Patricia Ann Luckhurst

1958 - 2017

Patricia Ann Luckhurst passed away while surrounded by her family on Oct. 6, 2017, in Dillingham, Alaska, from gastric cancer. She was born to Chester and Edna Sawicki of Tucson, Ariz., on Sept. 10, 1958. She graduated from Carbondale High School in 1975. In 1981, Patty started off on new adventures and moved to Dillingham, Alaska. The same year she moved to Dillingham, she met the love of her life, Vince.
Vince and Patty were married in Dillingham on June 12, 1982. Together they raised three wonderful children: Bert, Tish and Earl. Patty began working for the Dillingham City School District as the Food Services Manager in 1989. For 21 years she greeted students, staff and community members with a smile, nourished their bodies with wonderful food, and fed their souls with laughter and love. She was the passionate driving force behind the Salmon for Schools project, which brought locally caught Bristol Bay salmon donated by Peter Pan's commercial fisherman, into the schools, and straight to the students that she cared so much about.
After her time at Dillingham Elementary, Patty again chose a career spreading her love to children in need. Patty and Vince became foster parents for children from around the entire state. She cared deeply about sharing her unique ability to provide love and care to her family as well. You could always find Patty entertained in activities with her family, especially her grandchildren: her pride and joy.
Patty was preceded in death by her father, Chester Sawicki; and brother, Joseph Sawicki. She is survived by her husband, Vince Luckhurst; mother, Edna Sawicki; sister, Lucy Sawicki; sister-in-law, Margie Sawicki; son, Bert Luckhurst and daughter-in-law Crystal; daughter, Tish Olson and son-in-law Tyke; son, Earl Luckhurst; and grandchildren, Chenita, Katirina, Reece, Bailee, Raegan and Rudi.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Kanakanak Hospital; Cheryl and Rory Vanderpool and family; Danny Seybert; Deborah and Billy Tennyson; Carol and Verl Luckhurst; Carl Nelson Jr.; and countless other friends and family that have reached out to give love and support.