As you may know, we lost our beloved father and Shel-Al Campground President Ed Luck on July 5, 2010. He died peacefully, and we are very grateful for that simple blessing. We are also grateful that Dad was feeling great and enjoying a busy summer here at the Campground right up until he became ill and was hospitalized on July 4th. Earlier that morning, he was at his usual table at Betty's Kitchen, having his customary breakfast surrounded by friends.
The fact that Dad was so positive, upbeat and full of life right up to the end makes his passing easier for those of us he leaves behind. Yet the relative suddenness of his death is making it a challenge for us just to get through the day. Please forgive us if we are not fully available to talk right now. We are feeling the need to grieve privately, so that we can muster up the energy we need to keep the business running smoothly during these busiest weeks of the season. We know in our hearts that this is what Dad would have wanted - to welcome our guests to Shel-Al with a smile, just as he has done since 1965.
Many of you have asked about funeral arrangements. Calling hours are Sunday, July 11 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Remick & Gendron Funeral Home in Hampton. Services will be held on Monday, July 12 at 11:00 at Remick & Gendron, followed by a reception at Betty's Kitchen, North Hampton.
People also have been asking what they can do for us. We know that many of you have known Dad for years, if not decades. So please write down a favorite story or memory that you would like to share. We look forward to reading these when we have some quiet moments to reflect on the rich, long life our one-of-a-kind Dad, and how many lives he touched.
Thank you all for your support and understanding during this difficult time. Your kindness is very much appreciated by us all.
- The Shel-Al Family
we at 32 seabreeze miss you and thank you for taking us into your heart love b/d/silkie/ whiney
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a teenager working at Wilbur's Countryside Diner, Ed always had a smile for me and was great to see him every day. My sympathies to your family during this time, and keep the good times in your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteEvery year for 17 years our family have spent a week or two at Shel Al. Ed became part of our family. The kids loved to see him each year. Self made men are hard to find. He was one in a million.
ReplyDeleteWe will miss him.
Paula
We always looked for that distinct license plate
ReplyDeleteup and down Rte. 1. We will miss seeing his wave and smiling face coming down Sandpiper Path.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Michael & Rosemary Shields
My thoughts and prayers are with your family!
ReplyDeleteEd always had a hug for me and my children everytime we saw him. He was always smiling and very kind. There's not many people who had his warmth.
Wendy Fracassi
Cole and Tess
New Hampshire Campground Owners'Association sends thoughts and prayers to Ed's family & friends. I remember fondly my visit with Ed last summer when I stopped at the campground. I left with a "fire starter for Rednecks", as gift from Ed that sits on my office desk.
ReplyDeleteHeartfelt sympathies from our family to yours..
ReplyDeleteEverytime I walked into the office he always greeted me warmly, always asked about our twin boys. I always joked that I was going to send them over to him..he can put them to work..lol He will be so missed, It won't be the same not seeing him out and about. There is certainly a huge hole in this town and our hearts.
My family and I had our first family get away on July 7 at your campground! It was a wonderful experience and we have adopted your campground as our yearly family vacation. We send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of such a highly spoken of gentleman. God bless and we will see you all before the summer ends!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have never camped at Shel-Al. Just looking through your website was enjoying. then when I went on the Blog. I read of your sad news. My deepest sympathies. It looks like a wonderful place to camp. Family owned business are a rare and beautiful thing. Hope to visit soon.
ReplyDeleteShelly and Allie..
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about Papa as I called him...You know how I feel abou your father. I am so grateful that I was able to see him in June..I cant wait to see you both and give you a big hug..You all are in my thoughts and prayers..God Bless and God Speed...
Jennifer Barnett and family
I was so sad to call this morning and find out that Dad had passed away…
ReplyDeleteEver since we started camping in your campground in 1999 and, no matter where we travel and camp in other states, we always came back and said “Shel-Al” is the best!
We really felt the warmth of Ed in the whole campground.
He always hugged my children and me, always smiling. He was a special and kind gentleman!
He will always be remembered and missed! Camping will not be the same without seeing him!
Mary, Samir, Helen Rezk