Luke was one of those people you just don't forget. When I first met him in 7th grade Spanish, his large & gregarious presence overwhelmed me. Over the years, however, we became close friends - even going to each other's weddings in the early 80's and enjoying friendship with each other's spouses. Such an outgoing guy - he could talk to anyone. While he loved to debate, he didn't just want to hear himself talk. He was such a good listener. He had strong opinions, but he was genuinely curious as to what the person in front of him thought. He loved to find or start a party & often recited a ditty that started with, "P is for Party....." (How many of us spent time at his house when he had parties - with or without his parents there!). Besides party songs, he could quote a Shakespeare sonnet or playfully paraphrase something well known from literature. to describe the moment... A favorite one that epitomized his optimism was from Ecclesiastes - "Cast your bread upon the water, and it will come back ham and eggs everytime." He was a political activist for most of his working life - organizing campaigns & offices for several Republicans in Iowa. That said, he was well regarded and respected by both Democrats and Republicans. When he died in 2002 from cancer, well known Democrats including Iowa Senator Tom Harkin shared thoughtful accolades in the Des Moines Register about Luke. I would love to see what Luke would be up today if he were still living, and how he might help us bridge the polarized political divide that has made our country so crazy today.
I couldn't have said it better!Luke was a good man and a loyal friend. We partied with his parents with out his parents! Luke new how to have a good time! The last time I saw Luke was at Kevin Crosby's funeral two great guys!!!!
Marty Parks (Colwell)
Luke was one of those people you just don't forget. When I first met him in 7th grade Spanish, his large & gregarious presence overwhelmed me. Over the years, however, we became close friends - even going to each other's weddings in the early 80's and enjoying friendship with each other's spouses. Such an outgoing guy - he could talk to anyone. While he loved to debate, he didn't just want to hear himself talk. He was such a good listener. He had strong opinions, but he was genuinely curious as to what the person in front of him thought. He loved to find or start a party & often recited a ditty that started with, "P is for Party....." (How many of us spent time at his house when he had parties - with or without his parents there!). Besides party songs, he could quote a Shakespeare sonnet or playfully paraphrase something well known from literature. to describe the moment... A favorite one that epitomized his optimism was from Ecclesiastes - "Cast your bread upon the water, and it will come back ham and eggs everytime." He was a political activist for most of his working life - organizing campaigns & offices for several Republicans in Iowa. That said, he was well regarded and respected by both Democrats and Republicans. When he died in 2002 from cancer, well known Democrats including Iowa Senator Tom Harkin shared thoughtful accolades in the Des Moines Register about Luke. I would love to see what Luke would be up today if he were still living, and how he might help us bridge the polarized political divide that has made our country so crazy today.
Jay McClain
I couldn't have said it better!Luke was a good man and a loyal friend. We partied with his parents with out his parents! Luke new how to have a good time! The last time I saw Luke was at Kevin Crosby's funeral two great guys!!!!Keith Maskus
Marty, thank you for that really hearfelt and wonderful remembrance. You perfectly captured Luke and what a terrific guy he was.