Whitney Pier
It is with deep sadness that we, the family of Gideon Alonzo Lucas announce his peaceful passing at home surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, September 28, 2025.
Born on January 24, 1946, Gideon was the son to the late Alonzo Lucas and Miriam (Weeks) Lucas. Gideon was raised in Whitney Pier, in a loving home that put family and faith at the forefront.
Gideon was a member of the Trinity United Church for a number of years and was affiliated with different choirs, but most known for his role in the Inspirational Singers and One In Spirit. He had a steadfast faith, which could be heard anywhere, anytime through his singing of The Gospel.
Gideons passion for cooking could be found in the number of years he worked as a cook at Addictions Services and various cooking jobs in the hospitality sector.
Gideon married his soulmate, Sylvia Van der Horst on September 9, 2005. They had 20 loving years together where they created beautiful memories and so many laughs.
To know Gideon was to love him. He was affectionately known as ‘Uncle Gid’ to the community of Whitney Pier and beyond. No matter where Gideon was he could be found brandishing the largest, warmest smile. He had an inviting energy that was hard to deny. Whether on the dance floor, in the kitchen with his apron, or shooting darts at the Cedars Club, he found joy in everything.
Gideon was a staple of his community, which can be seen in the countless stories shared and by those he influenced from his days with the United Mission.
Gideon is survived by loving wife, Sylvia (Van der Horst); honorary daughters, Shannon Gillis (Jamie), and Rachel Lucas; sister, Elease Smuk; sister-in-law, Mary LaRusic; brothers-in-law, Jan Van der Horst, Herbert Winton, Robert Winton, Johannes Winton and Jason Ramsay; cousin, Teresa Elcock; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
Besides his parents, Gideon is predeceased by his sisters, Olga (Lucas) Skeete, Ismay Innis, Ruth Lucas, and Naomi Austin; brothers, Alonzo Crawford, William ‘Bill’ Lucas, Ethelston ‘Luke’ Lucas, and mother-in-law, Johanna Winton.
The family extend our heartfelt thanks to the Victorian Order of Nurses, City Homemakers, and the Palliative Care team who provided exceptional care and comfort, to Gideon during his time of need. Thank you to everyone for their well wishes and prayers. We take comfort in knowing he went peacefully and is reunited with his loved ones who went before him.
Visitation for the late Gideon Lucas will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025. A celebration of Gideon’s life will be held in the funeral home in the All Faith Chapel on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 11 a.m. with Michael Morrison officiating.
Donations in memory of Gideon may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be forwarded to the family at www.pierfuneralhome.com.
“He was my best friend and my partner in every part of life. I will miss his laughter, his kindness, and the way he always made our home feel full of love.”
Syl
Online Condolences
Sincerest sympathies to Gideon’s family. We went to Eastmount School in the Pier together. Whenever we’d meet he always had a broad smile and warm welcome. He will be greatly missed.
From: Irene (Walker) Ellefsen
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in their time of sorrow. Gideon will be surely missed.
From: Nichols Family
My sincere condolences to the family of Gideon Lucas. He was a childhood friend of mine and his friendship is one of the most important and cherished memories of that time. My memories are of a gentle and bigger than life true friend. The few times we connected thereafter always brought us back as if no time had passed. His friendship never dimmed.
From: Mike Giacomantonio
So sorry to hear of Gideon’s passing. I went to Eastmount School in Whitney Pier with him. He was a very likable and easygoing person, most often smiling whenever he greeted you. Sincere condolences to his family.
From: Audrey (Tarr) Dollimount
My deepest condolences on you loss. Gideon was a very special man. He will be missed. RIP
Larry and Sandra Hrynick
Gideon was a huge presence in our community throughout my childhood. Funny guy and a good cook. Rest peaceful Gideon.My condolences to Family and Friends
May he rest in the paradise with the lord God bless the family in the time of loss
So very sorry to hear this news. I found him to be such a lovely man. He was humorous, kind, and helpful. He was a gentleman. His singing voice was so beautiful and deep.
Rest in Peace friend, you will not be forgotten.
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Condolences Sylvia upon the passing of Gideon..He was such a pleasure to know n get a nice warm hug
My deepest condolences to Gideons family…he was one very special man… he was always so pleasent and happy and a wonderful chef. Go rest high Gideon and may yor soul rest in eternal peace 🙏 God love you my friend.
