William Luking Obituary

I was Bill's secretary at Ross Hardee's O'Keefe in the early 1970s. He was the best attorney to work for in the firm and the other secretaries envied me. Each night as I was leaving the office, he would actually say "thank you." What a gentleman he was. He will be greatly missed.

I do remember Bill. He was the brother of my best friend, Beth, throughout my education in Connersville, Indiana. The Luking family has long been a family of truly remarkable individuals...all are of kindness, compassion, erudition, humility, and workers for Justice and equality among fellow mankind...and to mother earth. So much loss to everybody that Bills life touched.

Bill Luking and I ran in the same crowd in our twenties. While the rest of us were wild and free Bill was the one who wanted the serious conversation. While I am shocked and saddened by his death I am not surprised by the articles I have read on his brilliance, dedication, and honesty. They are tributes to a man to whom principle stands tall and the things of the world stand small. Rest in peace, My Friend.

Luking and I worked together at Notre Dame trying to get the Observer to a regular daily newspaper status...Bill was one of the smartest people I ever met- and a real friend... All will miss him

Please accept our sincere condolences on the death of Mr. William Luking. We dealt with Bill quite often in the last eleven years of my career in the Senate. He was a gentleman of remarkable knowledge and trusted advice. He was also someone who was unfailingly courteous to all. He represented the City of Chicago and its citizens very well, indeed.
Illinois State Senator William Haine - 56th District

Bill was an important figure in my high school experience. He was brilliant and witty and fun and kind and supportive, a friend I could always count on. I feel blessed to have known him.

Mary Anne and Beth,
I am so sorry to learn about your loss. Although I have not seen Bill since high school, I have wonderful memories of him as a passionate, strong advocate for his beliefs.

I will keep you and all of the Luking family in my thoughts and prayers.

To the family of Bill, so sorry to hear of your loss. Am sure he will be missed by many. May you all get thru this trying time. Will be having you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Bill and I were Ross, Hardies law interns, and remained friends thereafter. He was a counselor and at times confidant, and a force for good in my life and the lives of many others. I have happy memories of summertime in Union Pier, and of evenings spent dissecting the finer points of Illinois law and politics. My prayers are with his family at this sad time.

My sincere condolences to the Luking family. The City of Chicago and the State of Illinois has lost one of the best legislative analyst and friend to every mayor in this state. Bill was a mentor to many and I will never forget his warm friendship. He has left a legacy in his selfless contribution to the betterment of his fellow man. God Bless you Bill.

An old friend with whom I argued the worth of Goldwater over Johnson. Time, distance, separate ways precluded his knowing I came to agree with his arguments - perhaps one of his earliest political victories. He is mourned, missed, but never forgotten.

Gerry Leapley, Bakersfield, CA

Mary Anne,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. You and the rest of your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. From looking at the articles it appears Bill had a very fulfilling life and will certainly be missed by those in the Illinois political arena. May God bring you all comfort in the days ahead....

I knew Bill all through school and 4H. I always knew he was special. I am saddened by his passing.

Beth, I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my older brother in 2000 and I know it was tough on me. Hugs and prayers to you.

"Pray for me, as I for thee, that we may merrily meet in heaven." Teilhard de Chardin

Bill will be greatly missed. He always had kind words of greeting and encouragement throughout my employment in the State Senate. He even followed with great interest my tenure on the Springfield School Board. May he rest in peace. I extend my deepest sympathies to his entire family.