Johannes Christiaan Luk, affectionately known as John, was born on May 9 1931, in Badhoevedorp, near Amsterdam. His early years were marked by the hardships of the German occupation of Holland during World War II. At the age of 17, John and his family emigrated to Australia, settling in Big Bell, where his father worked as a gardener.
This move marked the beginning of John’s assimilation into Australian culture. John developed a passion for cycling and quickly made a name for himself in Geraldton, winning the prestigious King of the Mountains race, which involved 40 laps around the highest hill in Geraldton without the aid of gears. He also found employment as a draftsman at the Railways goods office, where he met Anne Coote through mutual acquaintances.
The couple married in 1954 and had three children. In the lead-up to their marriage, John built a house in Wonthella, which he named Witte Houve (White House). The home became the foundation for a stable and hardworking family life.
John was deeply devoted to his family, often being the one to comfort his children during the night. John was also committed to his community. He was actively involved in the Allendale Primary School P&C, fundraising for the construction of a school hall.
Additionally, he contributed to the progress association in Wonthella and served a brief term as a Geraldton town councillor. During the 1970s, John purchased a scooter, which became a significant mode of transport for the family. He often used.