Robert William Luck

I had the privilege of being Bob's roommate at Johnson Hall at the Univ. of Hawaii back in 1965 September. He was a very personable friend and had such a big smile. He was a mirror-image of his celebrity dad, Lucky Luck whom
I would occasionally see when he shopped at Foodland in Aina Haina back in the early 50's. It has been some time, but I will miss him. Aloha a hui hou Bob.
God bless you and your ohana.

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I remember when Ellen first told me she had met Rob. She was so happy. I remember when Ellen and Rob got married on the first day of Spring. I remember Ellen and Rob living in Santa Cruz, then moving back to Hawaii. I remember Ellen and Rob moving to Bend, OR and later to the Seattle area. I was so happy when Ellen and Rob moved to Portland, OR because we would see them more often. The love they shared was so wonderful. We are blessed to have them in our lives. Dick & Doreen

I just finished reading 'Tides of Wailuna' and was so delighted with the underlying hum of love and caring that I remembered from growing up in Hawaii when it was all about Ohana. As there was nothing listed in the book referencing back for any contact, I found this obit page. Yes, I grew up in the time of 'Lucky Luck' and have lived away from my beloved island for over 66 years. My sincerest condolences to his family and it only makes me want to find and read his other book. What a lovely person Robert must have been, his family has been truly blessed.

Ted Awaya
I am so incredibly sad learning of Rob's passing. I worked for Rob at Hospice Hawaii in the 1980's. I have never met such a compassionate, gracious, caring and brilliant man as Rob. I learned so much from him about living and dying well while at Hospice, so much so, that I recently chose Hospice care after becoming ill. (Mahalo to you Rob for that.) I have carried him in my heart since meeting him and will continue to do so until I see him in the afterlife! Rest well my friend after a long life of caring so much for others. Much aloha and condolences to the Luck family.
-sent at Ted's request by his wife.

I was sad to hear of Rob's passing. I did not realize that he was so ill and am glad that he got his book published. He was a kind and gentle soul. He was a good man. His father, Robert Melvin "Lucky" Luck was a popular radio and television personality back in Hawaii in the 50s and 60s, who also passed away too young. His father would tell stories in pidgin English on the radio and get very proper folks really riled up. Island folks loved him and I have some old recordings squirreled away somewhere. I was always a little in awe of Rob as his father was such a big deal when I was growing up. It was an honor to get to know him a little.

Mahalo nui loa and much Aloha, Rob.

Oh, what a gentle, caring soul. I shared his love of storytelling and attended many of his performances. Lucky me to work with him on staff at Providence St.Vincent. Even though we worked in different areas, crossing paths with him always brightened my day. His slow, warm smile filled the room. My condolences, Ellen, and all the family.

I remember Robert as a soft-spoken, bear of a man, who gave thought before he spoke; gentle, kind. We were in storytelling and I learned about his humility, in his sharing stories of his famous father; one with John Wayne. I trusted what he said.

I recall meeting Rob at a storytelling gathering with the Portland Storytellers' Guild. I had lived in the islands at one time and Rob and I shared a love of the islands. He and I were in several Storytelling shows together, including one that was a fund raiser for a family shelter. Rob was a gifted storyteller and his stories shared the Hawaiian gifts of O´hana and Aloha with all. When Rob told a story the audience was transported into his life as someone that grew up in Hawaii, we felt we were a part of the family, and that was a gift. He didn´t tell of a paradise without problems but of a way of living that most long to experience. I felt like he accepted me as a brother, there was such warmth in greeting each other, and I believe that was how Rob made others feel too. He is missed.
Aloha Rob, Mahalo,
Ken

Rob and I both grew up in Aina Haina, and I remember even as a kid he was a great guy. Heartfelt condolences to the Luck family.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

I remember meeting Rob at PSVMC when I was beginning my Mission work. He was so grounded in his spiritual practices and such a welcoming and calming presence in the midst of the turmoils of life which we all were involved in. Truly one of the most inspiring men I have ever met -- I treasure his memory and I believe that his spirit continues to accompany his family and all of us, who only need to "re-member", to reconnect. Spirit speaks to Spirit. May Ellen, the whole family continue to experience his loving care . Sister Lynda Thompson

Rob was a lovely human- I will miss his warmth, kindness, calm and true aloha spirit. May he rest tenderly with all the angels. Love to Ellen and his precious family.

I remember seeing Rob do the hula in Bend at a get-together at Rob & Ellen´s home. He was so graceful and fluid - it was beautiful! I´ve never forgotten it.
Rob also was the storyteller at our first bereavement camp for children in Central Oregon. I learned later he wrote the story which he was generous in sharing so I could use at future grief camps.

I first met Rob when he came to Providence Hospice of Seattle to run the newly created Transitions Program. I was a hospice care team social worker, and later Rob became my supervisor. Rob helped me through my divorce experience at the end of 2001 and beginning of 2002. He provided great moral support in numerous ways. We became friends and he and Ellen and my wife, Karen, attended a Seahawks game each year for many years. Later after moving away from the Northwest and when I returned, settling in Oregon, Rob was instrumental in assisting me in qualifying for my Oregon LCSW license which enabled me to start my own private counseling practice. I also recall discussions about the Enneagram with Rob. He was the quintessential number nine, the peacemaker. Rob was a gentle giant with an incredible caring heart and spirit.
Rob's memory will remain in my heart and spirit until I take my last breath. Sending love and hugs to Ellen, the kids and spouses, and grandkids.

Ellen,
It was nice helping you and being there for you through the time you´ve had SH. I never met Rob but I can hear through your voice on our calls how much you dearly loved him.

My condolences with your family and you!

Miss you dearly, Dad. Your love, support and unwavering commitment to your family will never be forgotten. Thank you for seeing me.

I will always tell the story about Rob´s question at the dinner table the first night we met: "Riley, where are you planning on going to college?" His simple question triggered a paradigm shift in the way I saw myself.

Nobody in my family went to college, and up until that moment, when I was 16 years old, nobody had ever asked me that question before. I had internalized what had been implied in all my interactions with teachers or adults prior to that moment at dinner with Rob: "People like me don´t get to go to college."

Since then I have earned two bachelor´s degrees, and am completing my certification to become a public school teacher. Rob´s question, and the implications within, have played a huge part in shifting the trajectory of my life for the better.

It is a sad fact that sometimes, some of us, need a person they respect to see the value in us before we can see it for ourselves. I will never forget the moment when Rob helped me see the value within me.

Too many memories to share here, but here are a few more images of my dad. He was the greatest father you could ask for and I´m so lucky I knew him.