Love you so much uncle, I love you so much thank you for always making me laugh and keeping my belly full. I’ll never forget you.
Love you always .
An infectious smile and true friend and don’t forget a great cook. Gone but not forgotten; too many memories to forget. Rest in peace.
Well another angel was called home yesterday. Gideon will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and in countering that infectious smile of his. Gideon enjoyed his family and friends and making new friends. He loved to cook and enjoyed sharing his food with others. Believe me who ever is running the kitchen upstairs is going to have to share it with Gideon. Rest easy Gideon and know that you will never be forgotten. ❤️❤️
So sorry to hear of Gideon’s passing condolences to all may he Rest In Peace
So sorry to hear of Gideon’s passing. Our condolences to the family.
Sincere condolences on the loss of a fine man. I remember Gideon well. In my youth living in the Pier, he was always upbeat and happy to greet anyone.
He was certainly a well liked fellow Whitney Pier man.
Rest in love and peace Gideon.
Paul M Walker
Rest in Peace Gideon. Condolences to the family.
Condolences to Gideon’s family and friends..rest in peace my friend..God Bless!!!
So sorry for your great loss my deepest condolences to all the family
My deepest condolences to Gideon’s family (Lucas and Skeete family) and friends. I have fond memories of tasting his souse pudding and seeing his beautiful smile!
My deepest condolences to Gideon’s family. I will surely miss our chats and visits. Words cannot express how I’m feeling. You were there for me in good times and bad times. I will always cherish our memories. Love you dearly. Rest easy uncle.
Gideon was a huge presence in our community throughout my childhood. Funny guy and a good cook. Rest peaceful Gideon.My condolences to Family and Friends
Condolences to the family he was a true treasure to human kind may he rest in peace ,I enjoyed getting to know him .
We are very sorry for your loss.
Bert and Maurina Lewis
Gideon was a lovely person who always had a smile when he saw you. He will be missed by everyone. RIP my friend.
Sorry to see this . I worked @ AS with Gideon & he was a kind man.. Would see him occasionally over the years. Rest in Peace….the Angels have a new choir member..
Sylvia I am so sorry to read of Gideon’s passing. He was such a nice man always smiling and happy. Gideon was a big part of the Pier culture and hie presence will be missed. My condolences to you and to the rest of his family
Very saddened to read of Gideon’s passing. Gideon and I attended school together in Whitney Pier and became friends. Gideon always called me”R”. To Gideon’s family and friends I extend my sincere sympathy. Whitney Pier had lost another great community member. RIP friend.
I am so sorry to hear of Gideon’s passing. I worked with him at addiction services, he always had a smile and compassion for everyone. Gideon will sing with angels now. May all he has given in his life be received now for his family God bless you all. Tom Blanchard
So sorry to hear of Gideon’s passing, Condolences to the family. RIP
Sorry to see this. Gideon was a wonderful soul with a big heart, a great cook, a great singer. I worked with Gideon @ Addiction Services 115 Alexandra St in Sydney. We weren’t only co-workers but good friends as well. Gideon…… now you’re in ‘Whiskey Heaven’ Rest in Peace my friend! My condolences to his family….
Very saddened to hear of Gideons passing. Thoughts and prayers are with everyone.
Condolences to Gideon‘s family and many friends, Cindy and Reggie Binns
Gideon, my friend, I am deeply saddened to hear of your passing, I will always remember your kindness to me. You had such a beautiful spirit of compassion, I know for myself, and everyone who knew you we will miss you, I am thankful and appreciative to have known you. To Sylvia and the entire Lucas Family my heartfelt condolences.
Condolences to the entire family. Gideon was a wonderful person and had a big heart. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Rest easy my friend.
Our condolences to the family and friends.
Our deepest sympathies to the lucas family rest in peace Gideon
Our condolences to all the Lucas families. Gideon was a huge presence in our community of Whitney Pier, especially remembering his cooking it was so good. My friend, you will be missed by all who knew you. Fly high Gideon. May you RIP
So sorry to hear of Gideon’s passing. We lost a good man. Condolences to the Lucas family.
Gideon was a very special man. He will be missed. Condolences to his family.
