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Luke Stanton Nachbar

FUNERAL HOME

Marina Cremation & Burial Alternatives

229 Reindollar Ave Suite F

Marina, California

Luke Nachbar Obituary

Luke Stanton Nachbar
June 7, 1965 ~ May 3, 2012

CARMEL - A Celebration of Luke's Life will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 2:00pm at Carmel Presbyterian Church, Ocean Ave. and Junipero St.
Luke, age 46, died from cancer and is survived by his wife, Seaberry Williams Nachbar and young children, Quinn, Flint and Rainn; as well as parents, Jack and Lynn Nachbar and sisters, Jennifer Nachbar and Elizabeth Nachbar. Luke led a full life as a Peace Corps volunteer, world traveler, and avid Detroit Tigers fan. He was a witty companion and loving husband and father. For the last 10 years he worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Nachbar Children's Trust, c/o Hansen Reed, Walker and Reed, LLD, P.O. Box LAW, Monterey, CA 93940 or the National Peace Corps Association.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Monterey Herald on May 8, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Luke Nachbar

51 Entries

rainn nachbar

May 15, 2017

May 3, 2017

i love you daddy

May 2, 2017

i love you dad

Stephen Drew

April 19, 2013

I knew Luke as a fishery observer in the northeast around 1990. He was a fine worker and always a pleasure. Since moving on we had occasional contact. I just heard of his passing and was shocked. My condolences to family and friends - I'm very sorry for your loss.

John Shanahan

April 2, 2013

Seaberry and Family,

Ireland's a long way's away and it was only by chance that I learned today of Luke's passing. My first reaction was, "this can't be right -- he's way too young..." Indeed he was, and a lovely fellow who joined NOAA with me on the same day in December of 2002. I truly cared for Luke and will miss him very much -- as will all others who've had the privilege of sharing a bit of life with this lovely, happy man. May God grant him eternal rest and an end to pain and suffering -- and care for you and for your children.

September 15, 2012

Jack and Lynn,
We received the BGSU Alumni magazine today and read that Luke had died. Although we didn't know Luke, we share your sorrow at losing your son. His obituary attests to the wonderful man he was. Our heartfelt condolences.
Harry and Jan Woodend

Jeff Fearnside

May 17, 2012

My heartfelt condolences to Luke's parents and sisters, whom I haven't seen in far too long, and to Luke's wife and children, whom I haven't met but feel some connection to through Luke. I knew Luke well as a fellow athlete (cross-country and track) in high school and for a number of years afterward. As many others have so eloquently and touchingly said, he was indeed a good friend and a good person. I, too, never saw him intentionally hurt anyone. His love of life ran deep, and his smile and laughter were ever-present. More personally, he made a profound impact on my life; his tales of Peace Corps service in Africa so captivated me that they were a major influence in my wanting to serve in the Peace Corps, which I did many years later in Central Asia. My only regret is that I lost touch with Luke at some point. For a while, we had communicated through letters--yes, actual letters sent by regular post! It now seems like something quaint from long ago, and it was. Time flies by, the busy-ness of life takes over, and once-strong connections are too often lost. I visited the Monterey/Carmel area a couple years ago and had no idea Luke was living there. How I wish I could have seen him one last time. I might say to him now, "Rest in peace," but easygoing as he was, that was never really Luke's way. He had too much energy, too much passion for life. Much better is to say, "Enjoy your newest adventure, my old friend."

Luke and his fellow "fishhead" Peace Corps Volunteers at their swearing in ceremony, Burundi, 1988

Kevin Doyle

May 15, 2012

John Chamberlain

May 14, 2012

To Luke's Family: My sympathy and thoughts are with you. As a NOAA contractor, I knew Luke only through a precious few meetings (most with Chris Ostrom in Silver Spring). He was blessed with a insightful, easy manner and natural good humor. Where ever we happened to cross paths, on the Metro in DC or at the Exploration Center ceremonies in Santa Cruz, we shared stories and ideas with ease, wit and grace. He is truly missed.

Margaret King

May 12, 2012

Jack and Lynn: I was thinking of you both when I attended the Ray Browne conference in March at BGSU. So sad to hear of Luke's passing -- I do remember him as a young kid on visits to your Bowling Green home. My best to you both. Regards, Margaret J. King, M.A. Popular Culture 72

Karen Carlson

May 11, 2012

Dear Nachbar Family,
My deepest sympathies on the loss of Luke. What a caring and outgoing guy, always with a welcoming spirit. Karen Carlson

