Please post some of your fondest memories of Lucas here. Include picture(s) if you can. Just hit the "Comments" button below.
13 comments:
Anonymous
said...
I remember taking Lucas and Sam fishing over at Reba's pond when we were kids. We all played football and played in the fountain. I remember many holidays out at Kays house (as a kid) hunting easter eggs, shooting fireworks (as an adult) etc. Lucas had a personallity like no other. He always made me smile and laugh. Even though we got each other in more trouble we still had fun. God had a plan for Lucas. Hopefully his early passing will remind all of us that life is too short and life on earth doesn't last forever. I know he's in heaven with Grandma Reba smiling and laughing. I'm saddened with his death but know he's in a better place.
He will be missed by all. Cousin Matt Snedden and Family
I can remember spending many, many times with Lucas at Siti's house. Most of the time, when I would just get into town from Columbia, MO, he would already be there waiting for me.
He was always: - wanting to take me somewhere - show me something - ready to "Go out" and do something - on the move - ready to experience everything and anything - very passionate about whatever it was that he was doing.
As young kids, I can remember spending time with Lucas at Aunt Dinah's old house across the park from Siti's. I remember getting to eat "Fruity Pebbles" and watch as many cartoons as we wanted (something I didnt get to do at home) at that house. I remember sleeping in Lucas's Car Bed with the Record Albums for wheels.
Also, one Christmas at Siti's I remember Lucas and I singing for everyone. I believe I sang the "12 days of Christmas", and Lucas sang "Hi. My name is Joe, and I work at a Button Factory". Dinah even has this recorded, and I will share it on this site, as soon as we can get it transferred to digital.
I have many other memories. I will share more of them as this site continues. Please share some of yours.
I am Lucas’Aunt. I loved him and he loved me; no doubt about it. He stole my heart a long time ago. All he had to do was look at me with the brightest blue eyes, and flash a sideways smile; and I was hooked. It didn’t matter if he had messed up; he was the guy with nine lives and just as many chances to start over.
In August about four years ago, Lucas came to Tulsa and ended up at my brother Jeff’s birthday party. In fact, he walked from Riverside Drive about halfway to East Broken Arrow. I know, because I picked him up to take him the rest of the way. Who knows why he was in Tulsa at that time, but it was obvious that he was determined to be with family that day. When it came time for everyone to go home, I promised to give him a ride back to the Riverside apartment where he was staying. When we arrived at the apartment, no one was home and he could not find this friend, or any other friend, by phone. He ended up staying at our house for three or four days. He was his own cheery self even though he was in some physical pain from an old injury that hadn’t healed yet, and a nagging toothache. He didn’t complain, but I could see it in his eyes. He just asked for some aspirin for the tooth. Later, a phone call to his mother produced a bus ticket back to Florida. Whatever he came to Oklahoma for didn’t materialize. He missed the Florida beach and friends. He said what he liked about Florida (over Oklahoma) was that he could always go to the beach if he couldn’t do anything else. He loved everything about the beach.
Though it was time for him to be on his way, it was an emotionally charged good-bye for me. He flashed an optimistic smile, assuring me he’d be okay. We shared a hug out in front of the bus station, and he waited until I made it to my car and waved. I think that was the last time I saw him. Josanne Moore, Aunt
Oh I dont even know where to begin. My name is Kim Elkins and Luke and I have a gorgeous 10 year old son named Austin. I met Luke in the fall of 1996 at an Edge Fest at Mohawk Park with my best friend Tracy. I made her walk by him over and over because I thought he was so cute and he kept "giving me the eye" back. It was young love at first sight. Even though we were young and irresponsible, became pregnant at an extremely early age, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Lucas and I were on and off for years. There was just something about him I could not stay away from. Our son now has another guardian angel watching him, every second of every day. Lucas loves his son with his entire heart and will forever.
