Cameron Luke

Cameron was raised in the Michigamme area, where he attended school up to the 10th grade. He left school to work with his dad in the woods. Working with his hands, side by side with the lumberjacks, Cameron found his place and grew to love the woods and the logging industry.

Cameron was drafted into the United States Army in 1945. He proudly served his country as a medic during World War II. He was stationed at Oliver General Hospital in Augusta, Ga., caring for the soldiers returning home from the war. While in the army, he earned his high school diploma. After his discharge from the army in 1947, he returned home to Michigamme, where he married Elaine Ball on June 9, 1951. Together they had four children.

Returning to the woods, he and his brothers formed Luke Brothers Logging. The industry was quickly transforming from the days of the lumberjack to the mechanical logging that we know today. The need for bigger and better equipment was constantly changing. As a sort of self-taught engineer, Cameron was instrumental in the development and implementation of those changes, including being part of the first logging operation to use a double bottom log truck in the U.P.

In the mid 1970’s, he left Luke Brothers and settled into retirement. With Elaine by his side, he enjoyed fishing on the Fence and traveling around, visiting family and friends. He attended his grandchildren’s school functions and sporting events, family gatherings, holiday dinners, and went to car shows with his old Model A.

He was always busy with projects for the family, designing and fabricating whatever it was that somebody dreamed up. He loved reminiscing and telling stories of the “good old days,” from when he was a young man growing up in the lumber camps, to the lumberjacks he spent so much time with, never forgetting any of their names and countless life events throughout his many years. He also enjoyed working puzzles and always looked forward to playing cribbage at the Senior Center with friends.

Cameron loved life and always had a smile. He was an amazing man who impacted those around him with his knowledge and a warm, welcoming kindness. He was always there to lend a helping hand, no matter what or who. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, an inspiration to his family and many others. He will be truly missed.

Cameron leaves behind Elaine, his loving wife of 72 years – to the day; a son, Kirk Luke (Rebecca) of Randville; daughters, Denise Eliason (Steve) of Michigamme, Lynn LaMere (Bob) of Hutto, Texas, and Becky DeWitt (Pat) of Negaunee; brother, Floyd Luke, of Michigamme; sister, Mary Villar of Marquette; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ann Luke; brothers, Marvin, Lyle and Douglas Luke; sisters-in-law, Evelyn, Phyllis and Carol Luke; brother-in-law, Jim Villar; and daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Luke.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m., with the Rev. D. Michael Carriere to officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by the U.P. Army Funeral Honors Team. Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery in Michigamme at a later date.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Joe Steele, Dr. Tom Massey and NP Nicole Trejo; the nursing staff at UP Home Health & Hospice; Brookridge Heights Assisted Living, and the Marquette Senior Center, for all their kindness and compassionate care during these past few months. The family is grateful to all.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Michigamme Museum, 110 W. Main St., Michigamme, MI 49861 in Cameron’s name.

Cameron’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.