With profound love and deep sorrow, the family of Lucien ‘Bouncer’ Villeneuve announces his passing on November 18, 2025, at the age of 89. A man of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and immense heart, Lucien’s life was a testament to resilience, devotion, and the gentle power of hope.

Born on June 7, 1936, in Rosthern, Sask., Lucien’s early years were shaped by humble beginnings and hard work.  The son of a wood hauler and a mother who walked miles each day to clean homes, he grew up in a family where strength was measured not in wealth, but in endurance and love.  Even as a boy, Lucien carried responsibility with grace, cooking for his younger siblings, keeping the home in order, and contributing what little he could by picking berries and selling newspapers on the cold Prince Albert streets.

His childhood was marked by a battle with rheumatic fever, a long and painful illness that might have broken a lesser spirit.  But Lucien rose from that hospital bed changed, not diminished, but deepened.  From that moment on, his life became intertwined with a personal, living faith, one that found God in small miracles, strange lights, quiet signs, and the simple blessings of everyday life.

As a young man, Lucien took on any work he could find, including construction, railway jobs, and driving trucks across long prairie miles.  His hands became his résumé, calloused, steady, capable of lifting more than weight.  They carried the burdens of a family and the notes of a lifelong love: music.  Lucien retired from Weyerhauser.

His deep, rich voice, often compared to Johnny Cash, captured the attention of anyone who heard it.  But more than that, it carried the story of a man who had lived through hardship and found grace on the other side.

Lucien found the great love of his life, Mildred “Milly” McDougall.  They married on December 27, 1958, beginning a partnership built on humour, devotion, shared struggle, and unwavering companionship.  Milly brought colour and laughter into Lucien’s world, and he returned it with a love both tender and steadfast.  Over the years, he wrote many songs, but none more cherished than the one titled “Milly,” a melody that became the soundtrack of their life together.

Lucien’s faith shaped his every step.  He carried a cherished Saint Francis medal for years, offering it first to his ill father, then later to his mother, believing that protection was meant to be shared, not hoarded.  He saw miracles in the ordinary, blessings in the routine, and hope in every sunrise.

A lifelong optimist, Lucien bought a lottery ticket every week not out of greed, but out of generosity.  He dreamed not of riches for himself, but of giving homes for his children, opportunities for his grandchildren, warm vacations where the whole family could be together.  He never needed to win to feel fortunate.  His true jackpot was the life he built with Milly and the family they raised.

Lucien leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, music, and faith.  He is remembered as a man who opened doors, worked hard, sang softly in the evenings, and found joy in the smallest gifts life offered.  His laughter, his songs, and the warmth of his presence will echo through generations.

Though the road from Batoche winds ever onward, Lucien’s spirit remains woven into the music he made, the love he gave, and the countless lives he touched.  In every sunrise, every quiet prayer, and every softly played chord, his family will feel him near.  He didn’t need to win the jackpot to know he lived a rich life.  He leaves this world wealthy in all the ways that matter.

Lucien was a respected Metis Elder who actively honoured his heritage.  His passing during Metis week is especially significant.  He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and faith.

Lucien is survived by his beloved wife Mildred (Milly) of 66 years and they were blessed with 3 children: Larry (Lorna) Villeneuve and their children Matthew: (Nicola); Joel (Elizabeth) and their children Anson and Nixon; Cody (Sarah) and their children Ariah, Lacie, Levi, Pax; Jimmy (Arianna); Chase (Megon) and their child Parker; and Landon; Laurie (Randy) Tomiak and their children: Ashley (Chris) Delorme and their children Lawson and Rhyland; Randeen (J.R.) Tomiak and their children Cadence, Blake, Lukas, Quinn; Brandon (Kat) and their children Milo, August; Bonnie (Kevin) Gerow and their children Nicole and her children Madison, Milo and Nyjah;  Amanda and her children Kaleb and Brooke; Jacquelyne (Landon) Shewchuk and their children Seth, Camryn, Jacob, Holly, Beckham; siblings: Jerry (Rita) Villeneuve, Margaret Ferchuk, Carol (Dave) Archibald, Maurice (Carol) Villeneuve.

Lucien was predeceased by an infant son Darren Villeneuve, his parents Azari & Margaret Villeneuve; brothers: Alex, James, Leslie and Wildred (JJ); sister Shirley Piche; his in-laws Ernest & Leona McDougall, sisters-in-law: Colleen Villeneuve, Carrie Villeneuve, Rosella Villeneuve; brothers in-law: Kost Ferchuk, Ernest Piche, Sid McDougall, Elmer McDougall, Denis Paradis, Victor Parenteau, Bryan Stark and Jarvais Beaulieu.

Thank you to the staff of the Victoria Union Hospital (Level 6) and to the staff of the Rose Garden Hospice in Prince Albert.  In lieu of flowers donations to the Rose Garden Hospice would be greatly appreciated.

Dad, may you find peace and joy in every hunt and cast in heaven, just as you did with us for so many years.  Forever in our hearts.

Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2025.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 PM on Monday, November 24, 2025, both services will be held at St. Michael Parish, 1505 – 13th St. West, Prince Albert, SK.   Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit http://www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lorne Adams Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322

• Date : 2025-11-18
• Location : Prince Albert