I had the opportunity to receive two biannual reviews from Col. Luck. The first time I ever met Col. Luck, he flew down to Walla Walla, for my initial check out, to fly with me in my newly purchased Bonanza. He was so kind to squeeze me in, before he left on a family trip. As soon as he arrived, he pulled out a little teddy bear that he had purchased for me to give to my newborn son. There are dozens of comments here that speak to George's flying ability and knowledge, which was outstanding - I agree with every one, but I thought bringing a teddy bear for a young child, really speaks to the man's character. What a kind, gentle, and safe man to fly with. I never met Carolyn or Mike, but like everyone else, I will attest to how proud he was of both. What an amazing American. A true role model.

  When our children got married we began to share a journey of joys and sorrows as a family. We have gotten to know what a strong sense of patriotism you share with us. Kathie's dad, also an Air Force pilot from a previous war, was given the opportunity to pilot a plane with George and soar through the air where he had flown many years before.   We are all saddened by the loss of such a good man but also acknowledge that George would not have been the man he was without Carolyn by his side.  The love you two shared was so inspirational.   Carolyn, we pray for you  and hope our caring thoughts comfort you.   Our love, Kathie and Steve

I did not know Colonel Luck personally, but I know his son Mike and know of his service to our country. If these were the only marks he left on this world,  he was tremendously successful, and worthy of great admiration and respect. I pray for divine comfort and peace for Mrs. Luck and Mike.

Mrs. Luck and Mike,
Although I did not know Mr. Luck like his family, he's true reflection is in the wonderful person he helped raise, Mike. He will live and be loved forever in memory by his family. At this time it is hard to celebrate, rather than grieve, but yesterday I heard how the Irish celebrate the life of their loved ones. Instead of grieving they celebrate all the good times. Think about the time you had together and how lucky you were to have each other. Mike, we love you!
Tracey and Ryan Campbell

Dear Carolyn, Mike, Jennifer and River,

I want to tell you what an honor and privilege it was to meet your husband and father. Our first meeting was at Jennifer and Mike's wedding. We enjoyed every moment of a wonderful wedding rehearsal dinner including George wanting to help do the decorations. That was amazing to us that an honored pilot and decorated military man would enjoy something so simple as putting out flower arrangements on tables.  

We also will never forget how much fun my father and Jennifer's grandfather had when George took him up in an airplane and let him fly for the final time.  Dad's comments were priceless. It was a memory that lasted his lifetime.

Although we did not get to see you both very often, we knew what you were doing through your wonderful son Mike and of course grandson River. Floyd and I felt such a part of your family too.

We can only share your grief and keep in our hearts the fond moments we've had with the Luck family. We know you both are so proud watching Mike be the father to River that I know both of you want him to be.  

Carolyn, pray that God will walk with you on this sad journey.

Sincerely, Floyd and Lynn Hannah

Dear Mrs. Luck and Mike,
I only had a few opportunities to briefly visit with Mr. Luck but I have heard and now read so many nice things. They must all be true because, Mike, I've had the privilege of knowing you and believe a parent's positive influence reflects strongly on their children. My family thanks Mr. and Mrs. Luck for a son that is so well respected in our family and we share in your grief. It's awful beyond words to lose a parent / husband and our prayers are with you now and in the future. 
Aunt Teresa

I was truly saddened by the news of George's  untimely passing.  He and I were in the same office in the Pentagon in the 1970's, where he was always the source of good stories, good advice, and genuine friendship. We felt some kinship as Georgia natives. As it happened, I eventually came to work for Boeing, was transferred to the Seattle area, and retired here, but I never knew that George was also here. I will remember him as a true gentleman, a consummate professional, and a dedicated patriot. My sincere sympathy to Carolyn and all of George's family at this sad time

Dear Mrs. Luck and Mr. Michael Luck, 

I had the privilege of working with George while we worked on the 777 development under the direction of Jim Daily. Everyone who remembers George cites a key attribute: George was a good guy. Indeed, Dr. Sarah Knife at GE, one of our team members on the 777 development, responded to a note with those words. George loved his family. He always spoke highly of his wife and son. He wanted his son to find his own success pathway. I asked George if he wanted Michael to pursue an Air Force career, and George was clear--Michael needed to find his own pathway. George intended to support Michael's choices. He also shared how Mrs. Luck worked in Thailand during George's Southeast Asia tenure. Finally, George was a humble guy. Despite an amazing flight background, George spoke when he could provide insightful and relevant input. (I wasn't even aware of George's flight test pilot training or experience.)

