Daniel Luke

Daniel Bryce Luke, born May 1, 1957, in Walla Walla, Washington, entered his eternal home with Jesus on July 3, 2025, in Cashmere, Washington. His unexpected passing has deeply saddened his family, especially his five beloved children, who mourn the loss of their father with heavy hearts. Some of Daniel’s earliest and most cherished memories began in Bellingham, Washington, on Bennett Drive. In 1958, his family purchased six acres of land where his father built the family home. There, Daniel and his three siblings spent their childhood exploring the woods, building tree forts, and playing by the pond - creating a lifetime of memories. Daniel attended Bellingham High School and Whatcom Community College, where he studied machine technology and auto body repair, graduating in 1976. He had a lifelong passion for hard work and hands-on learning, much of which was nurtured at his father’s business, Rooney Machine Co. Daniel often spoke proudly of the skills he gained there, crediting his father for teaching him much of what he knew about machining and fabrication. Daniel began his fishing career in Alaska in 1983. As a skilled engineer, he worked aboard several commercial fishing vessels operating between Sand Point and Dutch Harbor. He was responsible for maintaining and repairing the engines and refrigeration systems, and was known for his ability to fix just about anything on board. Throughout his career, Daniel took great pride in keeping the boats running smoothly and safely. Some of the vessels he worked on included the F/V Aaron, where he fished for salmon using purse seines, and the F/V Starward, where he participated in king crab fishing out of Dutch Harbor. Daniel was the proud father of five children. From his first marriage to Angela Kinneberg-Luke, he had three children: Daniel, Breanna, and Courtney. From his second marriage to Kari Martinsen-Luke, he had two children: Kimberly and Matthew. Daniel’s children remember him as a man with a huge heart. He was the kind of man who never hesitated to help, whether you were a lifelong friend or someone he had just met. Selfless and always smiling, he had a way of making others feel seen and supported. His generous heart and willing hands were constants in the lives of many, and he could always be counted on to lend his time, his tools, or simply a listening ear. He lived with joy, giving more than he ever asked for. Daniel had a sincere love for Jesus. Raised in the Seventh-day Adventist Church by a devoted mother who was deeply involved in her congregation, his belief in Jesus was formed early and carried him through life’s many seasons. While his path had its share of ups and downs, he never lost sight of where his hope and safety came from. He knew he was loved and held by Jesus, and that faith carried him through both the highs and the hardships. His family finds comfort in knowing he is now at peace, wrapped in the grace he believed in. Daniel is preceded in death by his parents, Donna and Bill Luke; and his brother, Stephen Luke. He is survived by his wife, Kari Luke; his five children: Daniel, Breanna, Courtney, Kimberly, and Matthew; and his five grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters: Dorene Filion and Dinah White, along with numerous extended family members who loved him deeply. A memorial service will be held to honor Daniel Luke on Wednesday, September 10th at 12:00 - 2:00 PM at Christ the King Community Church in Bellingham. All are welcome to attend and celebrate his life.

Daniel Luke

May 1, 1957 - July 3, 2025