Luke Lawrence Batdorf
1928-2020
Survived by his beloved wife Teresa MacNeil, his son Saren in
Hawaii, daughter Carelle Dwyer (Michael), New Hampshire and Erika,
Toronto; grandchildren Shaun, Rory, Seamus, Teodore; and three great
grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife Thaya Cronk and
his daughter Kaethe.
Luke earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from American
universities along with a B.Ed. from Acadia University. He « took
the cloth » to minister in Philadelphia, Baltimore, USA, and in
Rose Bay and Midville Branch, NS. He « took the slate » to
teach in Liverpool, Bridgewater and St. F.X. University, NS. He served
as senior research officer with Nova Scotia Newstart in Yarmouth. He
was a trainer nationally with Aboriginal Canadian learners and an
evaluator for community and institutional development programs
locally, in Europe and Asia. Throughout his career he was frequently
an « angel investor » in numerous businesses. He retired to
Johnstown in 1996.
Luke was a passionate collector of fine art, an ardent
devotee of music, and a patron of many music and theatre organizations
in Canada and the USA. He traveled extensively in search of music,
art, paintings and theatre.
Luke served as a volunteer on many boards including literacy,
music, fine and performing arts and business ventures. He was however
largely a private person spending much time reading history, art books
and novels, listening to music, writing, and encouraging people to
find creative opportunities.
Luke’s love for city lights equaled that of his love for the
starry nights at his home in Johnstown, Cape Breton with his good wife
who shared in their travels, « he took great pride in her (Teresa
MacNeil’s) many awards and always encouraged her in her
endeavors ».
In 1970 he wrote: « No master I obey, nor
injunctions, canons, or custom. Manmade distinctions have no hold on
me. I rejoice in the gladness of the love that wells out of my own
being. In love there is no separation, but a meeting of hearts
forever; so, I rejoice in song and I dance with each and
all ».
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Donations may be made to the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve
Association (BLBRA.ca) and the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design
(info@capebretoncraft.com) or a charity of choice.
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19282020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Luke Lawrence Batdorf 19282020..
Dennis Haverstocks funeral homes
Décès pour la Ville: Port-Hawkesbury, Province: Nova Scotia