Donald Ray "Donnie" Lusk

Donnie passed away on Saturday April 12, 2008 at Moss Landing, CA a victim of an unfortunate accident.

He was born in Spokane, WA to Jack and Elizabeth Lusk. He grew up in Tacoma, WA. Where he met and later married the love of his life "his true soul mate" Shirley. In 1959 they moved with their four children to Santa Cruz, CA to pursue his love of fishing and to give their family a better life. He was a jack of all trades working from April through September as a Commercial Fisherman and the rest of the year in the construction trade. He taught his children how to repair things around the house in his absence and the value of hard work, ethics and honesty.

He fished for 60 years going from Moss Landing to Alaska and as far as Samoa. A brilliant and competent "skipper" of his own boat" Celia B "for many years he came up through the ranks starting his career with his mentor's Conrad "Pete" Pederson on the Sun Ra I & II, Leroy Harrington on the Peso II and Carl Davis on the Rose Marie. Salt water ran in his blood, the ocean his comfort zone, a hard tiring life, he embraced. He received accommodations for rescues at sea he never thought twice if someone was in need.

He loved the family he acquired through fishing all were his friends, he could talk with anyone. He would give you the shirt off his back and the last coin in his pocket because he knew he would be ok.

He would often say," There is no such thing as bad luck, everyone makes his own luck" He also told his children "mistakes were why God made erasers." Although he never received a college education the life experiences and lessons he taught his children; without knowing it is priceless. He will be lovingly remembered by all who crossed his path. His energy lives in each of his children. Thank You Dad....

He is survived by his daughters Kathryn Greer Louie Menezes of Gustine, CA, Janet Scharnow Richard Scharnow of Volcano, CA, his son Michael Lusk of San Jose, CA, brothers Eugene Lusk of Tacoma, WA, Leroy Lusk of Palm Springs, CA , sister Juanita Bledsoe of Tacoma, WA, 9 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, several nephews including Ron Lusk of Las Vegas, NV, James Lusk of Santa Cruz, CA , several nieces including Barbara Allen of Tacoma, WA and Nancy Lusk of Tacoma, WA and many friends who loved and respected him. Proceeded in death by his friend, companion, soul mate and wife Shirley Lusk, and his oldest son Dennis Ray Lusk. Love, respect, we will look for you in the horizon... rest in peace Dad...

Memorial contributions to Leukemia Research or to Marine Animal Rescues preferred. Arrangements by Santa Cruz Memorial "" Oakwood Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95065, 831-475-2464.