Christopher William Luy (1950-2013) Milwaukee, WI and CA
Christopher William Luy
April 7, 1950 - December 23, 2013
The gates of Heaven opened wide on December 23, 2013, as the Lord greeted Chris with "E Komo Mai" (Welcome to my house) Good and Faithful Servant.
Born April 7, 1950 to Marjorie and Bill Luy (all together again in Heaven) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Chris was the loving husband to Joyce for 26 beautiful and fun-filled years. Definitely a "match made in Heaven"!
During Chris' short, yet precious time with us, his sweet, quiet, loving personality reigned. Indeed there were those occasional demonstrative, political, financial debates with friends and family. In the end, however, this was a man of integrity, honor, and most importantly, extreme love and respect for our Lord!
Chris was the eldest and loving brother of Jennifer and Jonathan and silly and fun-loving uncle to Vanessa, Brian and Heather. Marrying Joyce in 1987, he took on another role as friend, mentor, confidante, and political and financial analyst to Leslie, Mark, Michelle and Michael. Later, his premier role was "Grampy" to Aimee, Bart, Cole, Cate, Tatum and Rylen. His beloved Silky Terrier, "LeiLei", was his faithful "pal" to the end.
Chris loved music from an early age. Marjorie, his mother, was an artist and Bill his dad, was also a gifted pianist. Chris' passion for music and gift of "perfect pitch" blended together to create in Chris a beautiful, passionate and intimate pianist. Chris studied under the late Katinka Daniel, wife of the late Erno Daniel, Sr., an early conductor of the Santa Barbara Symphony. During this time he performed in many recitals and programs, and was invited to participate in VanCliburn competitions. Throughout his life, and up to the very end, Chris blessed many with his gentle and passionate touch. Chris's deep connection to his music brought inspiration and connection to those listening.
Students of all ages have been blessed by his teaching throughout the years. Chris served the Lord through his music as the Music Minister at the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center in Carpinteria for three years. Most recently, Chris has participated in the music ministry at Summerland Presbyterian Church, where he was a member.
After graduation from Santa Barbara High School in 1968, Chris pursued higher education and earned an Associate of Arts from Santa Barbara Community College in 1971, where he was a member of the jazz band, and a Bachelor of Science from Southeastern State College in Durant, Oklahoma, 1973. Chris' goal of entering Dental School was curtailed by his calling and love of music as well as his desire to perform and teach. Chris taught Music Theory for a semester at Westmont College in 1992 and private lessons at Westmont for eight years. He performed at many venues throughout Santa Barbara as well as at numerous private parties. Chris was teaching privately up to the very end of his life. His students, of all ages, loved his sensitive, yet professional manner of teaching. In addition to teaching, Chris became a piano technician and was a member of the Piano Technicians Guild.
Chris loved traveling and was an avid golfer, sailor, and pilot. His passion for God's beauty was evident in all he did. Chris never failed to give thanks to the Lord for all things?even a bad golf swing! He never complained about a bad shot?only rejoiced in the beauty of God's creation from certain tees. Chris and Joyce enjoyed many wonderful travels together, including Australia, Tahiti, Thailand, Paris and Italy. Yet, his favorite travel "go-to" was the Hawaiian Islands where he marveled in more of God's beauty, as well as the beautiful friends made there.
What we will all remember about Chris was his unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Throughout all of his challenges, there was no doubt that his fervent hope and faith were the burning lights that guided his, and others' ways. Chris could often be heard saying: "Thy will be done..." There is no doubt our Lord has welcomed Chris with "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Chris was so blessed with wonderful care during his four and half years battling his illness. The family wishes to THANK Dr. Gregg Newman, Sansum Clinic Oncology and his staff for making a tough journey a little less tough. We are also most grateful and thankful to his pastor and friend, Bart Tarman of Summerland Presbyterian Church and the congregants for all the "Love Spoken There"... a little church with a BIG heart! And for the outpouring of love from so many others. Thank you!
A Celebration of Life is planned for Monday, January 6, 3:00 P.M., at El Montecito Presbyterian Church, 1455 East Valley Road, Montecito, CA. Reception to follow at the church. Aloha wear encouraged.
A final celebration of Chris' life and will be held in Kapalua, Maui.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Chris' Memory can be made to one of the following:
The International Foundation
Carpinteria Fellowship
(Bart and Linda Tarman)
Ministry Number 854000
P.O. Box 23813
Washington, DC 20026-3813
or
Summerland Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 475
Summerland, CA 93067
or
Sansum Clinic, Oncology Dept, in honor of Dr. Gregg Newman and his caring staff.
Corporate Office
470 S. Patterson
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Published in The Santa Barbara News-Press Online Edition from Dec. 31, 2013 to Jan. 4, 2014
Descendant chart
1 William Luy
Marjorie Luy
m. 1987
2 Jennifer Luy
2 Jonathan Luy
2 Christopher William Luy, b. April 7, 1950 Milwaukee, WI, d. December 23, 2013, Santa Barbara, CA
Joyce Luy