Parkes Greats - Walter Lucas
Costly service
By Kingsley Sampson
In the early 1970s, The Salvation Army world was rocked by the premature death within 18 months of each other of three highly-qualified medical missionaries to India.
Walter Lucas
Walter was born in Parkes, NSW, on 20 May 1939 to officer parents Captains Bramwell and Aveline Lucas. After completing secondary school he undertook medical studies at Sydney University and graduated MB, BS in November 1963. Later studies in Edinburgh saw him become a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.
Walter and Olive married in 1964 and after lay service at Dhariwal, Punjab, from September 1968 to November 1969, they returned to Sydney to be trained as officers in the Undaunted session. After commissioning in November 1970, they returned to Dhariwal with their three children – Helen, David and Elizabeth. Walter was appointed Chief Medical Officer of The Salvation Army’s MacRobert Hospital.
Walter and Olive gave themselves unreservedly to their appointment, Walter being described as a dynamic organiser and motivator as well as a highly skilled surgeon and physician. He raised money for much-needed medical equipment and projects such as the establishment of eye camps, a new operating theatre with air-conditioning, a new laboratory complex, new nurses’ home and staff quarters, a diesel electricity generator, new X-ray machine, dental unit and a mobile dispensary.
In one year under Walter’s leadership, the MacRobert Hospital conducted 2000 operations, treated 36,000 out-patients and helped 7000 eye patients in rural eye camps. Other services included care of woman and children. Spiritual work was not neglected with daily Bible studies being held while just prior to his death, Walter and Olive had participated in a spiritual campaign with local churches in which many commitments to Christ were made.
During the third week of August 1973, Walter experienced abdominal pains that led to him undergoing an appendectomy. At first the operation appeared successful but then Walter’s condition deteriorated. A manual respirator maintained his breathing during a 60km road trip to Ludhiana. Treatment there proved unsuccessful and Walter died on 22 August 1973. Walter’s body was returned to Dhariwal where his funeral service was held and where he was buried, his father being among those who led the service.
Olive and their children returned to Australia. She later went to Howard Institute in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) before taking up other appointments in the Australia Eastern Territory. Olive retired in 1999 and now lives in Queensland. She retains a keen interest in India and has made frequent trips for teaching and pastoral support.
Walter and Olive’s children have each undertaken missionary assignments in India, Zimbabwe and Russia. Helen (born in Australia) is a history teacher in Hobart. David (born in Scotland) is a leadership consultant working with the Queensland Government. Elizabeth (born in Scotland) is a health promotion consultant in Tasmania. Each has leadership roles in their respective churches. There are five grandchildren.
In 1991, Olive said of that time, Before Walter died, I had been learning the lesson about giving thanks in everything. This approach helped me greatly during those early feelings of devastation and bewilderment. When I was able to thank God for what I had – the opportunity for overseas work, a beautiful marriage, and three wonderful children – I found I was comforted by God.