May 11, 2012

I was friends with Luke from the time we were in first grade together at St. Al's with Sr. Iraneaus. So many fun memories over the year given our families were friends as well with my sister Libby being best friends with Luke's sister Jennie. We even had a year away from BG when we tried high school in Toledo for a year. But my best memories of Luke are in High School. He was friends with everyone and had a love for life - whether it was Mr. Quinn's politics class to Mrs. St. John's French class. The last time I saw Luke was when we met up for an Orioles game when he and Seaberry were in Anapolis. Luke, you will be missed by many. Love,
Gretchen Spreitzer (and Bob Schoeni)

Susan Sutherland

May 10, 2012

To the Nachbar family,

I met Luke when he came to Colorado to tour the Boulder Labs and them became friends when I helped Sonya to bring him to work at NOAA. I am from Wauseon, Ohio and we were able to joke around about being from that part of the country, the Detroit Tigers, and BGSU. I went to Kent State and was there on May 4, 1970 when the shootings happened and we were able to relate to each other's roots. Luke had the most infectious laugh and was able to take almost any subject and find some humor. I have not seen him since having lunch with him in Atlanta at the AMS meeting. I know that he gave this horrible "C" a run for its money to stay with his family. We all can learn from that determimation. I don't know why this happens to good people but I know Luke was definitely one of the very best! I am praying for understanding and that Seaberry, his children, parents, sister, and rest of his and the NOAA family find peace and understanding as well. We loved Luke very much and will not forget him.

bill lorsung

May 10, 2012

Jack and Lynn,

I wish I could hold you both in my arms.
Love,
bill lorsung

May 10, 2012

I feel close to you with all my heart and prayer. Lisa will keep me informed.
Much love,
Solange

Rebecca Hardin

May 9, 2012

To both of the Nachbar families, the one that made Luke and the one that Luke made, i write in spite of how hard words are to find. I met Luke on the shores of Lake Bukavu during our training for Peace Corps. He started my adventures in Africa off in the right direction, reminding me of the very best way to connect with those you don't know: play. We played ultimate frisbee games in the gentle rain that glittered on hibiscus blossoms. We played chess games with urns of strong coffee and platters of small sweet bananas on the old veranda of what had once been a belgian colonial boys school. We splashed and swam with the fishermen in that limpid lake. On rainy days we read: often his beloved Hemingway. I could never get over how when he read or heard about some sensation or site that inspired him, Luke would set out to experience it himself. Luke put so much focus and energy into play and discovery that sometimes i thought it was his calling, his work. Later i realized that work, too, for him had elements of play. As we both studied environmental issues and became professionals in the world of natural resources, we were puzzled and challenged by the complications of real conservation politics. Gamesmanship indeed! Luke taught me about working fishing boats off the coast of New England; but also about programmatic approaches to shark conservation in an Audobon office in Islip, New York. Always a generous colleague, he invited me to join a seminar at the Monterrey Institute. I kept working on land, especially wildlife rich forests in Africa. But it did not surprise me that Luke stayed closer to his passion: the sea. For you all, it cannot be much comfort now to know that Luke embraced and experienced so much more of life on this planet than most of us are ever able to...and protected more of it also than most. For those of us who learned and worked and played with him, that legacy itself seems a place to search for strength and inspiration in this time of loss.

Karen Pendleton

May 9, 2012

I'm so sorry for the Nachbar's family's loss. Not just his biological family, but his world wide family as well. I'm have very fond memories of him from high school as a fun loving and good friend. I'm certain he will be missed terribly.

eve connell

May 9, 2012

The outpouring of fond memories, sweet sentiments, and love from all adding remembrances here for Luke and his family are such a powerful testament to his wonderful spirit, personality, and reach. He will be sorely, dearly missed. Love to you Seaberry and your children, always.

Stephan Howick

May 9, 2012

There are things that get better with age, the best of these are consumed at the soonest moment of their ripeness. Luke was like that! In peace he lived and in peace he shall rest.

Alan Kao

May 9, 2012

Lukey Dukey Dum Ditty Dog...That guy really embodied the BGCC (cross country) spirit. I remember him catching us toilet papering his and Jenny's house initially upset...then he helped us! I always admired his sense of adventure...he always had an interesting scheme in the works...Maine...Peace Corps....he played cards with Jane Goodall!!!...probably took that poor ladys money...check that...probably lost his shirt! The world is not a better place without Luke

Ruth Kelty

May 9, 2012

Seaberry, Quinn, Flint, and Rainn,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Luke did more, gave more, and helped more in his 46 years than many do in twice that time. Once life is one's message and Luke had a great one. May the memories of the times you shared and the things you accomplished help sustain you through your grief. We're thinking of you and here to help if we can.

