December 6, 1936 – November 27, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Dom. He was a one-of-a-kind character, built from a hard work ethic and a warm generosity that brought a smile to everyone he met.
Dominic, born to parents Domenico and Idel Delucia, was proud to be part of a large Italian family and to have lived in Ladysmith his entire life.
He was pre-deceased by his siblings Norman, Frank, Lyla, Anne, and Rose and by his stepdaughter Debbie DeClark.
Dominic leaves behind his wife Lynne, stepdaughters Christine and Tammy (Keith), and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him much delight. Dominic also leaves behind his sister Idel (Dolly) and brother-in-law Tony in Italy, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Dom worked from a young age, first in logging, and then he gave commercial fishing a try (he changed careers after the boat capsized). He found his way to becoming a longshoreman and had many tales to tell of his decades on the waterways. Dom was an avid fisher and hunter filled with respect for the land and all wildlife on it.
You could tell he was from hardy stock and that he had survival stories to tell, such as surviving a bullet wound, a log crashing on his neck, and a bear attack.
He was actively involved in local sports, including golf, floor hockey, and ball. His years on the Aggie Argos and Kids and Sitters provided long time friendships, and, if you were lucky, you received a poke in the ribs from Dom.
Dominic was a loyal and steadfast friend who “adopted” and looked out for the kids in his friend’s family. He was a mentor to many youths, loading them up in his red truck to go up the mountain to share his knowledge of the area or to speed off to the DQ to share his knowledge of the best ice cream available.
In the 1980s Dom made a special connection with Lynne. After years of courtship, the two married in 1993, and Dom became “Pappy” to Chris, Deb, and Tam and their families. We knew Pappy for his coveted chair in the corner of the living room, his colourful language that helped to fill the swear jar, and the fact that he would NEVER miss one of the kids’ birthdays.
As strong and stoic as Pappy was, you could get a glimpse of his appreciation and gratitude for life by the tears in his eyes at the mention of a sunset or sunrise or from a hug from any one of his grandchildren. He brought such life to our family dinners, passionate and animated with his Italian hand gestures and lively debates.
Pappy was filled with ideas and opinions on politics, current events, and how to cook a roast. Nobody could make us laugh like Pappy, with his unique sayings and sound effects. Above all, Pappy modelled what it means to have faith.
Dominic enjoyed travelling and recalled early trips with his friends to Europe, and, later, many adventures with Lynne. Road trips with Lynne, especially the long, lonely trek up the Cassiar Highway, often involved a singing marathon as the two of them crooned along to Harry Belafonte or Neil Diamond.
Any trip north from Ladysmith, Dom noted if the tide was in or out at the lagoon. On low tide, he would fondly recite his father’s saying, “Tide’s Out- Tables On”. When he was young this meant they were in for a treat and shellfish would be on Dad’s menu that night.
Moreover, he tilled the earth and carried on the tradition of his father by keeping the Delucia family gardens and green house thriving. It was not unusual to see 40 tomatoes plants each year, producing a bounty that he loved to share. In the more recent years, he became the foreman to Debbie and Lynne as they learned the ropes of tending to the treasured lot.
Dom never left a building or a person without bellowing a “thank you”, knowing that a smile and kind remark goes a long way. He never held a drink in his hand without expressing a heartwarming and robust, “SALUTE”.
Salute to you Dominic Arthur Delucia.
Guess What? We love you.
(In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your charity of choice).
Obituary-