Luke Lawrence Batdorf -- 92, Johnstown, NS, passed away March 18th at the Halifax Infirmary. Born in Womelsdorf, Penn as an 11th generation American, he emigrated to Lunenburg County in 1952; the McCarthy Era. Survived by his beloved wife Teresa MacNeil, his son Saren in Hawaii, daughter Carelle Dwyer (Michael), New Hampshire and Erika, Toronto; grandchildren Shaun, Rory, Seamus, Teodore; and three great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife Thaya Cronk and his daughter Kaethe. Luke earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from American universities along with a B.Ed. from Acadia University. He "took the cloth" to minister in Philadelphia, Baltimore, USA, and in Rose Bay and Midville Branch, NS. He "took the slate" to teach in Liverpool, Bridgewater and St. F.X. University, NS. He served as senior research officer with Nova Scotia Newstart in Yarmouth. He was a trainer nationally with Aboriginal Canadian learners and an evaluator for community and institutional development programs locally, in Europe and Asia. Throughout his career he was frequently an "angel investor" in numerous businesses. He retired to Johnstown in 1996. Luke was a passionate collector of fine art, an ardent devotee of music, and a patron of many music and theatre organizations in Canada and the USA. He traveled extensively in search of music, art, paintings and theatre. Luke served as a volunteer on many boards including literacy, music, fine and performing arts and business ventures. He was however largely a private person spending much time reading history, art books and novels, listening to music, writing, and encouraging people to find creative opportunities. Luke's love for city lights equaled that of his love for the starry nights at his home in Johnstown, Cape Breton with his good wife who shared in their travels, "he took great pride in her (Teresa MacNeil's) many awards and always encouraged her in her endeavors". In 1970 he wrote: "No master I obey, nor injunctions, canons, or custom. Manmade distinctions have no hold on me. I rejoice in the gladness of the love that wells out of my own being. In love there is no separation, but a meeting of hearts forever; so, I rejoice in song and I dance with each and all". A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Donations may be made to the Bras d'Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association BLBRA.ca and the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design [email protected] or a charity of choice. Service Information Service Location A Celebration of life will be announced at a later date