Lucien Sylvestre of St. Adolphe will be 100 years old on January 30. Turning 100 is surely an accomplishment, but Lucien’s real accomplishment appears to be that at 100 years old he remains the patriarch of a large family filled with love and affection for one another.
Lucien was born on a farm near the hamlet of Bellegarde, Saskatchewan and served in World War II. After his service, he worked as a grain buyer for Saskatchewan Pool Elevators.
In 1948, Lucien married Noella Bauche from the nearby town of Antler, and together they welcomed six children into the world.
In the late 1950s, the Sylvestres bought a grain and cattle farm where they stayed until Noella became ill. In 1997, they sold their farm and moved to St. Adolphe where their two eldest sons had raised their own families. The couple settled into their new home well, but Noella passed away in 1998.
Lucien’s granddaughter Joelle recalls how the whole family took care of him during the years after his wife passed on. He would eat dinner at his son Dominique’s house twice a week, at his daughter Joanne’s house twice a week, and at Joelle’s family home twice a week.
“But the best part of the week was Friday,” Joelle says, “when we would all meet at his house and have traditional pizza night, all homemade!”
These days, one of Lucien’s children, children-in-law, or grandchildren visits him every day. In the evening, Lucien and whichever loved one has come to visit that day will relax and watch baseball, football, curling, or hockey together.
Lucien has no health problems, doesn’t require homecare, and is very independent. He credits his sharp mind and memory to the word puzzles he loves to complete. And he credits his longevity to his family.
Residents of St. Adolphe may not know Lucien’s name, but they will surely recognize him as he strolls the streets on his mobility scooter.
Towards the beginning of 2023, Lucien told his family that he’d like to celebrate his centennial with a party. Ever concerned with the wellbeing of others, though, he suggested that it should be held in summer so the roads would be safer to drive on.
Lucien and his children began the planning process. But because his two daughters live in Ottawa, it was Joelle who spent her evenings party planning with her grandpa.
“He knew exactly what he wanted,” she says. “He wanted it at the Pioneer Hall at the community centre. He picked the menu. He wanted bottles of wine at every table. He made his invite list, [and] the list grew and grew… He made most of the decisions and left the rest up to us.”
On August 6, 2023, 165 guests attended Lucien’s party. Family members flew in from all across Canada, Belgium, and Australia for the big day.
“The day was amazing,” says Joelle. “Along with a hot lunch, a few speeches (including my grandpa), a video montage, pictures, antiques on display, and even a life-sized cutout of him from his honeymoon in 1948, the love in the hall that day was so heartwarming!”
On Lucien’s actual one hundredth birthday, the family will celebrate again. They will gather at his house for Chinese food, cake, playing cards, and what’s most important: spending time together.
“One thing I love about Grandpapa is the way his face lights up when anyone he loves walks into the room,” says Maryse, another of Lucien’s granddaughters. “He’s always so happy spending time with his family. He’s a very wholesome man!"
Lucien’s grandson Zach says that his favourite thing about his grandfather is his inclusivity.
“He welcomes everyone into his home regardless of background or how little room we have left at the table,” says Zach. “He welcomes the company and is always happy when someone walks in the door.”
“My grandpa and I have always been very close,” adds Joelle. “He’s my rock. He’s always there to listen, support… and he gives the best advice. He is the most patient man I know! We have always been a close-knit family and I attribute that to my grandpa. Family is everything to him and all of us.”
