Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Nouveau-Brunswick for funeral details
March 7, 1965, to June 26,
2024
We celebrate Eric’s life as
husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and coach. He was a wonderful
person, loved by so many. Eric passed away at home following an
evening of piano music, reminiscing on special memories, and enjoying
mint chocolate chip ice cream with his
family.
Eric was born in Toronto to Floreida
and Jüri Luiker and big brother Allan and lived at 66 Skylark
Road until his mid-20s. He grew up speaking Estonian and was proud of
his family roots there. In his youth, he enjoyed summer fun in Ontario
at the family cottage at Oak Lake and camp time at
Jõekääru.
He met Mary at the University of
Guelph, and they began their amazing adventure together, moving to
Vancouver, then to St. John’s where Katie and Juliana were
born, and settling in Fredericton in 2001 where Andrew was born. Eric
felt at home on the East Coast and often spoke about how much he loved
being a part of the Fredericton community.
Eric had a passion for aquatic biology
and honed his skills in rivers and lakes all over Canada including
remote Arctic sites. He had great connections with his colleagues,
particularly at Environment and Climate Change Canada where he worked
for over 20 years. He led the water quality monitoring program for the
Jemseg and Grand Lake Watershed Association where he shared his love
and expertise of aquatic biology. He passed on his love of nature to
his children through outdoor adventures, including “critter
catching” on school field trips.
Eric made friends and added to
community spirit everywhere he went.
Eric loved volleyball, playing with
Estonian pals in the Kalev club in Toronto, the varsity team for the
University of Guelph, on the beaches in Vancouver, and later coaching
with the Reds Volleyball Club in Fredericton. Backyard volleyball was
a staple for any summer event at the Luikers, bringing together people
of all skill levels for laughs, grass stains and minor ankle injuries.
He also enjoyed playing soccer with the Old Boys Club in
Fredericton.
The Wostawea Cross-Country Ski Club
was a passion and joy of his since 2001, where he led the Jackrabbit
program, coached the ski team, initiated the ski cross park and
eagerly participated in loppets and races all over this beautiful
province and beyond. Most recently, he skied in the 2024 Wostawea
Loppet and was cheered across the finish line. He inspired youth and
adults to enjoy cross-country skiing year-round, including roller
skiing in the off-season. The ski community was his second family in
NB.
Eric was a family man. He was
“all in” for family activities, including music lessons,
backyard ice skating, epic birthday parties and Sunday brunches. He
loved time with family in Keppoch, PEI, playing on the beach with his
kids and golfing with his son. The family cottage on Grand Lake was
his happy place, where he enjoyed kayaking, boating, fishing, and
barbecuing. He was a fun-loving dad and the biggest cheerleader for
his family.
Eric and family felt incredibly loved
and supported throughout his journey with cancer. His endless
positivity, gratitude, grace, and strength inspired everyone around
him. Despite his diagnosis, he kept his zest for life through coaching
the NB Cross Country Ski Team at the 2023 Canada Games, traveling
coast to coast by train with Mary, and enjoying time with family and
friends. His love and light will live on.
Eric is survived by his wife, Mary,
children Katie, Juliana and Andrew, dogs Georgia and Henry, his
brother Allan and extended family, including Monica Muckenfuss, Max
Luiker, Anne and Hamish Murdoch, Janet and David Soper, Elspeth,
David, Joseph, and Sophie Nickerson, and Alex, Jody, Ian, Connor, and
Alyssa Murdoch.
A celebration of Eric’s life
will be held at Odell Park Lodge in Fredericton on July 11 from 5 to 8
pm and will include a service of dedication at 6 pm. Please wear
clothes that make you happy. For donations in Eric’s name,
please consider Wostawea Cross-Country
Ski Club, 12
Neighbours and Camp
Rotary.
1965 2024
Death notice for the town of: Fredericton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
death notice Eric Alari Luiker 1965 2024
obituaries notice Eric Alari Luiker 1965 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Eric Alari Luiker 1965 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
