Robert Ford Luce
Robert “Rob” Ford Luce, 71, of Nome, Alaska, passed away on September 23, 2024 surrounded by loving family. He was born on February 11, 1953, in Boise, Idaho, to high school sweethearts, Robert Luce and Carolyn Long.
Robert was often described by his warm nature, heart of gold, quick wit and welcoming attitude. Rob was kind, thoughtful, and full of love.
Rob lost his father at a young age, a profound loss that shaped his deep commitment to family. Rob spent his early years in Boise, Idaho, and Salt Lake City, Utah where he was raised by his devoted mother, Carolyn.
Rob carried the values of resilience, love, and strength with him throughout his life, qualities he passed down to his children and grandchildren. He graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City.
He discovered his true home in Nome in the 1980s. He studied aviation technology at the University of Alaska at Anchorage earning an A&P Certificate along with a degree in social work.
His quest for adventure brought him to Alaska in pursuit of gold mining, but he soon found his true calling in construction and heavy equipment, which led him to establish his own business.
Nome is also where he met his greatest love, his late wife, Peggy, with whom he shared a deep bond. Together, they built businesses, lasting friendships, but also a home overflowing with love, ultimately welcoming eight cherished children into their lives.
In 1994, Rob experienced a life-altering injury while working with heavy equipment. Though it changed the course of his physical health, it never diminished his joy for life or his unwavering dedication to his family. Rob’s life was a testament to resilience, courage and an unshakeable sense of optimism. After the injury, though his health and mobility were forever altered, he refused to let it define him. Instead, Rob embraced life with the same joy and enthusiasm that had always marked his character. His love for sports and mentoring remained strong, and for over 20 years, he coached youth co-ed softball for his children and oldest grandson. He felt most connected and loved to be involved with his children and grandchildren through sports. Rob also coached volleyball for his daughters and lent his wisdom to the basketball court as well. His passion for guiding young athletes, whether in victory or defeat, showed his unwavering dedication to his family and his community.
Rob was always the most supportive of all the athletes who came into his life, on and off the playing field. You could always count on Rob to know the details of any sports event happening, often with a backlog of stories about each player and team. His strength, even in challenging times, inspired those around him.
Rob was an excellent snorkeler and was a constant fixture in the water whenever possible. Beyond sports, Rob had a deep love for cooking and entertaining. His kitchen was a place where love and laughter flourished, and his specialties—long rice, breakfast, Reubens, Boise chorizos, and perfectly roasted turkey—brought family and friends together.
Rob leaves behind a legacy of love through his eight children: Stephen, Robin and his wife Sarah, Jeremy, Jessica and her husband Jesse, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Nicole and Caitlyn. He was a devoted grandfather to fourteen grandchildren: Landon, Lacey, Riley, Kaydence, Dani, RJ, Bristol, Lexi, Ari, Adlee, Lenny, Karmin, Jaiden and Ciara, all of whom brought immense joy to his life. His memory will also be cherished by his mother Carolyn, siblings Catherine Merrick, Buzz Luce, and Debbie Sheesly-Deltoro, along with the countless athletes, friends, and community members whose lives were touched by his warmth and generosity.
Rob now joins his beloved wife Peggy in eternal rest, alongside his father, Robert. His love, humor, and gentle spirit will continue to live on through the lives of those he held dearest—his children, grandchildren, and all who were blessed to call him a friend.