Luke and his brother Sam
This week the One Horse Town has suffered the loss of one of it’s well loved teachers and friends – Luke Willis.
Luke and his brother Sam were shot dead in Newcastle following an alleged dispute with a neighbour.
Luke moved to the One Horse Town (Hay) around the same time I returned to live here from Sydney.
He struck me immediately as a down to Earth guy with a good sense of humor, a love of music and a chilled out demeanour.
He was the face in the crowd that was always smiling, always relaxed and always friendly.
It didn’t take him long to slot right into the One Horse Town.
He was popular as a teacher, as a friend and on the football field.
He was well loved by the kids he taught music to and the teachers he called colleagues and friends.
I had the pleasure of meeting his Dad who was visiting Luke one weekend and a crowd of us gathered at the Maude Pub (a REAL REAL One Horse Town) for a lunch and a few beers.
It was a great afternoon and you could just see how stoked Luke was to be able to show Hay and Maude to his “old man” .
I will always remember Luke’s love for his dog Toby – an enormous dog that seemed to be his “Right Hand Man” – he loved his dog like a mate.
Luke was a kind-hearted man who deserved good.
These are my memories of Luke.
There are many people in the OHT with many memories – I wanted to take this opportunity to share mine and to reach out to others.
It is always sad when somebody we know dies, it is incomprehensible when somebody you know is murdered.
The town of Hay is hurting at the loss of this great man, the town of Hay is hurting at the loss of Luke’s younger brother Sam.
It is times like this you think of the family and you wish upon wish that there was something you could do to remove the heartache and pain that they will endure.
My heartfelt sympathies to all of the people who are feeling the pain of this most heartbreaking loss.
It is my belief that death is but the end for our bodies.
I have absolutely no doubt that the spirits of the two boys, still together, are kicking on right now.
13 Comments
Sharni, a beautiful tribute to two beautiful guys. Luke will be held in my memory and in yours, that is where he will be alive forever. x
Good Tribute Sharni
Beautiful. Such a sad loss of life.
Such a lovely tribute Sharni…Luke sounded like a fabulous and well loved guy!
Sharni you captured the essence of Luke – a beautiful tribute – thank you.
Beautiful post Sharni.
This man actually taught at my younger cousins primary school & coached his school rugby league team.
Such a tragedy.
I don’t understand why someone could be so senseless to take anothers life,.
Our thoughts are absolutely with the family and friends of these men.
Truly tragic.
Beautiful tribute Sharni, our thoughts are with his family.
I am a cousin of Luke and Sam. I want to thankyou Sharni on behalf of the boys family and friends for this moving tribute.
Thanks for stopping by David – this was my way of saying goodbye, i am glad that I was able to reach family and friends with it.
Sharni,
Thank you so much for your lovely kind words they are soothing.
Luke and Sam were loving, generous young men that were taken to soon.
RIP Boys….
Natalie
Thanks for stopping by Natalie, i am glad I was able to reach family and friends with my tribute – it was the best way i know how to say goodbye and it is good to remember the good times and believe that all will be well wherever they are now.
Sharni…I’m Luke’s best mate and very close to his brother Sam. Yesterday we had a stark reminder of the preciousness of life with Sam’s birthday.This tragedy follows us everydaysince the boys passing and will remainor the rest of our lives. Your tribute to the boys has lifted my spirits and made me smile which i have found difficult lately….we all have. Your article is spot on. Amongst the many media reports, a majority of which are incorrect, you words gave me comfort and reinforced just how beautiful the boys were. This tragedy is just what it appears. A sensless act that couldn’t have happened to two nicer blokes
Hi Marty, I am glad that my post offered some comfort. I was thinking of Luke today as I drove around. I hope with time the pain will pass and happy memories will be stronger. thanks for your msg.
Sharni