Capt. Luke Leonard Luscomb Gurney

Luke Leonard Luscomb Gurney passed away on June 20, 2016. He lived life to the fullest and was the "best" husband, father, son and friend that anyone would want.

Since 2009 he has fished commercially for whelk (conch), sea bass and scup in waters surrounding the vineyard and Nantucket. Prior to that date and in the off season, he worked as a skilled carpenter with many builders as well as for himself all over the Vineyard. In 2012 he purchased and captained his own vessel, a 42 ft. Nova Scotia built lobster vessel, the "No Regrets" and continued fishing the same waters. He has lived on the Vineyard since 1994 but to anyone who knew him he was a "born and bred islander." He had a passion for fishing and was the best at it according to his peers.

However, more than fishing he loved his family with all his heart. His wife, Robyn Gurney and his two sons, Jacob and Sam, loved him and will miss him dearly.

He is also survived by his parents, John and Linda Gurney, his sister Mary Gurney-Sylvia and her husband David Sylvia and their children, Grace, Luke, Meredith and Mairwen, his brother Joshua Gurney, his children Sophie and Elliot.

Most people have a significant number of friends that they have embraced over a life time. Some are close and others are friends you see once in a while. Luke's circle of friends was immense. Luke was known and loved by all whom he came in conctact with. His infectious smile, adventurous spirit, positive attitude and genuinely caring personality has touched so many.

From his friends' testimony, they were the lucky ones and beneficiary of their relationship with Luke. Over and over the love for him has poured out of their souls. Whether they knew him after one contact or hundreds they all were made to feel like they were a "best friend." He was a special personality.

Luke graduated from the University of New England in  Biddeford, Maine, in marine science in 1994. He was on the board of the Martha's Vineyard Fishermen's Preservation Trust.

Luke Gurney was setting lobster pots aboard his boat, No Regrets, on June 20, 2016, when his leg was caught in a line and he went overboard. His mate tried unsuccessfully to save him, and the Coast Guard found his body early that afternoon. His ashes were scattered at sea.