Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert LUKE Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Robert LUKE
21 Entries
Dan and Gail Eakins
August 15, 2012
I served as Bob's Combat Officer when he was Captain of QU'APPELLE. What a role model he was to me and I dare say so many others who came under his command. He was the ultimate professional seaman coupled with the ultimate personable friend. I have many fond memories of him 'guiding' me through my own accomplishments while taking no credit for his bit. Gail and I always looked up to Barbara and Bob as role models in our own relationship. We loved their interest in our life and will forever have fond memories of them as a couple. We remember the time we met them at their PMQ in Victoria with their terriers, which convinced us to get our own terrier 'Sailor'. Sincere condolances to Barbara and family from true admirers of the best Captain in the Navy.
David Knapp-Fisher
March 29, 2012
Dear Barbra and family;
I was sadden to hear of Bob's passing and wish to offer my condolences; The Lukes have always been an important piece of the Knapp-Fisher history, and we are all grateful for the many terrific memories of you both, and our parents, all spending time together, and our thoughts to you all at this time.
Regards, David Knapp-Fisher and family
Victoria, B.C.
Christopher Farnfield
March 29, 2012
The Association of Old Worcesters extends its sympathy to the family and friends of Robert Luke at this very sad time.
Christopher Farnfield
Chairman
Association of Old Worcesters
United Kingdom
www.hms-worcester.co.uk
Bruce Donaldson
March 14, 2012
Bob was a friend of my Dad's, and he kept an eye out for me as a young officer. He was a very kind, patient and accepting mentor. When I was named as Qu'Appelle's navigator, he gave me his flight jacket - a prized possession and quite taboo at the time. It was a bit big in some areas, but it fit nicely in the shoulders. I loved it. I learned a lot from watching Bob as a leader, and always admired his even temperament and genuine interest in those around him. We will all miss him.
How you can show support
bill black
March 13, 2012
When Bob was CO of Saguenay in 1977 I was his EO. CDR. Luke was a great Captain who was respected and really well liked by the crew. Later Bob became Halifax 'Harbour Master' and I remember when Saguenay was returning from fishery patrols one of our officers brought a sail boat from NFLD- ( mast down and stowed in the hangar) The media was on hand when it (the boat)was off loaded and Bob said it wasn't a free ride- the officer was required to pay for the trip as well as the cranage. I won't say how much- or how little.
We will surely miss you Bob.
Cheers, Bill Black
Simon Millett
March 11, 2012
Dear Barbara and family.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Bob's passing - Gordon Peskett found me in Australia a day or so ago and conveyed the news. Please accept the love and sympathy of the Millett's at this time.
The year I spent with the Canadian Navy on HMCS Qu'Appelle in 1982 at the AUSTO was one of the greatest experiences any young man could wish for and I was privileged to serve under the command of Cdr Luke. His passion for the sea and his love of sports - rugby in particular - was inspiring and I have no doubt that serving under Bob helped make me the person I am today.
I deeply respected Bob Luke - he was a man's man and someone you wanted to be like ... I believe that some of what makes me what I am I learnt from Bob ... he was, and remains, a life-time role model for me and I remember with great clarity his mentoring, his coaching and his humour. He was our Captain but he could make us laugh! We had fun on Qu'Appelle!! He made it so - so few leaders of men genuinely do this - Bob Luke did!
You would recall that I was lucky enough to visit you in Victoria in 1992 and you me in Sydney (albeit briefly in ~2003). I hope that we can see each other sometime in the future - Victoria is a beautiful place and you had the best view of all!
Bob Luke signed my Bridgewatchkeeping Certificate and encouraged me to play Rugby with Oak Bay and then, the Crimson Tide. With a few other keen conscripts, we built a formidable rugby team in the Training Squadron and when we sailed to Australia in September 1982, it wasn't the Commonwealth Games we were focussed on, it was beating the Australian Navy at Rugby ... which we duly did in Sydney (much to their shock). The signals were relayed back to Cdr Luke that 'his rugby team' had beaten Australia - and Welshman always smile broadly when they beat Australia and we did it for Bob!
And here we are, 30 years on ... where did the time go!
Barbara, our thoughts are with you.
With love,
Simon Millett
Sydney, Australia ([email protected])
Clarence Wray
March 8, 2012
Commander "Cool Hand Luke" was my very first C.O.
I joined the HMCS Saguenay in 1975 and that Christmas, being the youngest member onboard, I was promoted to "Acting Commanding Officer" for the day. I remember putting on his jacket and cap. It was awesome! Even did Captain's rounds that day. He surely made our lives more enjoyable on board the Saguenay.
Rest in Peace Captain!