Jay Smith

May 8, 2012

To the Nachbar Family:

I, too, wish to express my condolences and hope that you take strength in the realization of how Luke was loved by so many in different places and in separate phases of his life. I feel like my youth was spent with Luke and I also thought of him as a Brother. Whether on the Cross Country team, high school or college, Luke was present for some of my proudest moments as well as some profoundly difficult times. His compassion was present at age 15 and continued to grow throughout life. I lived with Luke when he took a course in College called "Life in the Sea" and I remember how he lightly joked about it at first but that he continued to talk about it - and how we did not know then how influential it would later turn out to be. Hanging out with Luke was always an adventure, always interesting, and always a process of discovery. From double dating at Prom and Homecoming, to making road trips in college to visit friends, Luke and I and many others really sought and found indelible, unforgettable and authentic experiences that are as clear to me today as if they happened just a few days ago. He was cool in the best sense of the word, and his kind heart was always right at the surface - I never once saw him deliberately cause pain in any way. My great regret will now always be that as we aged and took our separate journeys that I did not do the work required to stay in touch- always thinking there was more time. To his wife and children - I am sorry that I have never met you but I want you to know that even as a kid, your Father and Husband was a true and wonderful person, a character, and a beloved figure in the lives of many us back in the Bowling Green and Portage area. If we could bottle up the love we have for him and send it you as a gift it would fill your hearts forever and then some. Thanks to Luke's parents and sisters as well, for letting so many of us into your lives and sharing Luke with his friends. He made us all better for the experience of knowing him, and he will always hold a special place in my heart and my memory.

With Deepest Respect,

Jay Smith
Pierre, SD

Stephani Hardel

May 8, 2012

Fly to the angles,Luke. Heaven awaits your heart, and flowers bloom in your name.

Mary Barnes Fibich

May 8, 2012

I knew Luke at BGSU and we were friends and roommates. There are so many special and uniques things about Luke, but what I wanted to share was my memory of how much he loved and adored his Mom, Dad, and two sisters. He talked about them all the time with that light in his eyes. I am so sad that we have not talked since he moved to California but I have no doubt he loved his wife and children as he did his family. My thoughts are with all his family and friends and with Luke. His time here was much too short but he lived it to the fullest.

Karen DenBesten

May 8, 2012

A part of me died today when I heard of Luke's passing. Luke and I were friends in high school and in the Peace Corps at the same time. I will never forget his wedding day on the Pacific coast with whales breaching in the back ground. He truly was a kind and gentle spirit. My only regret is that I did not keep in touch as life became more complicated. My deepest sympathies to the Nachbar family.
Karen DenBesten

Jenny and Mike Topping/Gallardo

May 8, 2012

We will miss Luke - his humor and his easy-going nature. He knew how to live the good life, surrounded by family and friends with the grill going nearby. Please know we are thinking of you during this difficult time.

Leif Davenport

May 8, 2012

To Luke's Family- I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Burundi with Luke. Though we were in different technical programs, I'll always remember his cheery, youthful smile and a glimmer in his eye. He had a passion for life, for helping people and he certainly left a positive feeling on those around him. Paix à son âme

Julie Campbell

May 8, 2012

Dear Seaberry, Quinn, Flint and Rainn,

You are in our thoughts as you embark upon your day of remembrance and celebration. We so admired, respected and appreciated Luke. We wish that we could be there to share the day with you.
Our Warmest Regards,
Julie Campbell and Family

Jeremy Reed

May 8, 2012

I met Luke in the Peace Corps. He was a friend to everyone. He improved the mood of every group he was in. To his family and friends, I wish you peace and serenity.

May 8, 2012

I have known Luke since first grade at St. Al's. He was a very kind and gentle soul. He will be sadly missed! My thoughts and prayers go out to the Nachbar family for their terrible loss and pray for their healing! Patty Vamos-Hardin

Alan Takemoto

May 8, 2012

Dear Nachbar Family, and all of Luke's Friends,
I am very sadden to hear this news. Please accept my deepest condolences. I served with Luke with Peace Corps Thailand and he was a very trusted friend. He will be missed by many but his spirit will live on forever and nobody can take away the great memories we have of him. Our best wishes and love go out to everybody who knew him.
Alan & Oh Takemoto

May 8, 2012

Sending our love and sympathy and prayers for each of you and remembering Luke when he was here in Minneapolis with his cousins and we spent so many beautiful holidays with his Mom and Dad and Grandma Ruth.
Love and sympathy from Joyce & Bob and cousins, Susan, Karen & Tricia.

Rebecca Schreiber

May 8, 2012

I only had the pleasure of meeting Luke once, but he made quite an impression on me with his upbeat spirit and genuine kindness. I wish his family comfort and strength in the times ahead.

