Harry C. Luff Jr.

Harry Chandler Luff, Jr. was born in Orlando, FL on June 23, 1925. He died peacefully at home on May 26, 2016. He is predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Eleanor, who passed away a few short months ago. Harry grew up in Windermere, FL. He attended Orlando High School and rode his bicycle about five miles to Old Winter Garden Rd. every school day where he would catch the bus into Orlando. He recognized the value of a good education. Upon graduation from OHS in 1943, he enlisted in the Navy. Harry was one of 60 applicants out of 3000 that was accepted into the Navy’s prestigious V-12 officer training program, graduating from Brown University with a BS in Naval Science and a major in mechanical engineering. His professional career was remarkable. Upon discharge from the Navy in 1946, he returned to Orlando and started work at Orlando Utilities making 87 cents an hour cleaning slag from boilers. Forty years later he retired from OUC in 1986 as General Manager. During his tenure, he viewed one his greatest accomplishments as establishing and implementing long term corporate financial models that allowed OUC to successfully expand and serve the growing Orlando area. He was also instrumental in completing the process that allowed the Curtis H. Stanton coal fired power plant to come online in 1987. Curt and Harry remained close friends long after their respective retirements. Harry’s personal life was just as remarkable. He loved life and the great outdoors. Tennis, golf, water skiing, snow skiing, hiking, surfing and windsurfing were his passions. When it came to surfing, he paddled to the farthest outside break, waited for the biggest wave and rode his long board all the way to shore. He surfed into his 70s. He was happiest sailing and windsurfing when he was testing his limits on the windiest days. Hiking was best on an unmarked ridge trail where no one else had hiked. He lived life with passion and appreciated every day he was given. He is survived by daughter Karen Clark, son David Luff (Ann), grandchildren Teresa Brown, Kristin Balthrop (Jonathan), Emily McComb (Dyar), Chad Luff (Kylie) and five great grandchildren, McKayla, Carter, Chase, Marin and Chandler. The family wishes to express their deepest thanks to Vicki Smith, loving caregiver and friend, the many families in the neighborhood that have shown kindness and support through his illness and also to the nurses of Hospice of the Comforter that provided comfort and support through a most difficult time. There will be a private memorial service for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to Hospice of the Comforter.