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Julian, Albert Matthew – Life doesn’t always take you down a path that you want or even one that you expect to take. For Albert and his family that path was altered when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. With his loving wife by his side, he made his final journey to the spirit world on October 19, 2020.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Freeman Julian (of Antigonish) and Theresa (Battiste) Julian (of Potlotek).
He attended Trent University in Peterborough Ontario where he studied Sociology and Native Studies. He formed many lifelong friendships with other students and members of the community, whom he often referred to as his extended family. Following his formal education, he returned to Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation with an expectation of being able to give back to his home community.
Throughout his lifetime, Albert was employed in a variety of different capacities. He was employed as an economic development officer for the Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw (Indians). At different points in his life, he was employed as a Carpenter, a Band Manager, Welfare Officer, Fisheries Manager, and Employment and Training Officer for Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation. However, the majority of his professional career he was employed as a Technical Service Advisor for Housing with the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaw. It was during this time he became one of the first Mi’kmaw Housing Inspectors and completed housing inspections in many Mi’kmaw communities across Nova Scotia. As a housing inspector, he was able to work with CMHC (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation) to support housing initiatives in Mi’kmaw communities. An advocate for housing and infrastructure in First Nation communities, he sat on a number of regional and national housing committees where he worked to address the housing crisis for First Nations across Canada.
Upon his retirement from CMM, he was elected as a member of council. He was so proud to serve as a member of council, and he did his best to help his community and everyone who called on him for help. He was always proud of Paqtnkek and its accomplishments and wanted to nothing but the best for his community.
Albert was an avid lover of all music, and that was evident with his large collection and variety of albums and CD’s. One could never tell what he would be listening to from Tupac to Bob Marley to Diana Krall. Music was his way of relaxing ,and it was sure to put a smile on his face as he listened to his tunes with family and friends or when he cruised down the highway for a drive.
He was completely devoted to his family as a husband and father. He had an unconditional love for each and every one of his children and was their superman, they could always depend on him. The love and support he gave them through good times and bad were always present and his famous words "this too shall pass" gave them comfort through tough times and it gave them just the encouragement they needed.
Survived by his loving wife of 51 years Judy Bernard-Julian; daughters, Juliana Julian (Mario George) and Alicia Julian, Paqtnkek; sons, Jay Julian (Leanne Googoo), Colin Julian, Kolipie Julian, and Johnny Izzard, all of Paqtnkek; special niece, Gail Marshall who together he and Judy raised like one of their own; brother, Donald Julian, Paqtnkek; and sister, Beverly Julian, Millbrook NS; godchildren, Victoria Lafford, Terry Julian, Valerie Green, Wowkwis Sylliboy, and Karly Bernard; and many nieces and nephews and 13 grandchildren who always put a smile on his face and sparkle in his eye.
Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his children, Stanley Julian and Tara Julian; and siblings, Russell Battiste, Marion Paul, Freeman Julian Jr. (Meme), Marie Johnson, and Stanley J. Julian.
Visitation will be held Saturday October 24 after 5pm at 19 Mug-A-Sun Road, Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday October 26th in the Immaculate Conception Church, Heatherton, at 11:00am, with Reverend Andrew Gillies presiding. Cremation and burial will take place at a later date.
Special thank you to the caregivers at St. Martha’s Hospital and the RK MacDonald nursing home.
PLEASE NOTE: Social distancing protocols must be followed at all times, and masks are mandatory at both the visitation and funeral. There is limited spacing in the church and anyone entering the church must provide their contact information.
Feast and Salite to follow funeral Mass at the Paqtnkek community complex.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com