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Donald Luckman Obituary
Don passed away unexpectedly November 11, 2011 at his home in Mesa, Arizona from complications following surgery. He was born January 23, 1962 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Don and Inge Luckman. Don graduated in 1980 from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa and later earned a Bachelor of Science and a Technical Management Degree from Devry University in Long Beach, California. He lived in Huntington Beach, California for fifteen years, where he met his special friend Leslie McNiff. In 1998 Don moved to Mesa, Arizona where he started his own very successful business - Three Phase Power Systems. He enjoyed the deserts of Arizona, but always looked forward to visiting Iowa and his home town. One of his many hobbies was collecting and restoring vintage cars. Don is survived by his parents, his sister Harriet Luckman, cousin Rudi Danford and his sons of Greeley, Colorado, his friend Ms. Leslie McNiff and his many friends. We will always remember Don as very kind, caring and loving and we will miss him very much. The body has been cremated. Please share your memories of Don at a Memorial Service Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Queen of Heaven Mortuary Chapel 1562 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa, AZ. Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Mortuary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Luckman
Michelle Beck
December 16, 2011
Don was always a peacemaker sort of guy. He was always kind, considerate and loving to everyone. I am truly grateful to have known him.
I want all that knew and loved Don to know, that although we will miss him, death is not the end; death is but the beginning of another phase of life.
I take comfort in knowing that we will see Don and our family members that have passed on, again. Although we cannot see them, they are among us as our unseen angels.
Families (and friends) are Forever. So I will not say good-bye; I will say "until we meet again.......".
My heart and prayers of comfort extend to all of Don's friends and family members.
Dave Knudsen
December 16, 2011
Thoughts by Dave Knudsen
Don taught me the value of honoring family. He showed me that spending time with others is meaningful and everyone is worthwhile
Don taught me the value of lasting friendship. He kept our group of friends connected, following our lives and always knowing what happened in our hometown---even knowing before those that lived there!
Don taught me the value of not judging others. He accepted others for whom they are, regardless of past mistakes
Don taught me the value of simplicity---an old comfortable car is worth more than a flashy new one.
Don taught me that every life is worth saving--including animals. When given a choice to save someone or something Donnie would invest what ever it takes to make them whole.
I'm proud to call Don my friend. I have to stop myself sometimes to realize Donnie was EVERYONES friend.
I miss you buddy.
John Englhardt
November 23, 2011
Don and I worked together for many years....I just heard about his passing. What a great guy. He's in my thoughts and prayers.
Alex St. John
November 21, 2011
I have known Don for the last 6 years as we worked together. He will be truly missed! RIP friend
Angie Holly-Downs
November 20, 2011
Your smile brightened a room. Your kindness and friendship inspired us all to be kinder and better friends. You will remain forever in our hearts, Dear Friend.
Tina Knudsen
November 20, 2011
A dear friend gone to early...he is a precious friend that will always be loved and missed dearly. RIP Luckman you wil never be forgotten.
Bil Pederson
November 19, 2011
I worked with Don at Exide for a number of years. A great guy, easy going,never saw him angry. He was a pleasure to work with. Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, dependable..........
MARK P
November 19, 2011
I knew Don from his business 3 phase power. Don was one of the nicest people I've known.
Mary Johnson-Najdzion
November 18, 2011
I went to high school with Don. I will remember how kind to everyone he was. He was close with my brother, Marty. We just want to express our sincere sorrow and will keep Don's family in our prayers.
November 18, 2011
"Mama, put my guns in the ground
I can't shoot them anymore...
The song may have ended, but the melody lingers on. Good bye Rudy, a great friend.
Rob Pearson- ALHS
Rod Grindle
November 18, 2011
Very, Very sad news. Don was truly a gentelman. I had the privilage of working with him for many years at Exide Electronics.
He always had a smile and laugh about him. He was so easy going and fun to be around.
I did not know his family, but my sincere regreats and prayers go out to all of you. We will surely miss this wonderful person.
Michelle Petry Young
November 18, 2011
There was never a nicer guy than Don and he always had a smile for everyone he met. Rest in Peace my friend.
John Hatcher
November 18, 2011
Knowing Don for the past 37 years has been a privlege that I cannot begin to express. He was the best friend and roomate you could ever aks for.
What I will miss the most about Donny is his sincere interest in the people that were part of his life. He made it a point to stay connected with all of us. (A lesson we should all learn.)
There is a hole in my life that will never be filled.
Donny, I will miss you badly and think of you often.
Jennifer Christians-Kay
November 18, 2011
One kindred spirit lost, but never forgotten. Rest in Peace, Don.
