Sydney
William Junior Lucas, lovingly known as ‘Winkie,’ age 72, of Sydney, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born on May 9, 1953, in Sydney, Winkie was a cherished son, brother, and friend. He was known for his kind heart, quiet strength, and unwavering loyalty. With an easy presence and gentle nature, Winkie had a way of making people feel comfortable simply by being himself.
Winkie was predeceased by his parents, William and E. Jeanette (Mintus) Lucas, and by his brothers, Roland Callendar and John Lucas.
Winkie is survived by his sisters, Esther and Karen (Blair); brothers, Curtis, and Donald; several nieces and nephews; and his longtime best friend, Ray Clemes, who held a special place in his life.
Winkie enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in March 1975, serving for a short period. He later worked at Membertou Environmental Services as a cleaner for 19 years, retiring with pride. Winkie valued his work greatly and took satisfaction in doing his job well.
In his free time, Winkie enjoyed fishing, playing darts, eating out, and watching sports. He shared his mother’s love of tea and never turned down a cup. One of his favorite meals was fish and chips, and he and his friend Ray made it a tradition to visit different restaurants in search of the best fish and chips in town.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the ICU team and the 4-C team for the care, guidance, and compassion they provided to Winkie and his loved ones. A special thank you is also extended to Nicole Francis, Winkie’s former supervisor, for her kindness and continued support.
To those who knew him best, Winkie was more than a nickname—it was a reflection of his personality and the special place he held in so many hearts. William Junior Lucas will always be remembered as Winkie, and as he would often say with a smile. “My name is Winkie, not William.”
Visitation for the late Winkie Lucas will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026. A celebration of Winkie’s life will be held in the funeral home in the All Faith Chapel on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2 p.m. with Deacon Rhonda Crawford officiating. Interment will take place Forest Haven Memorial Gardens, Sydney at a later date.
For those unable to attend, Live Streaming will be available on our website. Click Here: https://www.facebook.com/35925689617/live/
Donations in memory of Winkie 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
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in their time of sorrow. Winkie was a thoughtful person. Rest in Peace
From: Janice Crawley (Nichols Family)
Deepest condolences on your loss. You are in our prayers❤️
Larry and Sandra Hrynick
My sincere condolences to Winkie’s family and friends. Although I was a tad bit younger than him, I have lots of memories of Winkie during my childhood and school years. Rest is Peace Winkie.
Heartfelt condolences to Winnie’s family and friends… Winkie was always a kind and gentle person…he could always make me laugh…God Bless and Rest in Peace
Karen/Family- So Sorry for the loss of your brother.
It is surly with a sad heart that I say goodbye to a special friend who became family to me by marriage. Winkie shared time with me and my children when he moved in with us. He was with us for a number of years. He brought lots of laughter to our home and was a real tea drinker for sure. Winkie loved his family especially his mom Janet. He always would look and seek her advice on things that were important to him or things that he didn’t quite understand. Winkie continued to drop by my place of residence to pick up a Sunday dinner. I will miss his laughter and his stories. My condolences to his family and friends. I would like to acknowledge Winkies friend Ray who I have had the privilege of meeting through Winkie many years ago. Thank you for always being there for him, I’m sure he was aware that you never left his side, being there right to the end. Now rest easy Winkie and know that you will be missed and never forgotten 💔💔
I’m sorry for your loss. Winkie was a good person and I respected him.
Sorry for your loss. Our condolences to the Lucas family.
I knew winkie for many years he always had a smile on his face and he would light up when he seen you he was always very respectful and fun to be around. The community lost a very special person, winkie fly high buds until we meet again. Condolences to Williams family and all that knew him. 🙏 💔
I am so sorry to hear of Winkie’s passing. There are no words that can truly ease this pain, but I hope you find comfort in the love and memories you all shared. Please know I’m thinking of you and sending you strength during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
My condolences to the family. He was a great person.
Rest in Peace cuz Winkie. You were always nice and gentle to me.
Deepest condolences to his surviving family, Rest in Peace
To all Winkie’s Family and Friends. I am sending condolences and prayers. RIHP
My sincere deepest condolences to the whole family . Winkie and grew up together in school , sports and life . He will be surely missed by all who knew him . Rest in peace my brother 💔💔
So sorry to hear of Winkie’s passing. He is at peace. My most heartfelt condolences to all of Winkie’s family. Cherish your memories.
We are very sorry for your loss. I went to Whitney School with Winkie and Maurina lived next door on French Street.
Bert and Maurina Lewis
My sincere condolences to everyone who known and loved Winkie! He was always a smile you appreciated! And needed! Rest easy my friend and fly high buddy!
My thoughts and most sincere sympathies are extended to Winkie’s family and friends. My heart is with you all.
My sincere and deepest condolences to the entire family. He will always be remembered by all who knew him. Rip Winkie.
My sincere and deepest condolences to the entire family. He will always be remembered by all who knew him. RIP Winkie.
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Winkie. My deepest condolences to the entire family. Rest peacefully Winkie.
our deepest condolences to Winkies family and friends,Always a smile ,always a gentleman when I would see and speak with him,May he Rest In Peace.
My deepest condolences to the Lucas family Winkie always had a smile for everyone great neighbor when we were growing up
To all family & friends of Winky, 💔deepest sympathy to all.
💐💐💐💐💐💐
Doddy & Bobby
Sending deepest condolences to Winkie’s family. We are so sorry for your loss. We always remember what a kind and gentle person he was. R.I.P. my friend Hazel and Michael Lucas
Karen and family,
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May Winkie rest easy.
Our deepest Condolences to the Lucas Family. Winkie was a great guy he always had a big smile. RIP my old buddy and neighbor 🙏🙏.Derrick and Norma Murphy
My heartfelt condolences to the Lucas family. Thinking of you all. May he rest in peace.
To the Lucas family 🩶
Winkie will be remembered as a gentleman who shared his smile and stories of lived times with me whenever we meet.RIP my friend!
Curtis and all the family, my deepest most heartfelt condolences.
I haven’t seen Winnie in years but he had a smile you could never forget it lit up a room..
So sorry for your loss