He raised me since I was a child and the only father I know .
There is a party of him left behind in me .
I love Jim and will miss him.
Until we meet again dad.
So sorry to hear of Gideon’s passing. He was a good friend and we sang with The Inspirational Singers together. He will be missed by many people.
Sylvia. So very sorry to hear of Gideon’s passing . He was such a wonderful man , will be so missed . God bless . Bev.
So sad to hear the passing of Gideon. Condolences to all the family members. May he rest in Peace.
Rest in Peace Gideon. You were an intregal part of our community while I was growing up. Your visits to my house were always humerous and enjoyable. See you on the other side.
Oh my deepest condolences to the family. My Mother’s name was Elaine Reid. Mom just loved Gideon. They were close friends back in the day. Gideon was always so sweet to me. He will be missed. xoxoxo
So sorry to hear of his passing, loved playing with and against him at darts R.I.P. Gideon
We have all lost one fine gentleman. You will be missed Gideon. Thanks for all the smiles. RIP
Joan (Hiscock) Paul.
My deepest heartfelt condolences to Sylvia and the Lucas family on the passing of Gideon. I’ve known Gideon since I was very young he always called me Mary Rose. He was friendly, kind always smiling and a great cook. God Bless You all during your loss. R.I.P. Gideon you will be missed.
Uncle was a special person. We had hundreds of great chats over many years.
He will be sorely missed.
When I first met Gid, he was described as the “Mayor” of Whitney Pier”. He knew pretty much everyone in the area, from what I was told.
He always wanted to share his tea biscuits with everyone so they could enjoy them.
Thoughts and prayers going out to Sylvia, and the Lucas and Skeete families.
He was a unique individual.
Safe journey, Unca.
You deserve it.
Mary Lou
My condolences going out to Gideon’s family and his friends. He was such a wonderful, caring, funny man. I remember every time I would run into him, he always had that big smile and hug. He will be truly misses.
So very sorry for your family’s
Sending hugs and support
during this very trying the
🌹🌹🫂🫂
My heartfelt condolences to Gideons family and also to his many friends. He will be remembered with fondness and happy memories 💐
My condolences to all the family
May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Sylvia, I’ll always remember how Gideon got a kick out of us when we were together. He loved joking about having ‘two to deal with’ and soaking up the attention. After roughly 40 years of knowing him, I can say he always knew how to win people over—and he won (but don’t tell him, lol). I can still hear him laughing.
I know your heart is heavy, but you’re not alone. I’m holding you close in my thoughts and love.”
Your little Sis
To all that is morning him right now I send my condolences.
GIdeon was a wonderful fun,kind loving man,Neil and I played darts with him at the Cedars Club,he was loved my all there.always happy singing and sometimes giving a nice neck massage to afew of us.our sincere condolences to all his family and friends,Rest In Peace Gideon,we are sure in is still singing all his beautiful gospel hymns..
My deepest condolences to all of Gideon’s loved ones. His joy lit up any room he entered. He was a lovely person.
We, the Sylvester and Marshall families will miss you dearly. Gideon. You were an important part of our families over the years leaving fond memories which we will cherish forever; You showed love to all our children and other members of our family, Uncle Gideon. May you rest peacefully, Brother.
Our sincere condolences to Sylvia and family on the passing of her husband, Gideon. He will be missed dearly. May he rest peacefully.
So long to a fine gentleman who always had a smile for everyone
Gideon you will be missed
My sincere sympathy to the family
Gideon was such a kind and happy person.I will miss his smile .
My deepest condolences to the Lucas Family may Gideon Rest in Peace and May Light Perpetual Shine on Him.
My deepest condolences to Sylvia and family . Gideon was a lovely man, always happy and so nice to chat with. He made the best chicken wings !!! ❤️
I met Gideon when I worked with Dr. Virick.. Gideon had the best smile and always lit up the room. He loved to sing and his voice was amazing and his baking skills were top notch. He gave the best hugs and I know he is singing in another choir now, RIP my friend. ❤️
Our sincere condolences . He will be missed. When I think about Gideon, I think about the early days and how kind he was to Zelda and I and how he used to joke with us. Eating smelts and coo coo at Olga’s table comes to mind as well as his big smile. Good memories. Rest in peace Gideon
Denise Toussaint and family