Colin & Juanita Smythe
November 18, 2011
Never would one meet a nicer guy than Don. We got to know him in Huntington Beach in the late 80's and stayed in touch with him on our trips to Arizona for Spring Training (even stayed at his house a few times - he was always great with our kids!). Don would always make time for friends and family and go out of his way to help anyone and make their lives easier. We'll always remember Don's laid-back way of enjoying his life and the people around him. Seeing Don meant so much to our family. Our trips to Arizona just won't be the same. We'll miss you, we'll think of you often and we'll toast to you Donny!!!
Lisa W
November 18, 2011
I've worked with Don over the last 12 years and never heard him say a mean thing about anyone. He was always so happy and laid back; such a pleasure to work with. He always tried to “check in” at least weekly to keep me posted on his comings and goings, and keep me up-to-date on his family. I feel like I know them although we have never met or spoken.
I will miss "Surfer-Boy" as we fondly called him.
Don was just a kind, prince of a man. His life is a testament to his family; the world could use more people like him.
He will be greatly missed. I can still hear his laugh.
I continue remeber his family and close friends in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Ferguson
November 18, 2011
When we were young, we were invincible and ready too soon to become adults. Our lives were never going to end, and death was never considered. Today, we cherish those adolescent ideas and face the mortality of ourselves, our friends, and our family. Life is a celebration we create and attempt to enjoy the ride.
Don, you were my friend, my pal, my buddy, and my chum in our adolescent years. It seems like yesterday our little gang was always inseparable and planning our next adventure. As the years passed I often thought of you and will always hold tight those memories you were such a large part. While my heart is heavy and give condolence to your family, I will celebrate your life as a special person who made so many smile. Good bye my old friend…
November 18, 2011
I am truly sorry for your lost. In your time of bereavement, know that God assures us that we will see our loved ones again. I'm sure that with the help of our loving Heavenly Father, your family, and friends you will be able to endure this trial. May your memories give you comfort.
November 18, 2011
The world has lost a noble soul. Don meant so much to so many - He had a way of making everyone feel they were valuable and relevant. I've never met someone so rich with character yet so humble. He made us want to be better humans.
Words cannot properly express sympathy to Don's family. I'm grateful to have known and loved Don.
Deb Knudsen-Franklin
Council Bluffs, ALHS
Karen (Sealock) Hedgecock
November 17, 2011
I was very lucky to have Don as a friend since childhood. He always made a special effort to kept in contact with his friends back home, no matter the miles. I will miss you Don.
My condolences to Ingrid, Don and Harriet and family.
Robert Harbin
November 17, 2011
I've known Don-O since he and I were field engineers together at Exide Electronics. He was one of my trainers and was always very patient. Our careers have paralleled one another over the years and we would talk about the rep world we both worked in now quite often. It was always a pleasure to talk with him over the phone and at meetings. In all the years I have known him I don't think I ever heard him get wound up about anything. I will miss him a great deal. My condolenscences to his family.
Norma Brown
November 17, 2011
I was fortunate and very lucky to work with Don for many years in Tustin, CA and he was one of the kindest, caring and loving person I have met. Always willing to help and always did his best to say good things about others. Even though he was in AZ he always kept in touch. I will really miss him.
Mark and Kelly Goodman
November 17, 2011
Our hearts are heavy with sorrow to learn the news of Donny's passing and our condolences go out to all those that were fortunate enough to know him.
Donny was such a fun and kind friend to have. He was always smiling and laughing. We didn't get to see him much since he moved to AZ but he always stayed with us over the years because of something funny he said. It's funny how some things just stick with you. Donny, "There's a lot of numbers in between there!" We will miss you!
Ann Eberlein
November 17, 2011
I only knew Don through business for a brief 2 years and considered him one of the nicest people I've ever met. We both liked to ski and had fond memories of skiing Colorado in our younger days.
My condolences to his family and close friends.
Ann E.
Lyn Sievers
November 17, 2011
I saw Don when he came to see his dad in Council Bluffs Iowa.
His dad talked about him and showed me pictures of a car Don restored.
He will be missed very much.
Jack Gamble
November 17, 2011
Don was a great friend. I've known Don since he was the sales engineer in California for Exide Electronics. Don worked for me until he decided to go independant and move to Arizona.
Don was always very thoughtful and would call me and my wife about every month for the past 3 1/2 years while we were in Albuquerque. He'd call and say "I'm just checking in".
I lost my wife to cancer after 38 years together in September.
To lose her and Don so close together is a tragedy.
Words cannot express the sadness that I feel for Don's family and friends in dealing with his passing.
He will truly be missed.
May God comfort all who loved Don.
Jack Gamble
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