Samuel Robert Luker (1 Jul 1932 - 1 May 2026)

Samuel Robert "Sam" Luker was the great-great-grandson of John Culbert and Mary Ward. 

Sam Luker and his wife Melva (Murphy) Luker.

The following is Sam Luker's obituary, published in GuelphToday:

Samuel Robert Luker
1 Jul 1932 – 1 May 2026

Samuel Robert Luker passed away peacefully on Friday morning, two months shy of his 94th birthday, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Born in London, Ontario, Sam lived a life defined by curiosity, intellect, compassion, and quiet adventure. He attended Western University, where he completed both his undergraduate and graduate studies in Psychology, earning the University’s Gold Medal for highest academic achievement in his field - an early reflection of the insight and dedication that would shape his lifelong work.

Sam’s career was both varied and meaningful. He was a teacher, Chief Psychologist with the Wellington County Board of Education, a professor at the University of Guelph, a Family Court mediator, and a psychologist in private practice. He was also a trailblazer in the field of human sexuality, approaching his work with openness, respect, and a deep belief in understanding others without judgment. At his core, he was a peacemaker - thoughtful, measured, and wise.

Beyond his professional life, Sam was an adventurer at heart. He travelled to all seven continents and visited 94 countries, embracing the world with wonder - from Antarctica to Zaire and countless places in between. He demeanour and all who knew him often said, a philosopher’s life: introspective, calm in demeanour, and guided by a steady sense of love and curiosity.

He will be remembered as an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Sam was predeceased by his twin brother Richard and beloved wife of more than 65 years, Melva Murphy Luker, with whom he shared a deep and enduring partnership.

He leaves behind his daughters, Judy Massey (Dave) and Jana Luker (Robert Johnston). He was a proud and loving grandfather to Christopher and Brett Massey, great grandfather to Hudson & Lennox Massey and a deeply adored “Poppy” to Emma Luker (Jason Asnis) and Kai Luker (Greg Seraphim).

Sam’s presence was steady and comforting, his wisdom quietly offered, and his love deeply felt. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, curiosity, and connection that will continue to ripple through the lives of all who knew him.

He will be profoundly missed.

Our family will gather to celebrate Sam’s life later this summer

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Melva Murphy Luker Camp Kitchikewana Endowment Fund or Hospice Muskoka.

- end of obituary - 

Twin brothers, Dick Luker (left) and Sam Luker (right) born July 1, 1932 in London, Ontario.

Please click here to read a biography of Sam Luker and his twin brother, Dick Luker, as written by Sam's daughter, Judith Luker Massey.

To read a biography of Sam Luker's mother, Gladys Sarah (Hodgins) Luker, click here. 

Note: If you were a student at Lucan Public School in Lucan, Ontario during the 1950s, you may remember Sam Luker as one of your teachers.

SAM LUKER'S FAMILY TREE:
Ancestors:
John Culbert & Mary Ward (great-great-grandparents)
Susan Culbert & Philip Crawley (great-grandparents)
Sarah Catherine Crawley & Samuel Hill Hodgins (grandparents)
Gladys Sarah Hodgins & Wilbert Luker (parents)

Descendants (Children):

Judith (Luker) Massey

Jana (Luker) Johnston