My son and I had the privilege of flying with George. My son, although he was a teenager at the time and is now in his late thirties, still remembers that flight. George was the ultimate instructor, helping my son Ryan learn about flight controls, what was important regarding flight dynamics, and how to operate an airplane safely. It was a magical experience for Ryan. And, I'm also a pilot: it was a great learning moment for me, too.

Thank you for sharing your husband/father with us. Anyone who worked with George became better with regard to understanding flight. And everyone who knew George became a better individual due to George's example.

Sincerely, Thomas Murray

I was absolutely shocked to hear of Georges death.  I couldn't believe it could happen to such an incredibly skilled pilot.  I worked weight George on my IFR training which was interrupted by my own health issues.  I have never met a person who so understood the art of flying.  It was so special for me to know him and to see the respect shown him by all.  I swear that when he spoke of you his eyes seemed to be smiling.  He truly loved his family. If ever I can help in any way I hope you will allow me to do so.

How fortunate I feel to have met George during aviation activities. In my opinion he was the model "Quiet Birdman", in knowledge, humility, pursuit of excellence, and his willingness and ability to mentor others. He left his positive influence on all of us who fly.

I never had the privilege of flying with George but, I did talk with him many times at different flight clinics. George had a wealth of aviation knowledge and experience which he always tried to pass along. Besides being a great resource, George was always gentle and very kind with the customers and instructors. We all will miss not having George around to help us find our way.

What a shock!  George will continue to be a bright light in all our lives.

Thank you George for being a friend and fellow pilot. May your skies be clear and have a never ending sunset.

Dear Carolyn- I was at work the day I heard of the incident at Paine Field and only today did I find out that it was George. Oh, how my heart is heavy for you tonight. As I read through these condolences, it becomes very clear to me what an impression George left on his community of 80 years. But, then I already knew that by the way your eyes would always "shine" when you talked about your husband. I am so very, very sorry. I am at a loss for words but do know that I am praying for you in your extreme loss. You are a special person - I know that George was too. Love, Judy

My condolences Carolyn. George was such a magnificent aviator. When I flew my Mooney to Europe in 2000 he honed my instrument flying skills and helped me accomplish a very difficult journey. It seems incredible that this could have happened. 

Manuel Gonzalez

My prayers and condolences to George's family.

George was my initial instructor when I transitioned into my Bonanza. He was very patient and kind and really taught me what I needed to know to fly my plane safely. He will be greatly missed. 

Jim

Dear Mrs. Carolyn. Luck,  
One Sunday in late May I had a vision of George when he was a cadet at the Air Force Academy. 
On that particular Sunday I was required to wear a special color.  The vision was a reenactment of scene of the first Air Force-Army football in Yankee Stadium, October, 1959, I believe.  No doubt you know he initially marched in with the Corps at West Point in his old West Point uniform but stayed behind as they marched to their seats.  He masterfully took off his Army uniform and showed his Air Force Cadet uniform and his true colors to the thundering applause of the Air Force side.  He walked off and came over to our side.
I told Bill Taylor, class of 1960, of my vision when I saw him at Mimi Kuenzel's  services on the 4th of June.  He told me today of the tragedy.  I am sorry to hear of his loss.  But in very real sense his spirit lives.
Respectfully  submitted, 
Dick Davis
Class of 1961

Our world has lost a rare and valued individual: a patriot, a soldier, pilot, husband and father who was dedicated in everything that he addressed. The Lord lent him to the rest of us, then called him Home. We all know that there is risk in flight. Nevertheless, the loss of an individual as unique as George is reminiscent of the line from the Captain near the end of "Bridges of Toko-Ri", "Where do we get such men?" Rest in peace, George!
Andy Reardon

George and Carolyn have been our neighbors for more than 11 years, and George shared his passion for flight through his generosity in flying both myself and son numerous times over the Puget Sound region.  We still quote him saying often "This is pretty cool".  One of the most humble people we have ever met, and a consummate gentleman. It goes without saying that George made a permanent impact on military aviation, civil aviation and the many lives of those who had the pleasure of calling George their friend.  He always spoke so proudly of his family, grandson and the love of his, Carolyn. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you all, and George's memory is a treasure of those who knew him. George will never have to 'hang up his wings' and the missing man aerial formation will forever honor his distinguished life and his passing.

