Justin Christopher Lukenda

It is with heavy hearts we share with you the sudden passing of Justin Christopher Lukenda, of Lethbridge, Alberta, eldest son of Brian and Lana Lukenda (Atchison), predeceased in 2011.
Justin leaves to mourn his father, Brian Lukenda of Lethbridge, his brothers Jordan Lukenda of Lethbridge and Brandyn Lukenda of Calgary, his Godmother Cenz Rossi, Grandfather Whit Atchison, Step Grandfather John Kavanagh and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins who loved him dearly. Besides his mom, Lana, he was predeceased by his beloved Nana, Laverne Atchison Kavanagh (John Kavanagh), his Baba Madeline Lukenda and Katy Pawluk, all of whom he regarded as his heavenly angles. Cenz was his earthly angel and the family is blessed to have her as part of the family.
After the passing of these angels, on a Mothers Day, Justin wrote:

“Just tell the people that you love, that you loved them, when you do. I’m sure this is an old cliché or saying, but the only thing guaranteed in life is death and it can happen to anyone, anywhere, anywhere without warning. If you care about someone, don’t take them for granted, because the moment you do, could be the last time you see them, or are able to have a tangible conversation, hug or kiss. And just saying those magic words could make a world of difference.”
Justin graduated from Catholic Central High School. He also attended Lethbridge Community College enrolled in a Business Administration program. His work career was cut short due to his disease and wasn’t able to use his education. He had hopes and dreams of becoming a successful businessman someday.
Justin was the oldest of three brothers. He was good at school, a good basketball player, had lots of friends and just an all-around cool guy. Justin loved to dress up in fine flashy clothes. He loved to shop, buy jewelry and he always kept up with the newest fashions. He definitely stood out in a crowd. He loved fine dining and would sometimes order up to three dishes (the most expensive items on the menu of course) so he could sample the different flavors. He would actually eat all three dishes. 
Justin giggled a lot during conversations. It made you feel good and always put a smile on your face. His happy demeanor made you feel like you knew him your whole life, even if you just met him.
 Justin loved his family very much and loved the family gatherings. He always helped in preparing the food for Christmas Eve and looked forward when friends and family would stop by. He spent many summers at Nana and John’s home on Whitefish Lake with his Mom and brothers. He loved to snowboard on family ski trips.
Justin died of a dreaded disease, which has caused more deaths, illness and disabilities than any other health condition. There’s no shame in having this manmade disease, just a shame that it even exists. Addiction is not a choice. It is a gruesome disease. Drug related deaths have more than tripled since 2000 in both Canada and the United States and our family feels the need to speak the truth surrounding the loss of our beloved Justin. Silence would mean that his death was in vain, but if one person’s life is saved by his story, we would tell it a million times.
We know the pain of his suffering. We know the pain of our own suffering as his family, and we know there are hundreds of other people here in our community suffering from the same disease. Speaking the truths, no matter how horrific they may be, surrounding the epidemic of drug use may be the difference between life and death of someone. In honor of Justin’s life, we ask that truth be spoken as to what is going on around us and awareness raised. If you know someone who suffers from substance use disorder, our family encourages you to raise your voice. Do it for your loved one’s. Do it for those we have lost. Do it for Justin.
A private Prayer Vigil will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel. The family invites those who wish to view the livestream at https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Justin-Lukenda and scrolling to the bottom of Justin’s obituary 15 minutes prior to service time. 
A private family Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am, on Friday, February 19, 2021 at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church. The family invites those who wish to view the livestream at https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Justin-Lukenda and scrolling to the bottom of Justin’s obituary 15 minutes prior to service time. 
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Justin’s name to Streets Alive Mission, 323 4 St S, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 1Z9. Flowers gratefully declined, In lieu of flowers, or friends wishing to remember Justin, are encouraged to make a donation to Streets Alive.
 

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