Aunt Dayna said.... Spring/Summer 1983: Sam and I had moved to Tulsa for my final semester in grad school. I had enrolled Sam in swim classes with a friend, Carmelita. Lucas had come over for a sleep over. So.....early on Saturday morning, I told the boys that Sam had to go to his swim lessons. That's when it started. Like most 4 year olds, Lucas was not happy with the news that Sam was going swimming without him. The next thing I remember is Lucas and I walking with Sam into Carmelita's backyard. Without any hint of hesitation, Lucas, who is fully clothed, walked straight into the deep end of the pool. I can still see his beautiful blue eyes (just like his mom's) just inches below the iridescent aqua. Within milliseconds, my lifesaving skills clicked in and I snatched him out of the water. I was so stunned by the deliberateness of his action. I am not sure how I reacted. Most likely there was a scolding. More importantly, as I look back on this moment, I am reminded how important it is to continue to live my own life expecting joy. I will never forget your joy of life, Lucas.
From the day he was born he was a bundle of energy with no limitations, I should know, I am his Mom and I gave up long ago keeping up with him. Thinking and acting inside the box was not Lucas's style. He approaced every discovery of life with the expectency that gold was at the end of the rainbow. As a child I recall Lucas leaving for grade school with his lunch pail in one hand and a white cloth bag with a drawstring closure on top. As he was walking down the stairs, he grabbed the string and whirled the bag in circles above his head, at the speed of a helicopters blades ready to lift off. More often than not the smile on his face and his eagerness to get on his way meant something's up. "What's in the bag" I said. "Oh, just the frog from my aquarium, it's okay". To prevent any more disorientation for the frog I rescued him and put him back in the aquarium. She was dead within hours and had given birth to a active school of tadpoles. Can you imagine how that frog must have felt? Short stories are include: spilling a gallon of paint while helping us paint the bedroom, climbing up the ladder to the platform scoreboard during a baseball game, taking his buddies on top of the roof with goodies, drinks radio and blankets after Mom and Dad are asleep, having to go to the bathroom at every, I do mean every business, bank, grocery store, gas station, cleaners, and oh yea, the neigborhood carwash stall too. The protector in him came early in life and he without hesitation at 3 years old, stood up for me, to protect my honor. And last but not least, I will always remember with deep affection the night I was up til 3:00 am working on a document for work, when I felt a warm cloth being placed on the back of my neck. It was just what I needed at that point as my neck was strained from typing for hours. When I turned around thinking it must be my husband I saw 9yr old lucas with a concerned look in his face. "How does that feel?" he said. "Oh, that feels WONDERFUL, Thank You Son". He turned to go back to bed and said "I Love you Mom", "I Love You too, Son". I will aways be proud of him and remember his gentle touch and bear like hugs. He was my Knight in shining Armour. I was blessed to have him in my life and enjoy the all love and laughter he brought into my life.
I remember driving to Glennpool to watch Lucas play football, and him looking up into the crowd, you could see that big grin through his face mask. The times he would come stay the night with us so he could spend time with his sister and nieces, getting to play basketball with him. He would brag about "schooling" me even when he would be down 20-1. He never quit playing, I would be tired of playing and he didn't care that he was losing, he just wanted to play.
He will be missed by many and forgotten by few. To the family my deepest sympathies.
First and foremost, I would like to say that Luke never accepted "NO" for an answer; for that he led a life full of excitement. For instance, Luke and I would work 13 hours a day, yet he wouldn't accept no for an answer when there was fun waiting. For the few years that I have known Luke there was never a dull moment.
Luke was a hard worker and even a harder player. He wouldn't stop until the job was done, because that meant we got to the excitement earlier. From the posts that I have read thus far, it seems that his ferocity for life has never ceased. I know that he has given me and countless others a small slice of his ferociousness with which not to take for granted but to always be aware of.
Another fond memory of Luke that I have is that we were out at the beach hanging out and he wanted to borrow my keys so that he could get his sunglasses out of the truck. He was gone for an hour, yet upon his return he had a party in tow. This just goes to show that Luke always brought good memories upon his return.
