Integrity, honesty, humility, generosity of heart and a loving spirit is the essence that made Toby Luna an amazing life mentor to family, friends and thousands of Navajo area residents for the past 53 years. His quiet strength, courage and humility served him well through his yearlong battle with lymphoma, a fight that ended recently, but one that defined a heroic legacy that lives on evermore. He was 74.

"When the Lord dials your number, he does not get a busy signal," said Luna, with his subtle sense of humor and deep Christian values. He took things one day at a time but always gave it his best. An esteemed family man fondly called "Papa" by his 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, Toby supported and encouraged all by his unconditional love and words of wisdom. He was also a tireless community volunteer, whose sense of duty laid the foundation for his leadership skills that bettered the lives of thousands.

Luna, born in Palacios, Texas on April 16, 1932, was raised on a cotton farm. He knew the meaning of hard work that enabled him to succeed in the U. S. Navy during the Korean War where he received two battle stars for heroism. Toby married Joanne Denniston in 1953, and through the years the couple lived in North Park, Allied Gardens and San Carlos raising their five children.

"A class act" best described Toby in his employment at Convair, Pac Bell and AT & T, the latter as a marketing manager and communication consultant responsible for installing phone systems for commercial businesses for 36 years. Toby's high standards also influenced the lives of hundreds of youths during his 10 years as a volunteer coach and umpire with the Allied Gardens Little League organization. He also volunteered at St. Therese Catholic Church activities.

In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing for bass in local lakes and developed a reputation as being one of San Diego's finest. He loved his occasional fishing trips to Bird Rock in La Jolla and deep sea excursions with his children and grandchildren. Then in 1989, Toby Luna's take on retirement changed course from fishing to being the Regional Captain of the American Golf Foundation Ambassadors program. He was recently recognized as the 2006 Regional Volunteer of the Year for promoting the game of golf through charitable efforts and community service at nine area San Diego courses.

Toby is credited with developing the ambassadors' format that oversees nine golf courses from Escondido to East Lake. It was so successful that it is now being used as a model for ambassador programs nationwide. Over the past 16 years, Luna led a crew of approximately 125 volunteers to fundraise over $250,000 for charities. Toby's ambassadors also raised $64,000 for the Jordan and Kyra Foundation in the fight against pediatric cancer. For his efforts, he was honored with the 2006 Di Ann Lo Vardi Unsung Hero Award.

Family, friends and neighbors smile with fond memories of Toby's 3-mile walks with his 9-iron at Lake Murray and Mission Trails Golf Course. It was his daily exercise routine that included checking course and green conditions, and playing a few holes on the back nine. It was all part of the job of making life better for the local community.