Albert Matthew Julian
1950-2020
Julian, Albert Matthew – Life doesn’t
always take you down a path that you want or even one that you expect
to take. For Albert and his family that path was altered
when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
With his loving wife by his side, he made his final journey
to the spirit world on October 19, 2020.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late
Freeman Julian (of Antigonish) and Theresa (Battiste) Julian (of
Potlotek).
He attended Trent University in Peterborough Ontario where he
studied Sociology and Native Studies. He formed
many lifelong friendships with other students and members of the
community, whom he often referred to as his extended family.
Following his formal education, he returned to Paqtnkek
Mi’kmaw Nation with an expectation of being able to give
back to his home community.
Throughout his lifetime, Albert was employed in a variety of
different capacities. He was employed as an economic
development officer for the Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw
(Indians). At different points in his life, he was employed
as a Carpenter, a Band Manager, Welfare Officer, Fisheries Manager,
and Employment and Training Officer for Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw
Nation. However, the majority of his professional career he
was employed as a Technical Service Advisor for Housing with the
Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaw. It was during
this time he became one of the first Mi’kmaw Housing
Inspectors and completed housing inspections in many Mi’kmaw
communities across Nova Scotia. As a housing inspector, he was able to
work with CMHC (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation) to support
housing initiatives in Mi’kmaw communities. An advocate for
housing and infrastructure in First Nation communities, he sat on a
number of regional and national housing committees where he worked to
address the housing crisis for First Nations across
Canada.
Upon his retirement from CMM, he was elected as a member of
council. He was so proud to serve as a member of council,
and he did his best to help his community and everyone who called on
him for help. He was always proud of Paqtnkek and its accomplishments
and wanted to nothing but the best for his
community.
Albert was an avid lover of all music, and that was evident
with his large collection and variety of albums and
CD’s. One could never tell what he would be
listening to from Tupac to Bob Marley to Diana Krall. Music
was his way of relaxing ,and it was sure to put a smile on his face as
he listened to his tunes with family and friends or when he cruised
down the highway for a drive.
He was completely devoted to his family as a husband and
father. He had an unconditional love for each and every one
of his children and was their superman, they could always depend on
him. The love and support he gave them through good times
and bad were always present and his famous words “this too shall
pass” gave them comfort through tough times and it gave them just
the encouragement they needed.
Survived by his loving wife of 51 years Judy Bernard-Julian;
daughters, Juliana Julian (Mario George) and Alicia Julian, Paqtnkek;
sons, Jay Julian (Leanne Googoo), Colin Julian, Kolipie Julian, and
Johnny Izzard, all of Paqtnkek; special niece, Gail Marshall who
together he and Judy raised like one of their own; brother, Donald
Julian, Paqtnkek; and sister, Beverly Julian, Millbrook NS;
godchildren, Victoria Lafford, Terry Julian, Valerie Green, Wowkwis
Sylliboy, and Karly Bernard; and many nieces and nephews and 13
grandchildren who always put a smile on his face and sparkle in his
eye.
Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his children,
Stanley Julian and Tara Julian; and siblings, Russell Battiste, Marion
Paul, Freeman Julian Jr. (Meme), Marie Johnson, and Stanley J. Julian.
Visitation will be held Saturday October 24 after 5pm at 19
Mug-A-Sun Road, Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation. Funeral
Mass will be held on Monday October 26th in the
Immaculate Conception Church, Heatherton, at 11:00am, with Reverend
Andrew Gillies presiding. Cremation and burial will take
place at a later date.
Special thank you to the caregivers at St. Martha’s
Hospital and the RK MacDonald nursing
home.
PLEASE NOTE: Social distancing protocols must be followed at
all times, and masks are mandatory at both the visitation and funeral.
There is limited spacing in the church and anyone entering the church
must provide their contact information.
Feast and Salite to follow funeral Mass at the Paqtnkek
community complex.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry
Funeral Home, Antigonish. Online
condolences: www.clcurry.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Albert Matthew Julian 19502020..
Death notice for the town of: Antigonish, Province: Nova Scotia