The late Robert Luckock.
PHILIPSBURG--“The Daily Herald” is mourning the loss of senior reporter Robert Luckock, who passed away after a brief illness. He was 74.
Luckock fell ill on Saturday and was rushed to St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), where he was admitted. He passed away on Sunday just before midnight.
A veteran journalist, Luckock worked at “The Daily Herald” for more than 30 years as the newspaper's French St. Martin correspondent. During his career, he also covered the hospitality industry, the marine sector, local sports and a wide range of other news.
Known for his professionalism, quiet nature and willingness to help others, Luckock earned the respect of colleagues and the wider community. His sudden passing has sent shock waves through the newsroom, where he was regarded as a dedicated journalist who genuinely enjoyed his work.
Born in England, Luckock spent much of his life in St. Maarten, embracing island life while building a long and respected career in journalism. His reporting on both sides of the island spanned more than three decades.
Luckock is survived by his older brother, his nephew and his niece. His goddaughter, Shanthal Marshall, remembered him as a loving and dependable presence throughout her life.
"Robert to me was always a calm, quiet, kind, gentle and loving individual. He was always just a phone call away to help however he could," she told “The Daily Herald” on Monday.
Marshall said Luckock had been part of her life from the day she was born and remained a constant source of love and support.
"He meant so much to me, as he's been a present person in my life from the day I was born up until the very end. Some of my happiest memories with him has been going out to eat breakfast and hearing about the articles he worked on for the Herald that were just published."
She also reflected on the important role he played throughout her childhood and into adulthood. "One of my favourite things I've been recently thinking about is how he bought me my first tricycle as a child, and as such, let me learn how to ride a bike in my early childhood. Then, years later, once I became an adult, he put me behind the wheel of his car, and took his evenings to teach me how to drive, and thanks to him."
Marshall said the love and encouragement Luckock showed never changed. "Growing up with him, all I could feel was a lot of love radiating from him. Every word he spoke and every hug, I could only feel how much he cared for me, and supported me."
She said she believes his legacy will extend well beyond his years in journalism. “I think his lasting legacy would be skills as a journalist, an active cyclist, a prominent member of the community and a kind, tender-hearted soul. I believe he would want to be remembered as such."
Luckock's passing marks the loss of one of “The Daily Herald's” longest-serving reporters, whose professionalism, quiet dedication and kindness touched both colleagues and those who knew him personally.
