Sebus Anthony Luiken age 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 1st, 2024, after being diagnosed with Cancer.

He was predeceased by his parents: Eusebius & Catharina, his brothers; Nico, Henk, Nick, Bart, Koos, his sisters; Julia and Julie, and first wife; Paula (Tardif).

Sebus will be dearly missed by his wife of over 30 years, Jean, his daughter; Michelle (Eric Knutsen), grandchildren; Willow and Xander, stepson; Kim Hilfer, sisters; Anna Marie Hunik, Faye Smith, and Ann(Alphonse) Walisser as well as numerous family and friends.

Sebus was born in the Netherlands in 1934, during WWII. His family immigrated to Canada when he was only 14 years old. The family first lived on a dairy farm then moved to Hawk Hills to Homestead.

Sebus later moved to Nampa where he farmed for many years. In 1973, he gave up his bachelor life to marry Paula (Tardif). A couple of years later they welcomed a baby girl, Michelle, who, by all accounts, became the center of his universe.

For many years he was a single Dad, raising his daughter while working long, cold winters Seismic Drilling and later driving a Water Truck. In 1993, he married Jean (Hilfer).

In the early 1990’s Sebus fulfilled his dream and bought his beloved acreage in Delburne which was in close proximity to Fawn Meadows golf course. During his retirement he became a fixture at Fawn Meadows and could be found on the golf course up to 4 times a week often playing as early as 6am with a group known as the “Coyotes”. He was well loved at the golf course and made many great friendships.

At his acreage, Sebus could often be found sitting on his deck, surrounded by close friends, a steak on the BBQ with a Caesar drink in his hand looking out at all his beautiful flowers that he planted and enjoying the lake view.

Always in style, Sebus followed the trends and was known for being a sharp dresser. He especially loved getting dressed up to go out, or to a family wedding where he could be found on the dance floor. Everyone loved getting a turn to dance with “Uncle Sebus” because he was a lot of fun and enjoyed twirling his partner around.

He was a long time Oilers fan and loved watching his hockey games. He knew all the statistics of each player and would get together with close friends to discuss all the ways and strategies he believed the Oilers should be implementing in order to win. When the Oilers didn’t do what Sebus thought they should, he would yell at the tv screen during an Oiler game and holler, “Geez you guys, smarten up!”.

During retirement, Sebus spent many winters in California with his daughter and her family. He spent these winters fully engaged with his grandkids and will be remembered for his loud voice, distinctive accent, swearing in Dutch, and walking at the speed of light. His family will also remember “Grandpa Sebus” for playing silly games, going on adventures in the yard and many breakfasts at Denny’s which he always mispronounced “Danny’s” causing his family to giggle at his expense. He always had so much energy, and was a kid at heart.

In later years, he religiously went out each morning and afternoon to go for his long “walks”. Never missed a day. Could be 40 below and he would just bundle up. Nothing stopped him from getting his walks in. When he’d return, he often made his beloved homemade soups. “Soups on” he would announce, and he would always make extra so that when friends stopped by, he could share with them and send them home with some.

Sebus was eternally optimistic and always believed that everything had a way of working out so no point stressing about it. Everything was always “fine” and he would often say “People always make it”.

He also was very generous and helped out a lot of people over his lifetime. He had faith in people that others had given up on, and would give them a second chance, or more. If you were ever “in a bind” it’s Sebus you would call.

Sebus was also a survivor. In his life he made it through countless accidents: his arm ripped open from getting caught in farm equipment, several car accidents including multiple times rolled over trucks, was once buried alive causing broken ribs & jaw, and he even lost part of his pointer finger, which from then on, was referred to as his “stubby finger”. Somehow, he always pulled through. He seemed to have 9 lives. He was so tough, so strong willed.

Sebus had a real zest for life, good sense of humor and was, at times, maybe, a tad bit sarcastic. He was truly a character, a one of a kind. This world will never be the same without him.

The Celebration of Life has been cancelled and a private family event will take place instead.

• Date : 2024-02-01
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home