Family Member #4: Michael Luchak

Photos

Overview of life events of Michael Luchak

November 3-1919 – xxx

Early family life:

Michael was born on November 3, 1919 in his parent’s home near Vilna, Alberta. He was the 4^th child of 8 siblings and thrived in his life on the prairie. At age 7 he moved with his family to Vancouver.

Education:

Growing up in Vancouver, he attended many different elementary schools, depending on which neighborhood they happened to be living in.  He dropped out of school in the 10^th grade and went to the “school of hard knocks” for many years before deciding to finish high school at age 30. He enrolled at Canadian Union College, graduating from high school in 1952. From there he went to Pacific Union College where he majored in Printing and Art, graduating with a BA in 1956.

Marriage:

While a student at Canadian Union College (CUC) he met and fell in love with Marjorie Jones, Women’s Dean. They were married on Sept. 2, 1951 in Vancouver, B.C. and were devoted to each other for 56 years until Marjorie’s passing in July 2007.

Career:

His first real job was working with his father in an Excelsior factory in Vancouver when he dropped out of high school. In 1942 he enlisted in the army with a buddie “for something exciting to do” and became an Instructor in the 1^st Canadian Parachute Battalion. Following a medical discharge he returned to Vancouver and enrolled in Art School and worked at a Neon Sign Company. Finding that “too restrictive” he tried logging on Vancouver Island and working with a bridge building crew.* (see the story, “The Fall that changed All”)

From 1956 -1973 while on the staff at CUC he taught Arts and Crafts and worked as a Graphic Designer at the Color Press.

After moving to Castle Valley Institute (high school) near Moab, UT (1973-1979) he worked with Marj as a Home Head to a household of lively girls, taught Bible classes, and was the campus Printer.

They moved to Fountainview Academy, near Lillooet, B.C. in 1979 and he took on teaching (Bible, Typing, and whatever was needed), salesman for the Market Garden stand in Lillooet, and resident Printer/Sign Painter as needed. He retired in the late 90’s, filling his days with entertaining grandchildren, playing his violin, emceeing “festival of rejoicing” programs, repairing books, doing puzzles, and studying his Bible.

Children:

Heather Ellen married to Steven Lee

Peter Nicolai married to Rachel Knauft

Grandchildren (5):

Derek (Heather and Steve)

Ellen, Becky, Michael and Sharon (Peter and Rachel)

Great Grandchildren (1):

Elijah (Ellen and Josh)