Gretchen Lenhart-Dale

May 8, 2012

Luke was a brother to me growing up in Portage .....My thopughts and prayers go out to my entire Nachbar family! Love gretchen lenhart-Dale

May 8, 2012

To The Nachbar Family:
Thoughts and prayers for all of you at this difficult time. I grew up in Portage and went to school with Luke...his smile, sense of humor, and love of people will always be remembered. With deepest sympathy, Melissa (Drain) Wiseman

Gretchen Lenhart-Dale

May 8, 2012

Luke was like a brother to me growing up in Portage OHIO! To my entire Nachbar family love you so much! You are all in my thoughts and prayers....Love, Gretchen

Gretchen Lenhart-Dale

May 8, 2012

Luke was like a brother to me growing up! We grew up in Portage ohio. My heart goes out to his family! love you all. I wish I could be there to celebrate his life with you all.

May 8, 2012

Dear Nachbar Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences. Jib and I had the pleasure of knowing Luke when he was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand. Although that was years ago, his perpetual smile remains with us, as we hope it will remain with you in the years to come. God bless you all. We are praying for you at this sad time.
Bill, Jib and Thea Schaedla

Pamela Mazey Mertz

May 7, 2012

To the Nachbars - Luke is one of the shining lights of my high school memories. In reading the other entries here and on Facebook, I can see that he grew up to touch the hearts of so many people. What a wonderful legacy. You are in my thoughts.

Laura Strohm

May 7, 2012

Luke was my student at the Monterey Institute of International Studies... such a people person! He went to work for Senator Gregg before he actually finished his degree...and really found his true skill set: wielding money & power for good purposes! He really cared about the ocean, and he got government effort focused on doing what it should wherever he could. Finally he came back from D.C., settling here in Monterey, marrying, having children. And finishing that degree too. He died too young, that's for sure, and my heart goes out to his family.

Wilson Hu

May 7, 2012

It is quite a shock to all of us in his Peace Corps Group the hear the news. He had a contagious smile and joy for life! We will miss him.

Tommy Albo

May 7, 2012

To all Luke's family and friends. I'm so sorry to hear the news. I worked and traveled with Luke in Thailand. He lived life to the fullest and always with a smile. Many great memories will live on.

Mark Karaczun

May 7, 2012

Sadly, I did not have the opportunity to know Luke very well at all as I was two years ahead of him in Peace Corps / Thailand. That said, when I heard of his passing, I had no difficulties remembering him and his infectious smile and obvious love of life. I regret not having the opportunity to know him better. Please take comfort in knowing that he was and hopefully will continue to be a beacon of positivity that touched not only those close to him, but also those, like myself, who only knew him fleetingly.

Mindi Gibson

May 7, 2012

Dear Nachbar family - My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the memories of Luke's life bring you peace and solace.

brenda becker

May 7, 2012

There is nothing easy about what you are going through right now. Luke will be missed by so many. He was a great man!! Remember that he lives through you each day and that many are praying for your strength.
Take it one day at a time. Love to you all at this very challenging time.

Nachbar Family

May 7, 2012

Ann Edwards Thompson

May 7, 2012

To the entire Nachbar family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. It has been such a long time, but know I remember all of you fondly and am so sorry for your loss. Luke was such a wonderful and life loving person who will always have a place in my heart. I wish you all peace during this difficult time. With Love.

Tilapia harvest, Muzinda (northern Bujumbura Province), Burundi 1990

Lance Smith

May 6, 2012

To Luke's family, especially Quinn, Flint, & Rainn: Last time I talked to your Dad was way before you were born, so I wanted to share some of my memories of him with you. We worked in Burundi, Africa together in the fish farming program that you've probably heard about. Your Dad was my neighbor in Burundi – we both lived in northwestern Burundi – him in Cibitoke Province, and me in northern Bujumbura Province. He started a year before I did, and he shared his experience with me about teaching Burundian farmers how to raise fish, so they could feed their families and also make some money selling the fish. This is very important in Burundi because most people there are living in poverty, so they need better food for their kids, and they also need to find a way to make money. Your Dad was good at his job because he knew how to build fish ponds and raise fish, plus he also knew how to work well in a different culture. He always said to be flexible, to learn from the farmers, and adapt to them. It worked! A lot of Burundian farmer families were helped by the program. I appreciate the knowledge and experience that your Dad shared with me, and so do a lot of other people. All the best, Lance Smith

Becky Mancuso

May 5, 2012

I will always remember Luke-- his sense of humor, his smile. My heart goes out to his family.

Kelvin Char

May 5, 2012

Luke, my friend, you will always be fondly remembered whenever I light up a cigar, as we did that time on Lana'i. You were "pono" and may your family forever be blessed by your loving presence, as I know that you will be watching over them everlasting. Aloha, Kelvin Char

Kevin Doyle

May 5, 2012

To Luke's family,
My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your Son, your Brother, your Husband, your Father. Luke was a very good man and I have fond memories of him when we served together as Peace Corps Volunteers in Burundi. We have not been in touch for many years, much to my regret now, but the joyous memories of Luke, with his wry smile and wicked sense of humor, will live on. I know that it might not be much solace, but know that Luke was a very good human being.

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