PASSAGE

Dr. Richard Luck was beyond all things a gentleman. He graduated from CMCC in 1954. His tenure on the CMCC Board from 1975 to 1984 took place at a time when CMCC needed extraordinary leaders to help the profession establish itself as a primary care health profession and CMCC as a leader in chiropractic education. Richard was Board Chair from 1980 to 1982 and was among a chosen group of leaders such as Doug Brown, Len Cunningham, and Ken Smith, just to name a few of the outstanding leaders of the profession in the 70s and 80s.

Richard had a very strong link to CMCC. He and his wife, Betty, who was always at his side, were committed to attending CMCC events wherever and whenever they occurred. He was instrumental in the founding of the CMCC Governors' Club which has supported CMCC for over 50 years. He was known for creating the famous Governors’ Club hats which became a strong focus of attention and bemusement. On one visit to Banff, Alberta, Rich, as he was fondly referred to, was soliciting membership in the Governors' Club. Being intensely involved in his fundraising endeavour, Rich proceeded to walk backwards into the hotel swimming pool. Without interruption, he continued praising the benefits of contributing to CMCC.

Rich’s involvement on the Board of Governors came at a pivotal time in the history of CMCC when the governance structure changed from being Board-centred to presidential-centred governance. His commitment to this substantial change was evidenced by his leadership in the appointment of Dr. Ian Coulter as the first and only non-chiropractor as president of CMCC. Dr. Luck had to make some very difficult decisions during his tenure as Chair of the Board including dealing with the external clinic at Parliament and Gerrard in downtown Toronto, and having to take over the space at 1900 Bayview Avenue that was occupied by the CCA and OCA. In all of his dealings as Board Chair, Rich acted with exemplary professionalism always keeping in mind what was best for CMCC.

Rich, beyond his financial and time commitments to CMCC, was an avid sportsman, a tennis player and skier. He ran a successful practice in the Bloor-Jane area of Toronto where he provided chiropractic care to a large number of community residents. His son Ted joined him there after he too graduated from CMCC. Rich and Betty eventually moved farther north in Ontario where he continued to provide care to patients and enjoy his later years in life.

Richard Luck will be remembered as a founder, leader and guiding light of CMCC as it moved into accreditation and recognition as a leader in chiropractic education.