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.
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