One more thing I would like to say about Luke is that the love for his mother is unparalleled by anyone. It seems like every time that I had seen them together, they were laughing or playing around. Also, I distinctly remember him saying "I love you" to Dinah every time he got off the phone or left the building, something we all could do more of.
Finally, I would like to say that with Luke's passing, he will be remembered as a Hero, not only for his selfless actions on his final day; but as a man who left great memories sprinkled across the country. I would like to thank Luke for giving me and all our friends a small dose of life as he lived it and that his will never be forgotten. Also, I would like to say to Dinah that you gave the world a blessing and that when you two meet again; more great memories await.
I met Luke a long time ago through a friend that was attending Thunderbird. There was an instant bond between us and he became just like a big brother.
He was always trying to make me laugh and just so optimistic about life and everything that it had to offer. He was such a good guy and friend and I will miss him.
At the time of this death I have not heard or spoke to him in several years. The last time I did see him I left him hoping his life would turn out like he wanted it to. When I heard about him dying I was sad but not shocked to hear that he died saving a life.
It was nearly midnight when Dinah decided to make a final trip to the beach. Mendi and Jeremiah quickly agreed to accompany her. I opted out because I was tired and was the designated driver for the early morning sojourn back to Columbia.
When I returned to the quietness of my room, I p-jammied-up and began to review the previous days' events. That's when the tears came roaring out. Moments of the prior days' discoverites replayed in a rapid firing loop. And, yet, as suddenly as these thoughts and tears began, I became aware of an inner voice telling me, "Let go". Without much hesitation and a deep sigh, the inner turmoil subsided. I felt calm, centered and peaceful. I finally fell asleep before the marauders returned from their trip.
Later, Mendi shared with me her seaside experience with Dinah and Jeremiah. After piling into the tight quarters of Jeremiah's truck cab, they simply let their plan unfold. A quick stop for some beverages...a turn of the key to restart the engine...two windows buzzed down for a fresh sea breeze...a reflexive bik-flick of cigarettes lit... and Lucas's favorite CD blaring so loudly that it was physically palpable. Each of the trio ease into their respective head space and quietly search the song's lyrics for, what might be, descriptive clues of their lost son, brother and friend. They are just 3 determined, living souls with some precious cargo out on the town, on a Thursday night, with only one place to go...the beach.
Once at the surf's edge, Mendi and Jeremiah watch Dinah wade thigh-deep into the ocean's cold to "let Lucas go". Backlit from a flashlight's globe, Mendi sees "splays of sparkling silver shards fly freely above the spray of the seas' wave". It was so beautiful, just like fireworks", she said.
I believe this is how I am meant to remember my nephew, my twin-sister's son, Mendi's brother and Jeremiah's friend, Lucas. He, like all of us, began with one simple breath. But in the end, this really goofy guy made one of his final shows as beautiful as a fireworks' explosion. Now, that's brilliant! I'll be remembering you, Lucas, every time the skies light up, but especially, on New Years' and the Fourth of July. Ciao for now! (Thanks Mendi, for such a beautiful memory).
It's 2009 and Lucas's birthday October 26th. I've been thinking about him and all the wonderful memories he left me of life when he was around and making my day better because he was a part of it. There are plenty of good times we shared and for me it's hard not to think of him today and not want to say Happy Birthday Son! It's a day for celebration of when you set foot in the world and made it your adventure to discover and make those around you feel happy and loved. Miss your smile....Love you with all my heart! Mom
It's 2009 and Lucas's birthday October 26th. I've been thinking about him and all the wonderful memories he left me of life when he was around and making my day better because he was a part of it. There are plenty of good times we shared and for me it's hard not to think of him today and not want to say Happy Birthday Son! It's a day for celebration of when you set foot in the world and made it your adventure to discover and make those around you feel happy and loved. Miss your smile....Love you with all my heart! Mom
13 comments:
I remember taking Lucas and Sam fishing over at Reba's pond when we were kids. We all played football and played in the fountain. I remember many holidays out at Kays house (as a kid) hunting easter eggs, shooting fireworks (as an adult) etc. Lucas had a personallity like no other. He always made me smile and laugh. Even though we got each other in more trouble we still had fun. God had a plan for Lucas. Hopefully his early passing will remind all of us that life is too short and life on earth doesn't last forever. I know he's in heaven with Grandma Reba smiling and laughing. I'm saddened with his death but know he's in a better place.