March 7, 2012
Dear Barbara, I was Bob's Staff Officer while he was the Base Administration Officer. I was very fortunate to be appointed to this position because at the time, things were not exactly set up for serving members to be married to each other, and if they were, joint postings were not in the cards. It was over a G&T in the Naden wardroom that my husband and I told Bob our story. Bruce had been posted from Halifax to Victoria to the mine sweepers and a year later I was posted from Halifax to Chilliwack. It was the Navy's best attempt at reuniting us given our starting point in Halifax. My career manager was not interested in moving me from Chilliwack to Victoria however Bob directed Bruce to send him an message outlining our predicament. My husband, not being presuming type did not follow through thinking it was merely a polite response to a couple of young officer's quandry. Bob, not being one to allow that to get in the way, set in motion my posting to Victoria as his staff officer. Bob then sent a message to Qu'appelle at sea attention Bruce as Navo that basically said "despite non receipt of the promised message as requested, Gina will be posted to Victoria as my Staff Officer". So we quietly waited for this to play out. I was actually told I was staying in Chilliwack for the duration (two more years) by my career manager who had not yet made it to Victoria. It all unfolded as Bob planned and Bruce and I were reunited that summer. It was a real delight to work for Bob. Not only do I have him to thank for the privilege of working for him, I also was able to do an exchange aboard the Pacific Princess and live with my husband! Bob was a true gentleman, fair, and clear in intent his expectations. I also adored him for his character and good humour. It was a delight and honour to work for him. So here we are 22 years later. Bruce and I are still happily married and have Bob to thank for setting things up so I could be married to Bruce and stay in the Navy. I don't need to tell you Bob was clearly a romantic, so will close with saying he was a modern man for the times and I will forever be grateful for his presence in my life. With deepest sympathies for your loss, Gina.
Jean-Marc Fort
March 7, 2012
At a very young age, i was posted to the HMCS Qu'Appelle. My first CO was Cdr Drent. Then, Cdr Luke came aboard. Being young and new in the world of ships and sea, I remember. Those memories will always remain. Reading about Cdr Luke passing, I was sad. Sad because part of my past is gone. Under the Captain, we train, we learn and I hope those memories stay in our mind as we sail thru life.
I will remember.
OS/AB JM Fort of the CCR
March 7, 2012
Fond memories of hard rugby games abd tense naval games. Sincere condolances to barbara and family. Jim and June Gracie (squamish)
March 7, 2012
Dear Barbara and Family, I was so sorry to learn of Bob's passing yesterday. My naval engineering colleagues and I have the fondest memories of our time in QU'APPELLE under Cdr Luke's command in 1981-82 and, along with our Aussie "ringer" Simon Millett, were probably the most competitive ship's rugby team to have been been assembled in some years(!). He will be missed. Tony deRosenroll (Victoria, BC)
March 7, 2012
Barbara and Family,
Sue and I were saddened to learn of Bob's passing. He was a fine person who touched many. He will be remembered as one of the great naval officers of his era.
Sincere Condolences,
Ted and Sue Kelly(Lunenburg)
March 7, 2012
Dear Barbara, Gareth and Peter,
Thinking of your family today during this difficult time.
Love, Kim Cox
Gord and Bea Peskett
March 7, 2012
Barbara and family,
It was with great sadness that we learned of Bob's passing. Although continuing naval service has separated us for the past six years, he was often in our memories of the west coast. He will remain in our hearts as a wonderful captain, mentor, shipmate, and friend.
Bill McElroy
March 6, 2012
In 1968, I was a young Acting Sub-Lieutenant at HMCS Star in Hamilton Ontario when I was given the opportunity to join HMCS Ottawa for 3 months during exercises in the Caribbean. Bob Luke was the Executive Officer and welcomed me into the Wardroom. Over the next 3 months, he taught me a lot, not just about the Navy, but about handling men--lessons that stood me in good stead throughout my life. Bob was always patient and always set a good example. When I later moved to Victoria, I met Bob a couple of times after he was posted here, and it was as if we had only been apart a couple of weeks, not many years. He was a solid, reliable and kind person. He made a positive impression on me and I remember him well.
Fred and Elizabeth Herrndorf
March 6, 2012
To Barbara and your family we send our sincere condolances to you all. We have warm memories of the Dartmouth days with you and Bob.
March 6, 2012
Bob was a tremendous shipmate, so many years ago, one of those special people one never forgets. My sympathy gpes out to Barbara and the family.
Jack Logan
March 6, 2012
Barbara and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories of Bob during my tenture as CSEO in Qu'appelle and the many great parties you both hosted.
Jack and Ruth Logan (Ottawa)
Vil Auns
March 6, 2012
Sincere condolances to the family of Bob..
..time has passed since we played rugby together in the late 1960s to early 1970s May Bob's jib be always filled with God's breath
March 6, 2012
Peter, Gareth and Family
So sorry to read about your Dad's passing - thinking of you during this sad time. Beautiful obituary and fine tribute to your Dad! Take Care.
Jan and Terry MacGillivary
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results