Steve Lukinuk, age 91, a long-time respected resident of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully at St Joseph’s Hospital, on August 16, 2018.

Steve was one of eight children born to George and Maria Lukinuk, early pioneers of Hudson, Ontario. Education was important to the Lukinuk family and in order to obtain his high school diploma, Steve left home to attend Fort William Collegiate High School in Fort William (later Thunder Bay). Steve continued his education by attending the University of Toronto where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry (1950). After working in the field of forestry for several years, he returned to Toronto and obtained his law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School (1956).

Steve met his future wife Lorna Belle Arnill at a wedding in Sault Ste Marie and they married in 1955. The couple settled in Fort William where Steve opened his law practice. He served as a Fort William City Alderman (1961-1963), and was a founding member of Lakehead Search & Rescue Unit and Twin Haven/Arc Industries. Steve was Chair of the Lakehead Regional Conservation Authority (1963), and his interest in many aspects of conservation continued throughout his life.

Steve continued to nurture his love for Northwestern Ontario and the great outdoors by establishing Noraura Tree Farms where he grew Scotch Pine trees, and to that end, family and friends enjoyed the unique experience of picking and cutting their own Christmas tree.

Beginning in his youth and throughout his life, Steve had a fascination for rocks and minerals. And so in his early 60’s, Steve assumed ownership of the (Thunder Bay) Amethyst Mine Panorama and dedicated the remainder of his life to the development, production and promotion of Canadian amethyst. He was committed to the mine operation and on a daily basis enjoyed interacting with tourists and rock enthusiasts from around the world. Steve and his family were honoured to receive the Developer of the Year award from the Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association (2016).

Family was extremely important to Steve and he instilled his values of loyalty, life-long learning and a strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren. His family will forever remember him for his wisdom, passion, determination and generosity.

Steve will be dearly missed by his wife of 63 years, Lorna, and his five children: Jane Krisko of Mississauga, Connie Lukinuk of Mississauga, Crystal Parker (John) of London, Timothy Lukinuk (Lori) of Thunder Bay and Jennifer Cade (Geoff) of London, and his ten grandchildren: John Krisko (Katie), Beverly Krisko, Bradley Sooley (Jessica), Steve Parker (Christina), Travis Parker (Courtney), Corissa Parker (Hokey), Sara Lukinuk, Crystal Lukinuk, Stuart Cade and Elizabeth Cade. Steve was the proud great-grandfather to his six great-grandchildren: Zachary, Sophia and Alexa Sooley, Jack and Charlie Parker and Chester Parker. He is also survived by his sister Irene Ashenden of Peterborough and many nieces and nephews.
Steve was predeceased by his parents, brothers William and Morris, sisters Katrina, Helen, Min, and Anne, and sons-in-law Brian Sooley and David Krisko.

Funeral services for the late Mr. Steven Lukinuk will be held at 11:00am on Friday, August 24, 2018 in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, with the Rev. Robert Smith officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lakehead Regional Conservation Authority as the Lakehead Community Foundation (lakeheadca.com/about/foundation) or a charity of your choice.