Fond tributes to Anva Luc, the popular Chichester piano tuner who “lit the hearts of many”
Popular Chichester piano tuner and repairer Anva Luc – father to a unique musical family – has died at the age of 60.
Anva, who tragically lost his sight in his native Vietnam when he was only seven years old, will be remembered as a dedicated father and husband, skilled piano tuner and repairer, charismatic speaker and an inspiration for many. A documentary about him can be found at https://dannyweinstein.com/ journey-of-the-piano-tuner
Anva is survived by his wife Yuriko and his children Imy, Maria and Kenji, who are all musicians.
Anva was born in a rural village near Hai Duong, North Vietnam, the second eldest of five children.
Maria said: “Anva’s rural life in North Vietnam was simple and tranquil. He has many fond memories of his homeland with its close-knit community and beautiful nature which they survived off. Anva was energetic and sociable, swimming in the river, climbing hills and looking after water buffalo.
“Tragically, peace was broken when the war between North and South Vietnam intensified, and the Americans started to drop bombs in North Vietnam. The bombing killed and brought fear and sorrows to many innocent lives taking Anva’s eyesight at the tender age of seven. Family and friends were totally devastated.
“Being blind however did not stop Anva continue living an active life. He instead focused his energy on things he could do. He would help his grandma with the process of keeping silkworms and fixing things such as the family’s bicycles round the house. He would spend hours taking things apart and
putting them back together again and this continued throughout his life.
“After his mother’s death and worsening prospects of staying in Vietnam, Anva’s family embarked on a perilous journey as part of the boat people that travelled to Hong Kong. From there they made their way to a UK refugee camp in Thorney Island. Anva picked up English very quickly. Many were impressed with his sense of humour and friendly outgoing nature. The family obtained a council house in Hampstead Heath, London. The Royal Society of the
Blind was contacted, and it was agreed that he should learn the necessary skills to become independent.
“His acute hearing and learning ability resulted in a proposal that Anva should apply to an establishment for piano tuner’s training. Anva attended The Royal National College of the Blind Hereford, where he studied piano tuning from 1983-1986 and passed with flying colours.
“Anva subsequently became the local piano tuner of Chichester. He used to tune all the schools in the area alongside private clients. He had a guide dog named Milo who helped him navigate the city.
“Anva met Yuriko in 1992 at Bishop’s Palace Gardens whilst she was studying English at Chichester College. They became engaged in Japan and subsequently married in St Paul’s Church in 1993. Imy was born in
1994, Maria in 1996 and Kenji in 2001. Anva made the family’s life very fun. He was a humorous guy, always with
a joke up his sleeve and the family were always laughing a lot. He taught the necessary skills to his children with vigour and encouragement. There are many fond memories with him. He had an excellent memory and general knowledge due to his keen interest in history, current affairs, and the natural world.”
Donations in Anva’s memory to his favourite charities, 4 Sight and The Amber Trust who help blind and partially sighted people: https://www. reynoldsfunerals.co.uk/ funeral/anva-luc/ Scroll down to ‘Charity Donations’ or by post: Reynolds Funerals, Chichester, 43 Spitalfield Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6SG. Indicate it is for Anva Luc’s funeral, along with your contact information.
Thoughtful messages or memories can be posted on Anva’s online memorial wall: https://memorials. reynoldsfunerals.co.uk/ memorial/mr-anva-luc/