone fireplace that has been enjoyed over the years. When the house burned down in 2005 the only thing left standing was the tall, strong and beautiful fireplace. It stood alone for several months until a new house was built around it. Our son Bob is now living in the house and his son will soon be moving in. All generations will continue to appreciate Mike’s excellent work. He came out to the farm one cold winter, put up hoarding to keep warm and covered the house in brick siding. Hard cold work well done. No bricks fell off!!
A great guy that you Elly and family will forever miss. Our sympathy to all!
Bill and Alma Copeland
Sympathies and condolences to the Lukkien family. Mike was a very good person with a great sense of humour. He was a leader and had great caring for others. Always a positive outlook on things.
On behalf of myself, and the rest of the Oosthoek family I wish you all strength, peace, and comfort. Rita Oosthoek Lutzko
I would like to extend heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family and all of his many friends who will miss him dearly.
I was lucky to know Mike. He was my neighbor and friend for 20 years. He welcomed me and my son Andrew and my wife Micah into the neighborhood that we live in to this day. Mike was an artist, a craftsman, a musician. I sang songs (his favorite ‘Me and Bobby Magee’) and played guitar with him on countless and unforgettable occasions on sunny days in the yard or in his home around a Christmas tree during one of the many neighborhood Christmas parties he and Ellie would graciously host. Lucky for us, Mike’s craftsman’s touch adorns our home in the form of beautiful brick archways and a fireplace that always reminds us of him and his generous contribution to our lives.
Men like Mike are rare. We learn from them when they’re not trying to teach us anything. He will be so fondly remembered. I was lucky to know Mike.
Sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. My condolences to the family
Dear Yvonne, Pat and family and all other family members. On the eve of your father’s funeral, I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to all of you. I am so sorry he has left this world and I am thinking of you. My prayers for all of you and for your Mom as she says her goodbye. May the memories you have of him keep him alive in your hearts. I never met your Dad Yvonne but feel I know him through you. I am sorry I cannot attend but hope to get on the livestream. Thinking of you with love always. Hugs🙅♀️❤️🙅♀️. Rox
Vanuit Nederland van harte ons meeleven met het overlijden van jullie man, vader en grootvader en onze oom Meint. Wij zeiden altijd: hij is onze vrolijkste en gezelligste oom. Als tante Elly en hij in Nederland waren en we toevallig een familiefeest hadden zong hij oude Nederlandse liedjes bij de gitaar met groot plezier, een echte cabaretier. In de laatste jaren hebben we samen met onze vader Jan een aantal keren gebeld. Prachtig dat we elkaar ook konden zien. Oom Meint was toen ook al ziek, maar hij bleef onverminderd opgewekt en humoristisch. Tante Elly en kids en kleinkids, we bidden jullie de nabijheid en troost van God toe in jullie verdriet. En sterkte deze dag van de begrafenis. Lieve groet, Koos en Greet Koster-Lukkien (schoonzoon en dochter van Jan)
I remember your dad as a kind, talented man—strong in both his faith and his hands, with a spark of humour and joy that made all people feel at ease, even strangers. Reading the previous messages, it’s obvious that he lived out his faith and his love for the Lord in his music and his craftsmanship and his friendship. It has left a lasting impression. My heart is especially with Michelle, Elly, and the whole family as you grieve and remember him. May God surround you with comfort and peace in the days ahead. Sandy
I wanted to extend my deepest condolences to Elly and all of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your beautiful memories provide you comfort.
He was an amazing man who left a mark on everyone he met. I truly felt so blessed and privileged to have known such a wonderful spirit. He truly lived life with Grace and to the fullest.
As you were you will always be, treasured in my heart. Lovely memorial today.
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