He will be missed by all. Cousin Matt Snedden and Family
I can remember spending many, many times with Lucas at Siti's house. Most of the time, when I would just get into town from Columbia, MO, he would already be there waiting for me.
He was always:
- wanting to take me somewhere
- show me something
- ready to "Go out" and do something
- on the move
- ready to experience everything and anything
- very passionate about whatever it was that he was doing.
As young kids, I can remember spending time with Lucas at Aunt Dinah's old house across the park from Siti's. I remember getting to eat "Fruity Pebbles" and watch as many cartoons as we wanted (something I didnt get to do at home) at that house. I remember sleeping in Lucas's Car Bed with the Record Albums for wheels.
Also, one Christmas at Siti's I remember Lucas and I singing for everyone. I believe I sang the "12 days of Christmas", and Lucas sang "Hi. My name is Joe, and I work at a Button Factory". Dinah even has this recorded, and I will share it on this site, as soon as we can get it transferred to digital.
I have many other memories. I will share more of them as this site continues. Please share some of yours.
I am Lucas’Aunt. I loved him and he loved me; no doubt about it. He stole my heart a long time ago. All he had to do was look at me with the brightest blue eyes, and flash a sideways smile; and I was hooked. It didn’t matter if he had messed up; he was the guy with nine lives and just as many chances to start over.
In August about four years ago, Lucas came to Tulsa and ended up at my brother Jeff’s birthday party. In fact, he walked from Riverside Drive about halfway to East Broken Arrow. I know, because I picked him up to take him the rest of the way. Who knows why he was in Tulsa at that time, but it was obvious that he was determined to be with family that day. When it came time for everyone to go home, I promised to give him a ride back to the Riverside apartment where he was staying. When we arrived at the apartment, no one was home and he could not find this friend, or any other friend, by phone. He ended up staying at our house for three or four days. He was his own cheery self even though he was in some physical pain from an old injury that hadn’t healed yet, and a nagging toothache. He didn’t complain, but I could see it in his eyes. He just asked for some aspirin for the tooth. Later, a phone call to his mother produced a bus ticket back to Florida. Whatever he came to Oklahoma for didn’t materialize. He missed the Florida beach and friends. He said what he liked about Florida (over Oklahoma) was that he could always go to the beach if he couldn’t do anything else. He loved everything about the beach.
Though it was time for him to be on his way, it was an emotionally charged good-bye for me. He flashed an optimistic smile, assuring me he’d be okay. We shared a hug out in front of the bus station, and he waited until I made it to my car and waved. I think that was the last time I saw him.
Josanne Moore, Aunt
Oh I dont even know where to begin. My name is Kim Elkins and Luke and I have a gorgeous 10 year old son named Austin.
I met Luke in the fall of 1996 at an Edge Fest at Mohawk Park with my best friend Tracy. I made her walk by him over and over because I thought he was so cute and he kept "giving me the eye" back. It was young love at first sight. Even though we were young and irresponsible, became pregnant at an extremely early age, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Lucas and I were on and off for years. There was just something about him I could not stay away from.
Our son now has another guardian angel watching him, every second of every day. Lucas loves his son with his entire heart and will forever.
Aunt Dayna said....
