Stanley (John) Luke

Stanley (John) Luke of Dublin, California, died Feb. 16. He was 56.

Luke was born on Dec. 6, 1960 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan to Stanley and Primrose Luke. He received a bachelor’s in chemistry from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1982, and a Ph.D. in nuclear chemistry from the University of Washington, Seattle, in 1992. He joined Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in 1993 as a postdoctoral researcher in the former Nuclear Chemistry Division and became a staff scientist in 1994. His early career at LLNL involved experimental investigations on relativistic heavy ion reactions using the Brookhaven National Laboratory Alternating Gradient Cyclotron, and later the development of radiation detection systems for non-proliferation and arms control projects.

Throughout his career at LLNL, Luke made many important technical contributions, the most significant of which was in the field of arms control, where he could apply his broad and deep understanding of nuclear physics in developing radiation detection equipment to characterize special nuclear materials. The systems he developed performed reliably despite the limitations placed on equipment in arms control policies and situations. He was a key player in LLNL's participation in such programs as the Trilateral Initiative, the Highly-Enriched Uranium Purchase Agreement, the Mutual Reciprocal Inspections and the Fissile Material Transparency Technology Demonstration. In these projects, Luke delivered successful demonstrations for US and Russian delegations at a critical stage of the agreement. He was the go-to person for these high-pressure situations and his contributions were valued by NNSA, the Department of State, and the Department of Defense’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).

In 2013, Luke was a secondee at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, in Aldermasden, UK, where he worked with the Arms Control Verification Team to mentor young scientists in the field of nuclear arms control verification. He was recently preparing for an upcoming assignment in March in Washington, D.C., as a technical advisor to the Office of Nuclear Verification at DOE/NNSA.

Luke was a man of deep faith, a lover of the beautiful things in life and could light up a room with his smile. A theologian at heart, he had a prolific knowledge of, and pursued a lifelong study of Christianity and world religions. Passionate about “The Inklings,” specifically, C.S. Lewis; and this “hobby” equated to yet another “degree” on the topic. His non-apologetic preference for sappy love songs and musicals, added with his obsession with the “good” sports teams, made him a truly unique individual. He broke the mold and there was no one else like him.

He is survived by his mother, a brother, three sisters, nieces and nephews.

Luke’s coworker’s from LLNL have been contacting his family to express the impact he made on them personally. The family of would like to thank those who reached out for their kindness and support during this difficult time.

The family will be holding three memorials: March 26 at 3 p.m. in Seattle, Washington, at First Free Methodist Church, 3200 3rd Ave W, Seattle, Washington, 98119, on the campus of Seattle Pacific University; April 8 at 3 p.m. in San Ramon, California at San Ramon Presbyterian Church, 12943 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, California, 94583; and a third memorial is being planned in Nebraska, for mid to late July.

In honor of Luke, the family has updated the trust created upon Luke’s father’s passing 10 years ago. Both men were dedicated to the constant seeking and sharing of knowledge. The Luke Family Foundation will continue the vision to provide scholarships for students of mathematics and science, at the secondary academic levels. Memorial donations may be made to The Luke Family Foundation.

Cards and notes may be sent to Primrose Luke, at 2712 143rd Pl SE, Mill Creek, Washington, 98012.