Obituary of Luis Albert Samanica

SAMANICA, Luis Albert - Peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice Sarnia with his wife and family by his side, Luis Albert Samanica aged 57 years passed away on Wednesday June 12, 2024.  Loving husband and best friend of 40 years to Terenia Samanica (Lessy) of Sarnia.  Dear son to the late Maria and Manuel Samanica.  Caring brother to Helen (Dave) Briscoe, London, Manny (Rachel) Samanica, London and dear brother-in-law to Steve (Isha) Lessy, Hamilton, Myron Lessy, Camlachie and Borys (Lori) Lessy, Vancouver.

Luis discovered a love for cooking where he began his career at Swiss Chalet Sarnia and years later became an owner/operator of Swiss Chalet first in London Ontario and then Sarnia.  He also spent 16+ years at the University of Western Ontario working his way up from a cook/chef position and then achieving the roll of Assistant Director of Operations & Divisional Purchasing of food services.

For those who had the opportunity to taste Luis dishes, they were always created with the best ingredients using the perfect spices and ending in delicious flavours.  His love and passion for food also took him on many adventures working at several restaurants both in London Ontario and Sarnia.

Luis was not only passionate about cooking, but also enjoyed fishing, golfing and spending quiet times at home with his wife. 

Luis will truly be missed by all his colleagues, friends and family. 

The family would like to thank the doctors, especially Doctor Watling, Neurologist at LHSC for his compassion and care he provided Luis for 20+ years.  Also, a HUGE THANK YOU to all the doctors, nurses, PSW’s and Volunteers at Hospice Sarnia for their compassion and kindness they provided Luis during his time spent in their care.

Visitation will be held at the McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia, on Sunday, June 16, 2024  from 5-8 p.m. with Panakhyda (prayers) at 7:30 p.m. Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Yaroslav Lukavenko at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024 at St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1045 Rosedale Ave., Sarnia. Interment to follow at Beechwood Cemetery, Forest. Note – there will not be a formal procession to the cemetery, please meet us there following mass. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 475 Christina St. N., Sarnia, ON., N7T 5W3 or St. Georges Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1045 Rosedale Ave., Sarnia ON., N7S 1Z5.

Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com