Rushton, Lucas Charles Curtis – Age 18, Belmont. Love is messy and life is not always fair.
Lucas was born and died in Halifax, the city he loved best. He surprised us three weeks early on August 16, 2002. He was 11lbs. 9½ oz. On Monday, May 31, 2021, he peacefully moved on, being an organ and tissue donor to help other families.
Lucas lived and loved in a big way. He had a connection to music, especially Elvis, from the day he was born. It was the anniversary of Elvis’ death. This influence stayed with Lucas through his lifelong friendship with Thane and Melly Dunn.
Music brought solace to Lucas. He sang in many school and community choirs and was always involved in drama. Inspired throughout his life by Phil Black and Shelley Langille. In high school, he focused on musical theatre, the Truro Arts Community and in Halifax at Neptune Theatre. He was a member of the CCNS, Cantabile Boys Choir and YPCO. His passion developed because of the relationships he formed with Sheena Henderson, Leanna Todd, Ross Thompson and Laura Caswell. There were appearances in short films and TV shows like “Mr. D.” Thanks Ciel Crosby for seeing the light in him. His dream of being in Trailer Park Boys was still on his list.
The home of his heart was the stage. He found his people in this world. He had friendships that he treasured with the “Truro Boys” also known as “Cian and the Boys,” (Cian McCarron, Jay Moser and Zack Ellis). Also his friend and confidante, Zach Russell, whom I believe shares Lucas’ love of fashion. As well, to Lenore Zann – continue to fight for Lucas’ wishes.
Lucas battled long and hard with mental illness. He was angry at a broken, frustrating system that was letting down young people. He longed for change in a system that is underfunded, understaffed and filled with long wait times. Lucas’ mental health frustrations led to experimentation to numb the pain. One fatal mistake accidentally resulted in his death.
Lucas will be forever missed by his heartbroken family, parents, Lewis and Laureen; fur brother, Max; his devastated grandparents, Charlie and Nellie Rhuland; great aunt and uncle, Faye and Sonny Roode; “brother by heart,” Craig MacLeod; paternal oma, Lineke Lemieux. He is survived and remembered by many extended family in Belmont and Chester; special friends, Frankie Sylliboy, Spencer Shea and Dan vanDerlans, also George, Louanne and Paul Goreham.
A heartfelt thank you to the staff at 3A ICU in the QEII–VG site. You are our heroes. To Jocelyne Melong and Megan Boyle for your care of our boy. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 1pm in Best Western Truro - Glengarry, Grand Ballroom, 150 Willow St., Truro, NS with Pastor Zack Sloboda officiating, reception to follow. COVID-19 restrictions in place. Proof of full vaccination is required with photo ID. Please continue to share memories on #lukeslegacy Facebook page. Donations in Lucas’ memory may be made through Neptune Theatre at neptunetheatre.com/lukeslegacy or another charity in support of youth theatre.
Be intentional. Sing. Dance. Laugh. Love. Do these for Lucas. And talk – get help – be an advocate for change. Be an organ donor.
Online condolences available at www.ColchesterCommunity.com

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments,
but what is woven into the lives of others.
Pericles