Luke was a pleasure to know, a joy to work with, and quite simply a thoroughly lovely person.  His sharp wit and sense of fun meant that working with him was never dull, and at the same time he was always the consummate professional – hard working, diligent, totally committed and kind with it.  Luke was always one of the first names on the team sheet for me.  We were so very lucky to have known him and he will be missed by so very many people.  There is a quote that resonates with me when thinking about Luke – Some people come into our lives and quickly go.  Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never ever the same….

It has taken me some time to find the right words to write here. Each time I’ve opened this book, I’ve struggled, partly because of the beautiful words others have shared, but also because it shows just how deeply Luke touched everyone who knew him. I have so many memories of Luke, starting from when he first joined the HR team and we worked closely together on a large project. Over time he became a good friend, and eventually he was also my line manager. He was always such a kind and supportive person, both with work matters and with anything going on outside of work. He remembered what you were going through and would always check in, which meant so much to me, especially during a difficult time that I had last year. I fondly remember the time he decorated one of the desks with balloons and “happy birthday” confetti for my 40th. I found a couple of those sequins in my work bag the other week, it made me smile, and cry, in equal measure. Luke was the kind of friend who made a lasting impact on the people around him. A true friend leaves a light…

Althought I only worked with Luke for afew months, he left a lasting impression on me that I will carry forward. He was the one who brought me into the team and I will always be grateful for the trust and support he showed me from the beginning.  He had a rare way of making people feel at ease – always helpful, patient and positive. He truly was a light within the team, bringing people together and lifting the atmosphere around him.  I feel very fortuate to have known him, and he will be sincerely missed. My heartfelt condolences go to his family – he was clealy someone very special. …

I met Luke about 16 or 17 years ago when he was managed by a friend of mine. I think, one of the first times I met him, he looked me up and down in that disdainful way of his…… and it went downhill from there! We insulted one another the whole time which I absolutely loved, calling me Slaggy and my daughter Slaggy Junior! We spent many times together looking at cars and houses and getting very drunk. Miss him very much. Sleep well, my friend….

I write this with a smile on my face but sadness in my heart.  Luke started as a colleague and quickly became a friend. He had a unique energy that lifted a room and could somehow make tackling the thorniest of issues that little bit easier.  He was excellent at his job but more than that he was incredibly kind and had the ability to listen and understand, he was quick witted and very funny.  I, along with everyone, will miss him hugely and the world is a little duller without him but I will remember him with a smile. …

I was so deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Luke. He was the brightest light and an incredibly special person who will be sorely missed. His kindness and energy made a lasting impression, and I was so very grateful for the support he gave me in my role. Even in difficult times, Luke would find a way of making situations easier through his patience and warmth. My thoughts and sympathy are with Luke’s family and his friends at this time. …

  It’s still so hard to believe that Luke is no longer with us. He was such a fantastic human being, and he brought so much light and laughter into every space he walked into. He always made me smile — whether it was the random messages in the evenings or at weekends asking for recommendations on places to eat or visit, or the way he would creep up behind me in the office just to make me jump. New Shire Hall won’t be the same without him, and I don’t think I’ve fully accepted that he won’t be there each week. He spoke so often and so fondly about the plans he and Kevin had, and he was always so excited when talking about his wedding. His love for Kevin was unmistakable. Reading through all these messages shows exactly who Luke was — warm, funny, kind, and deeply loved. I hope these words bring even a small amount of comfort to Kevin and his family as they navigate their grief and the enormous space Luke has left behind. I feel truly blessed to have known him. He will be very, very missed….

I still remember the first time I met Luke. I’d come in to meet the team before starting a new job. I was struck by his kind words and reassuring smile. On getting to know him better I found that he was rarely without that smile or that kindness. He soon became my line manager and in that role I knew he always had my back. His support and encouragement helped me get out of my comfort zone and try something new.   Luke was much more than a manager to me though, he was a friend, a good friend. One I stayed in touch with even after moving to another job in another country. One who’d joke about visiting my, in his words ‘swanky flat in Glasgow’. One who’s support I will always remember during one of the hardest times of my life. After the loss of my husband, Luke showed genuine care and compassion, not only as a colleague but as a true friend.   I can’t express how much this kindness meant to me. It’s something I will never forget – I will always carry it with me.   I’m so, so sorry to Kevin, his…