Spring/Summer 1983: Sam and I had moved to Tulsa for my final semester in grad school. I had enrolled Sam in swim classes with a friend, Carmelita. Lucas had come over for a sleep over. So.....early on Saturday morning, I told the boys that Sam had to go to his swim lessons. That's when it started. Like most 4 year olds, Lucas was not happy with the news that Sam was going swimming without him. The next thing I remember is Lucas and I walking with Sam into Carmelita's backyard. Without any hint of hesitation, Lucas, who is fully clothed, walked straight into the deep end of the pool. I can still see his beautiful blue eyes (just like his mom's) just inches below the iridescent aqua. Within milliseconds, my lifesaving skills clicked in and I snatched him out of the water. I was so stunned by the deliberateness of his action. I am not sure how I reacted. Most likely there was a scolding. More importantly, as I look back on this moment, I am reminded how important it is to continue to live my own life expecting joy. I will never forget your joy of life, Lucas.
From the day he was born he was a bundle of energy with no limitations, I should know, I am his Mom and I gave up long ago keeping up with him. Thinking and acting inside the box was not Lucas's style. He approaced every discovery of life with the expectency that gold was at the end of the rainbow. As a child I recall Lucas leaving for grade school with his lunch pail in one hand and a white cloth bag with a drawstring closure on top. As he was walking down the stairs, he grabbed the string and whirled the bag in circles above his head, at the speed of a helicopters blades ready to lift off. More often than not the smile on his face and his eagerness to get on his way meant something's up. "What's in the bag" I said.
"Oh, just the frog from my aquarium, it's okay". To prevent any more disorientation for the frog I rescued him and put him back in the aquarium. She was dead within hours and had given birth
to a active school of tadpoles. Can you imagine how that frog must have felt? Short stories are include: spilling a gallon of paint while helping us
paint the bedroom, climbing up the ladder to the platform scoreboard during a baseball game, taking his buddies on top of the roof with goodies, drinks radio and blankets after Mom and Dad are asleep, having to go to the bathroom at every, I do mean every business, bank, grocery store, gas station, cleaners, and oh yea, the neigborhood carwash stall too. The protector in him came early in life and he without hesitation at 3 years old, stood up for me, to protect my honor. And last but not least, I will always remember with deep affection the night I was up til 3:00 am working on a document for work, when I felt a warm cloth being placed on the back of my neck. It was just what I needed at that point as my neck was strained from typing for hours. When I turned around thinking it must be my husband I saw 9yr old lucas with a concerned look in his face. "How does that feel?" he said. "Oh, that feels WONDERFUL, Thank You Son". He turned to go back to bed and said "I Love you Mom", "I Love You too, Son". I will aways be proud of him and remember his gentle touch and bear like hugs. He was my Knight in shining Armour. I was blessed to have him in my life and enjoy the all love and laughter he brought into my life.
He made me the proudest Mom in the world.
Dinah......Lucas's Mom
I remember driving to Glennpool to watch Lucas play football, and him looking up into the crowd, you could see that big grin through his face mask. The times he would come stay the night with us so he could spend time with his sister and nieces, getting to play basketball with him. He would brag about "schooling" me even when he would be down 20-1. He never quit playing, I would be tired of playing and he didn't care that he was losing, he just wanted to play.
He will be missed by many and forgotten by few. To the family my deepest sympathies.
First and foremost, I would like to say that Luke never accepted "NO" for an answer; for that he led a life full of excitement. For instance, Luke and I would work 13 hours a day, yet he wouldn't accept no for an answer when there was fun waiting. For the few years that I have known Luke there was never a dull moment.
Luke was a hard worker and even a harder player. He wouldn't stop until the job was done, because that meant we got to the excitement earlier. From the posts that I have read thus far, it seems that his ferocity for life has never ceased. I know that he has given me and countless others a small slice of his ferociousness with which not to take for granted but to always be aware of.
Another fond memory of Luke that I have is that we were out at the beach hanging out and he wanted to borrow my keys so that he could get his sunglasses out of the truck. He was gone for an hour, yet upon his return he had a party in tow. This just goes to show that Luke always brought good memories upon his return.
