My Memories of John Luke, Irish Artist and my Great Uncle

Ian McKee, 13^th October 2024.

John Luke died when I was just over four years old. I have two memories of meeting and spending time with him, but my Mum and Dad confirmed that he was a regular visitor to our house.

In 1975 we lived in North Belfast in the Deerpark area, and John (or “Jack” as we knew him) lived just under two miles away on Duncairn Gardens. The two places were on the same bus route from the centre of Belfast.

My first memory was playing in our back sitting room. I was sitting on my yellow tractor, and Uncle Jack pulled me backwards and forwards using the trailer hook on the back to do so. I remember being very impressed and happy that he did this, while he talked with my Mum and Dad at the same time.

The second memory was visiting him while he was in hospital. He was not very well at that point and died soon after. I remember asking my Dad as we were walking into the hospital why we were bringing grapes. My Dad told me that it was kind to do so, and that it was a tradition to bring grapes to people who were sick because it made them feel better. I do not remember speaking with him but I do remember sitting beside the bed while Jack and my Dad spoke.

I remember being in his apartment in Duncairn Gardens after he had died. I recall that it was a basement flat and that the main sitting room was very dark and dimly lit, even with the lights turned on. There was a stack of newspapers that was taller than me beside his chair, which were folded and stacked so neatly that my Mum said that they could have been ironed.

My Mum told me the following:
• Uncle Jack used to enjoy watching their black and white television, and that the comedy programme “the Two Ronnies” was a particular favourite of his. My Dad always gave him a lift back to his home in our family car which was a Ford Cortina.
• My Granny, Sadie McKee cut his hair.
• Uncle Jack was very annoyed and upset when his bicycle was stolen from outside the Library.

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