Luke is such a wonderful person, he has great humour and wit and would always light up a room.  He has a certain charm about him and a great smile which just makes anyone feel at ease immediately and the ability to look positively on a situation.  My heartfelt thoughts are with his family and friends and he will be greatly missed here in Cambridgeshire x…

I don’t really know where to begin. I worked with Luke very closely over the last 2 years and we soon discovered a shared love of reality tv, big macs and Rushden Lakes! His dry sense of humour, his quick wit made even the dullest DMT meetings better. We often knew what the other was thinking, just by our facial expressions in meetings and the pages and pages of teams messages that we sent to each other just show how we both had a very sarcastic humour! He supported me through difficult times, both professionally and personally and was always at the end of a call if ever I needed to talk. I miss seeing his face in the office, his smile. At one of our ELT meetings, I asked him to share with the group his favourite song. Luke couldn’t choose just one so we had ‘Living on a Prayer’ because (quote) “Well it’s a banger!” and Etta James “At last”, his wedding song and he simply beamed when talking about why the song held such meaning for him. My thoughts are with Kevin and his family, he truly will be missed…

I was deeply saddened to hear of Luke’s passing. He was an extraordinary colleague- kind, patient and someone who always made time for others, no matter how busy he was. He always remembered the detail and checked in later to see how things were going, whether it was a personal or professional concern. His support has made a meaningful difference to so many of us. His warmth, generosity and compassion touched everyone who had the privilege to work with him, as I did over many years. Luke will be greatly missed, but his impact and the way he made people feel will not be forgotten. Alongside his cheeky smile and his wicked sense of humour, he leaves a legacy behind. My heartfelt thoughts are with his family during such a difficult time. …

Having worked with Luke for many years at Cambridgeshire, it has been such a shock to hear of his passing. Luke was one of those people who you would always look forward to meeting with, even if the actual subject of the meeting was some thorny HR problem or investigation. He was fantastic at his job, always provided sage and thoughtful advice, and had a real gift for cutting through complexity to get to the root of an issue and reach a clear conclusion. Luke would never let a meeting finish without clarity on who was going to do what, and by when. More importantly, he brought his personality and sharp sense of humour to every meeting, made us laugh, and always showed genuine care and warmth towards the people he interacted with and the people affected by HR processes. I feel very lucky to have worked with Luke, and I will miss him hugely. My thoughts are with his family at the moment. Thank you for everything, Luke. …

There are always ups and downs in life and people in HR walk that road with staff alongside their own ups and downs.  Luke never faultered in walking with a person, helping and holding them up on the down slopes, giving a friendly helping push up the up slopes, and there with the champagne and balloons when you hit the highs.  There were many moments over the past few years where Luke was more than just an advisor and critical friend, he was a rock and a friend.  My heart breaks for his family and friends as we say goodbye, far too early, to a true gentleman and truly good human being.  …

I’ve been struggling to find the right words and struggling even more with knowing I won’t see Luke again.  When I think of him though, I think of laughter – his quick wit, sarcasm and eye rolls will stay with me!  I saw a new reality tv show advertised last week and my first thought was that Tara N and I would’ve received a message in the group chat saying ‘are we watching, ladies?’ His kindness and support as my line manager was second to none.  One memory is sitting in the Octagon car park, sobbing, due to some personal issues.  I texted Luke to say I’d be up to the office in a bit but then 2 minutes later, he’d found me and sat in the passenger seat so I wasn’t alone.  That was him all over – calm and professional but always kind.   After lockdown, I would go to Camborne and work at the old house for the day on a Friday.  We were both very professional and motivated but at 5.01, the Prosecco cork would be popped and we’d toast the weekend! His love for Kevin and the dogs was so clear and getting married…

How much Luke loved his family, and Kevin, was always so clear to see. The happiest I ever saw Luke was on his wedding day, which I was honoured to be a part of. He was just beaming, and it was so very lovely. I am profoundly saddened by his loss, it is impossible to find the right words to say as they just don’t seem like enough. I will have to make do with insufficient ones… I express my deepest, deepest sympathy to Luke’s family, this is a huge loss for them and for so many others, whose lives Luke touched in so many positive and meaningful ways. …