One more thing I would like to say about Luke is that the love for his mother is unparalleled by anyone. It seems like every time that I had seen them together, they were laughing or playing around. Also, I distinctly remember him saying "I love you" to Dinah every time he got off the phone or left the building, something we all could do more of.
Finally, I would like to say that with Luke's passing, he will be remembered as a Hero, not only for his selfless actions on his final day; but as a man who left great memories sprinkled across the country. I would like to thank Luke for giving me and all our friends a small dose of life as he lived it and that his will never be forgotten. Also, I would like to say to Dinah that you gave the world a blessing and that when you two meet again; more great memories await.
Thank You Luke,
Jeremiah Nazaruk - friend and co-worker.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down
his life for his friends.
I met Luke a long time ago through a friend that was attending Thunderbird. There was an instant bond between us and he became just like a big brother.
He was always trying to make me laugh and just so optimistic about life and everything that it had to offer. He was such a good guy and friend and I will miss him.
At the time of this death I have not heard or spoke to him in several years. The last time I did see him I left him hoping his life would turn out like he wanted it to. When I heard about him dying I was sad but not shocked to hear that he died saving a life.
October 11, 2007 Jacksonville, Florida
It was nearly midnight when Dinah decided to make a final trip to the beach. Mendi and Jeremiah quickly agreed to accompany her. I opted out because I was tired and was the designated driver for the early morning sojourn back to Columbia.
When I returned to the quietness of my room, I
p-jammied-up and began to review the previous days' events. That's when the tears came roaring out. Moments of the prior days' discoverites replayed in a rapid firing loop. And, yet, as suddenly as these thoughts and tears began, I became aware of an inner voice telling me, "Let go". Without much hesitation and a deep sigh, the inner turmoil subsided. I felt calm, centered and peaceful. I finally fell asleep before the marauders returned from their trip.
Later, Mendi shared with me her seaside experience with Dinah and Jeremiah. After piling into the tight quarters of Jeremiah's truck cab, they simply let their plan unfold. A quick stop for some beverages...a turn of the key to restart the engine...two windows buzzed down for a fresh sea breeze...a reflexive bik-flick of cigarettes lit... and Lucas's favorite CD blaring so loudly that it was physically palpable. Each of the trio ease into their respective head space and quietly search the song's lyrics for, what might be, descriptive clues of their lost son, brother and friend. They are just 3 determined, living souls with some precious cargo out on the town, on a Thursday night, with only one place to go...the beach.
Once at the surf's edge, Mendi and Jeremiah watch Dinah wade thigh-deep into the ocean's cold to "let Lucas go". Backlit from a flashlight's globe, Mendi sees "splays of sparkling silver shards fly freely above the spray of the seas' wave". It was so beautiful, just like fireworks", she said.
I believe this is how I am meant to remember my nephew, my twin-sister's son, Mendi's brother and Jeremiah's friend, Lucas. He, like all of us, began with one simple breath. But in the end, this really goofy guy made one of his final shows as beautiful as a fireworks' explosion. Now, that's brilliant! I'll be remembering you, Lucas, every time the skies light up, but especially, on New Years' and the Fourth of July. Ciao for now! (Thanks Mendi, for such a beautiful memory).
It's 2009 and Lucas's birthday October 26th. I've been thinking
about him and all the wonderful memories he left me of life when
he was around and making my day
better because he was a part of
it. There are plenty of good
times we shared and for me it's
hard not to think of him today and
not want to say Happy Birthday
Son! It's a day for celebration
of when you set foot in the world
and made it your adventure to discover and make those around you
feel happy and loved. Miss your
smile....Love you with all my heart! Mom
It's 2009 and Lucas's birthday October 26th. I've been thinking
about him and all the wonderful memories he left me of life when
he was around and making my day
better because he was a part of
it. There are plenty of good
times we shared and for me it's
hard not to think of him today and
not want to say Happy Birthday
Son! It's a day for celebration
of when you set foot in the world
and made it your adventure to discover and make those around you
feel happy and loved. Miss your
smile....Love you with all my heart! Mom
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