I had the esteemed pleasure and privilege of being one of Mr. Luck's physicians. He was one of my absolutely favorite patients in all ways. He always asked ME how I was doing as I was trying to ask him how HE was doing, oftentime confusing who was playing the role of the physician. It was always a delight to see him and his wife in my clinic, and I looked greatly forward to their visit. I could sense their deep sense of faith, service, and grace in all that they did. My thoughts and prayers to all Mr. Luck's family and friends.

Carolyn, 
With foreknowledge of his skills & experience I entered my initial and each subsequent flight with George with a little fear, intimidation and great humility, but always left a better and safer pilot. Through each adventure to Arizona and visit to Palm Desert we spent with you we became wonderful friends, something Barb and I will treasure always. We offer our profoundly deep sympathy for your loss and are grateful for the impression you and George have stamped upon our lives.

Carolyn,  George was my hero...survived many USAF testing escapades,  shot down in Laos, beat the big C,  Army , Air Force, and Coast Guardsman,  taught many how to fly the Bonanza safely,  died doing what he loved.  He will be missed.  Kent Ewing, US Navy, Virginia Beach

With sympathy to George's wife and son. I worked with George on the 777. He was a great co-worker and a fine gentleman. He will be missed.

It was my great pleasure to receive ABS Beechcraft Bonanza instruction from George Luck.  He was a flying perfectionist, very detail oriented and an icon of the aviation world. The best of the best. As Friar Tuck said in 1968, "You (the Fighter Pilot) are a dying breed and when you are gone - the world will be a lesser place. So here's a'nickle on the grass' to you, my friend,for your spirit, enthusiasm, sacrifice, and courage - but most of all to your friendship"  With your passing, George, the world is indeed a lesser place.

Prayers to all for comfort and peace. His legacy lives through his family.

Carolyn you and George have always been very special friends.  George always seemed to get a lot of joy out of the times we all got together, especially "SNOREFEST."  He will be greatly missed.
Lots of Love,
Larry and Leanne

Carolyn, A loss of one of the truly good guys. My condolences to you and your son. Be well and take care.

With deepest sympathy to the Luck family. I worked with George at Boeing. What a great guy and friend. He will truly be missed.

Dear Carolyn, so very sorry for your loss. George was a special person and the world is a little less with his passing. Please take care. love, Pat Donaven

Carolyn, I offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family. ❤

_______________________________________

I met George years ago, when I coordinated the FAA WINGS program out of Regal Air.  Year after year, without fail, George would sign up as a volunteer CF-double-I for Bonanza pilots.  He always arrived early and was always the "southern gentleman."  As a FAA WINGS instructor and probably from his Air Force days, he would check in and carefully check to see when his flights were scheduled and when he had to be back for his next flight, keeping his "WINGS students" on time - and keeping no one waiting.  He was just an all-around nice and considerate guy.  George even offered volunteer extra time to complete the WINGS program later for people who missed the WINGS WEEKEND.   He also offered, many times, to take me for a lesson or two in his plane, in repayment for the work I did on the WINGS program.  

Carolyn Luck, his wife, is just as gracious and nice as he was.   What a beautiful couple.  I lost track of them when I left the air field, but was immediately sad and shocked when I heard the news of his death.  What?  George?  No way.  But it was true.  How sad for his family, the Paine Field family, and all the pilots he instructed, and all the people he touched in his life.  I'll miss his southern-accented voice and polite manners, his smile, his seriousness about flying & instruction, and his stories of days in the military.  George's stories were nothing short of incredible, always told with humility.  What a huge loss to the aviation world.

-Bobbie Jo (Hoyt) Brandli

Dear Carolyn-
My heart is heavy at the hearing of George's passing.  I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Know that you and your family are in my prayers.  Please contact me anytime if there is anything you can think of that I can do that would be a blessing to you during this season. 425-232-4106.  Janice Dickason

Dear Carolyn, I am so sorry for your loss. George was exceptional as our copilot at Kincheloe.
Mark Scobey

Dear Carolyn , George was truly an amazing man and was honored to spent the time I did with him flying with Auxair. We had quite a team and he was large part of our success. Not only did he make those around him better pilots but better people as well.

With deepest condolences 
Lane & Gretchen

Dear Carolyn and family, May you feel God's comforting and sustaining presence through the continuing love and support of all your friends, especially those of us in the flying community. Jan and Dick Kinnier

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Colonel George Elliott Luck

5 novembre 1934 – 10 juin 2015

Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills Funeral Home & Cemetery

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