It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Luke Conklin, who died on Monday, May 12th, at the age of 48, after a courageous and relentless 13-month battle with Glioblastoma, an aggressive and unforgiving form of brain cancer.
Luke faced his illness the same way he lived his life—with unwavering strength, boundless passion, and an indomitable spirit that inspired all who knew him. From the moment of his diagnosis, Luke met each day with grit, grace, and the will to fight, never allowing cancer to define him or diminish the love he gave to his family, friends, and community.
He remained the dependable husband, the playful father, the loyal friend, and the dedicated professional that people had always known him to be. Even as his body grew weary, his heart and spirit never did.
Luke was, above all, a man who lived life to the fullest. He was an adventurer at heart, always seeking the next trail to run, mountain to climb, or coastline to explore. As an avid trail runner, he found solace and strength in the outdoors.
He thrived on the freedom of the open path, the rhythm of his feet against the earth, and the peace that came with nature. He also dedicated his time to coaching with the local mountain bike team, instilling in young athletes the same enthusiasm and resilience that he exemplified every day.
Whether catching waves at the beach, hiking through the hills of Ventura County, or simply enjoying the fresh air with his family, Luke’s love for the outdoors was only matched by his love for his wife, Hilary, and their two children, Jack and Finley.
He was a devoted and proud father, whose joy came from watching his children grow, supporting them in their passions, and being their biggest cheerleader. As a husband, he was endlessly supportive, affectionate, and loving—always finding ways to show up, connect, and share in the journey of life with Hilary.
Professionally, Luke made a name for himself in the competitive world of television. As Head of Casting for numerous popular reality and game shows, he earned the respect and admiration of colleagues across the industry.
His intelligence, creativity, and sharp eye for talent helped shape programming that reached audiences nationwide. Behind the scenes, Luke was known for his generosity, kindness, and collaborative spirit. He was the kind of colleague everyone wanted on their team—diligent, inventive, and deeply empathetic.
To his friends, Luke was the one you could count on. He had an incredible gift for making others feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether through a quick message of encouragement, a spontaneous adventure, or a heartfelt conversation, Luke had a way of lifting those around him.
He was the kind of person who inspired you to live better, love deeper, and never take a single day for granted. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA, Luke always held a deep connection to the California coast and the mountain ranges nearby.
After settling in Ventura County with his family, he continued to embrace all the natural beauty the region had to offer. It became the backdrop of his life—his running trails, his coaching grounds, his playground with the kids, and the place where he made countless treasured memories.
Luke Conklin leaves behind a legacy of love, courage, and authenticity. He was a man who gave everything to the people and passions he held dear, and the impact he made will be felt for generations to come.
He is survived by his wife, Hilary; his son, Jack; his daughter, Finley; and a wide circle of family, friends, colleagues, and community members who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.
Luke, your life was a gift. You ran your race with strength and heart, and you will be deeply missed.
