H William Lucking

Bill Lucking died peacefully on March 23, 2022 at his home in Vancouver, Washington. His loving wife and caregiver Janet Knight Lucking was at his bedside. He had been receiving hospice care after battling multiple myeloma for more than three years. Bill was born on May 6, 1942, in Kalamazoo Michigan, the son of H. William and Johanna (VanderKley) Lucking. He graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1965, and he worked for the New York Central Railroad and its successors most of his days. He enjoyed the railroad. He and Janet followed it to residences across Michigan, Indiana, and Pennsylvania before moving to Vancouver, Washington in their retirements. While retired, he assisted Janet's art endeavors by traveling with her to set up at art displays where her works were sold nationwide. Bill remained a life-long learner, taking classes in Kalamazoo and Washington. He excelled at creative writing. One of his poems was selected by the Clark County (WA) Arts Council to be posted on public transportation. The poster can be seen at the council's website at https://artstra.org/product/bill-lucking-subsequent-layers-of-existence/ His brother Peter Lucking preceded him in death. Bill is survived by his wife, Janet Lucking, brother Thomas Lucking, sisters Catherine Taylor and Mary Ann Lucking, daughter Patricia Smith, Janet Lucking's son Jason Knight and daughter Christin Knight and grandchildren Leo and Elizabeth Smith and Trevor and Meghan Stanner. In accordance with his wishes there will be no formal memorial, and yet fond memories go on. Bill will be remembered for his friendly manner, wonderful sense of humor, and his elaborate practical jokes.

Published by Kalamazoo Gazette from Apr. 4 to