Two Lives. Two Generations. Two Twins. Too soon.
Mark Albert Lugli – January 25, 1965 – July 21, 2019
Jacob Anthony Lugli – September 24, 2001 – July 21, 2019
Mark, ‘Baby A’, weighed in at 7 lbs, 9 1/2 ozand arrived first ahead of ‘Baby B’, John, weighing in at 8 lbs, 3 oz. Mark and John took it as a source of pride that they were the biggest twins on record at Hôtel Dieu Hospital in Windsor somehow leaving out the fact that their mother, Louise, carried them for 9 months. Pretty sure their father, Al, was watching James Bond since fathers didn’t go into operating rooms in those days.
His greatest partner, his wife Lynn, was a gift to all of Mark’s family. She put up with his constant teasing, his stories and the knowledge that life with him included life in Dryden.
Together they raised four, kind, creative, athletic children. Alex, the oldest son and Mark’s physical likeness was his wingman. Second came Zack, Mark’s fearless and outgoing, if not accident prone, hockey player. And third, came their two bundles of joy and entertainment, Gabby and Jacob. The family was complete. If you didn’t know Mark had four children, you didn’t know Mark.
Mark is predeceased by his father, big Al, the kiddies’ pal.
Mark is survived by his mother, the first Lugli educator at St. Joseph’s School. He is also survived by his brother Peter (fiancée Deb, daughters Justine and Caroline, son Vincent) and John (partner Sharon, son Noah, daughter MacKenzie), and sisters Mary and Monique (husband Darrin). Mark’s extended family included Lynn’s parents, Chuck and Louise Konkle, his sister-in-law, Anne (husband Serge, daughter Kendalyn, son Jon-Huntyr) and brother-in-law, Barry (wife Donna, son Tristan, daughter Jessica).
The people named above compose of the blood relatives, but no family tree of Mark’s is complete without mention of Spooner, the Peach, Joe, Burnsy or Jordan. Their years together and resulting stories could fill novels.
The family also wants to acknowledge the staff at St. Joe’s and all the Drydenites that have made this most difficult time manageable.
Mark was an educator first. He loved St. Joseph’s school and being principal was a life calling. He could find and capitalize upon every single child’s special, unique gift. And so many lives were shaped by his care.
Mark loved to fish, golf and recently to trap minnows. He spent hours on his guitar and could play any Paul Simon or Beatles tune you called out. He loved to dance and sing. But no one, literally no one, was better at pranks. His favourite activity involved spreading joy and laughing out loud if he ‘got ya’. Well, maybe that was his second favourite activity, behind making Lynn do crazy antics. And she always did, with an infectious giggle.
Mark was known for his love of family, his work, his friendships, his wicked sense of humour, his kindness, love of children and community. He was a blessed and fortunate man. .
Jacob, ‘Baby B’ weighed in at 6 lbs, 14 oz and arrived behind of ‘Baby A’, Gabrielle weighing in at 5 lbs, 11 oz. They were born at McKellar hospital in Thunder Bay but quickly returned home to Dryden coming home to Park Crescent.
Since they had two big brothers, each claimed one baby as their own. In addition to his family named above, Jacob had loads of friends. Like his Dad, Jacob attracted many friends, including Jamie, Cale, Mike, Sam, the Beebs ,Brad, and Benny and way too many more to list. Jacob also had so many other close friends from hockey, soccer, golf, volleyball and classmates from school. Jacob was always so humble, funny, and easy to get along with during sports, it introduced him to many friends from Fort Frances and Kenora as well.
Jacob loved to play sports and because he loved to make people laugh he did an amazing job of combining the two. For example, at soccer this year Jacob showed up to many practices and even picture day wearing a long black braid and swore it gave him plus 10 speed.
Jacob always excelled in sports earning him many MVP awards and Male Athlete of the year this year in grade 12. You could often find Jacob at the golf course where he spent numerous hours perfecting his skills. This didn’t go unrecognized as he qualified and participated in OFSSA in his grade 10 and 11 years. There was one time Jacob was playing a round of golf with Mr. Markowski and got a hole in one! The catch was it was only the practice round for the tournament the following day.
While spending a lot of time playing sports Jacob also did well in school. He graduated high school with his French Diploma as an Ontario Scholar while taking all university level classes. Something that has always stood out about Jacob is it seemed as if he would never get embarrassed. This was often made obvious when he would sing on the hockey bus or dance on the volleyball court. Jacob will be remembered for his great humour, amazing smile, his humble attitude, but most of all his kindness. He was the kind of guy that made you want to be a better person.
The only solace in this heartbreaking loss comes in knowing that Mark and Jacob will not be alone in the next life, but will have big Al waiting at the pearly gates.
We will miss them but promise to carry their spirits with us by; spending more time with our friends, finding something special in every person, by laughing a little heartier even if at ourselves, singing just a little louder and by always putting out every hole.
A Funeral Mass to celebrate the lives of Mark and Jacob Lugli will be held Friday, July 26th at 11:00 a.m. in the Dryden Memorial Arena with Rev. Alan Campeau officiating. Cremation will follow and interment of ashes will take place at a later date.
If friends desire donations may be made to the DREAM (chq payable to City of Dryden) through the Stevens Funeral Homes P.O. Box 412, Dryden ON P8N 2Z1.
Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca
