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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
LUKEMAN, William Patton (Bill) - It is with great sadness that the family of William Patton Lukeman (Bill) share the news of his peaceful passing. Tenderly held by the love of his life, Linda Crawley, Bill slipped the lines and set sail in the early morning of Monday, December 18th, 2023.
Born on Cape Breton Island in 1941, Bill’s love of the sea led him to join the Navy just days after his 17th birthday. His long and accomplished career with the Navy came with many exciting endeavors. He served as Clearance Diver with the Royal Canadian Navy in the capacities of Diver, Diving Supervisor, and Diving Officer. Bill logged in excess of 6,000 hours underwater and served in various capacities in fleet and submarine service. Selected as one of two Canadian participants in the U.S. Navy “Man in the Sea” Program, Bill was involved in an experimental saturation dive to a depth of 825 feet, with an excursion to a depth of 1,025 feet. Qualified as a U.S. Navy Aquanaut, Bill was selected and trained as a team member of the Sealab III experiment, a 600 ft open saturation diving program operating out of an ocean floor habitat.
These experiences eventually led Bill to Newfoundland where he made an immense impact on the diving and marine safety of the province through his work with the Marine Lab at Memorial University. Bill went on to become the President of Hydrospace Marine Services, operating internationally in Canada, the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, South America, East Africa and India. Bill’s final venture in his exceptional career was as the Regional Emergency Operations Officer with the Canadian Coast Guard, which gifted him the opportunity, as part of his services, to appreciate the rugged beauty of Newfoundland.
Bill was predeceased by his parents James and Margaret Lukeman, and brother Jim. Leaving with wonderful memories; loving spouse of 42 years, Linda, brother John (Diane), his five sisters-in-law, and two brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews and a large circle of close friends. A very special mention of nephew William James Power and great-nephew Ethan Patton Power. The family extends warm gratitude to Ciaran O’Shea for extraordinary friendship and frequent visits to brighten Bill’s day.
The Family will receive visitors on Friday, December 22, 2023, from 2-9 pm at Carnell’s Funeral Home. Funeral Service to take place on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 11am from The Carnell Memorial Chapel. The service will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. Private inurnment to take place at a later date. Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to the SPCA or a charity of one’s choice. (Carnell's Funeral Home, St. John's, NL)
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