SCHWARTZ, Luke

Of New Waterford. It is with deep sadness that Luke Schwartz’s family announces Luke’s passing on April 30, 2020 in Northwood Ivany Place in Bedford. Luke was a kind and gentle soul who leaves many sorrowful hearts behind. Luke was born to Martin and Ida (1952) in Chennai, India. At eight months old Luke travelled to Ethiopia (Lekempte) with his parents and two older brothers, Samuel and Daniel. Luke was home-schooled until the age of six years, leaving parents to live with grandparents and his older brothers in Chennai to begin his formal education. He then came back to Ethiopia to continue his secondary education at Sanford School during when he won top honours in a Shakespeare literary contest and was personally awarded the prize by Emperor Haile Selassie. Luke then switched schools to begin his high school at General Wingate School in Addis Ababa. In 1967, Luke came with his parents and three brothers to New Waterford, Cape Breton. He completed his high schooling at Central High School - during that time he led their Reach for the Top Team to the finals. Luke then attended St. Francis Xavier University and University of Cape Breton. He was the top student in the Mineral Technology program and was selected as valedictorian in his graduating year. He worked for Devco as a ventilation technician and at University College of Cape Breton as a lab instructor. Luke also worked at the Stone Hearth Bakery in Halifax. Luke had a passion for music especially the blues and learnt how to play the blues harmonica. He travelled to Detroit to listen to and meet his blues idols in the 1970s. Luke also made his name as a table tennis champion in New Waterford and enjoyed playing chess, tennis and cricket. Luke was interested in history and current affairs. He enjoyed reading non-fiction, keeping up to date on what was going on in the world. He was a fan of hockey and track and field. He was an ardent Montreal Canadiens fan. Luke loved his mother’s cooking, especially her wonderful cakes, breads and sweets and he was always partial to good chicken curry the way his mother used to make it. Luke said he realized over the years that time is a great healer and that everyone should take their passion seriously and follow their dreams in life. Luke is now welcomed to his heavenly home by his predeceased parents, Martin and Ida. Left to mourn are brothers, Samuel (Jesslyn), Daniel (Esther) and Paul (Sandra). Also left to mourn are sister-inlaw, Arlene; his loving nieces, Janna (Bryan), Neela (Jake), Leela, Rachael (Dylan), Margaret (Stuart); grandnieces, Ellie and Samara and grandnephew, Ben. Thanks go to Rev. Duncan Roach who offered bedside prayers via speaker phone. A very special thanks to the staff at Sandpiper Hill at Ivany who gave him such great care and made him feel like part of the family during his stay there. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the guidance of V.J. Mcgillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Luke can go to the Martin and Ida Schwartz Back to School program (New Waterford Kinsmen), or Canadian Mental Health Association. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca