Luke Leonard Luscomb Gurney died on June 20. He lived life to the fullest and was the best husband, father, son and friend that anyone would want. 

Most people have a significant number of friends that they have embraced over a lifetime. Some are close and others are friends you see once in awhile. Luke’s circle of friends was immense. He was known and loved by all whom he came in contact with. His infectious smile, adventurous spirit, positive attitude and genuinely caring personality touched so many. From his friends’ testimony, they were the lucky ones and the beneficiaries in their relationship with Luke. Over and over the love for him has poured out of their souls. Whether they knew him after one contact or hundreds they were all made to feel like they were a best friend. He was a special personality.

He graduated from the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine in 1994 with a degree in marine science. Since 2009 he has fished commercially for whelk (conch), sea bass, and scup in waters surrounding the Vineyard and Nantucket. Prior to that date and in the off season, he worked as skilled carpenter with many builders as well as for himself all over the Vineyard. 

In 2012 he purchased and captained his own vessel, a 42-foot Nova Scotia-built lobster vessel, the No Regrets, and continued fishing the same waters. He had lived on the Vineyard since 1994 but to anyone who knew him he was a born and bred Islander. He was on the board of the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust. He had a passion for fishing and was the best at it, according to his peers.

Even more than fishing, he loved his family with all his heart. His wife, Robyn Gurney, and his two sons, Jacob and Sam, loved him and will miss him dearly. 

He is also survived by his parents, John and Linda Gurney; his sister, Mary Gurney-Sylvia and her husband David Sylvia and their children, Grace, Luke, Meredith and Mairwen; and his brother Joshua Gurney and his children Sophie and Elliot.

A wake is scheduled for Saturday, June 25, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Rock Funeral Home on 1285 Ashley Boulevard in New Bedford.

A celebration of his life will be held on July 2 at 2 p.m. at the Portuguese American Club on Vineyard avenue in Oak Bluffs. For information visit rock-funeralhome.com.