It has been nearly 10 months since we all started on this site. And I still wonder, at times, what is it supposed to be? Is this a place for news or notes? Is it fact or opinion? Can it be personal or a detached perspective?
Since my name's attached to it, I think I have to strike a balance of opinions, personal reflections and news if I can get it. And, of course, sports, since that's my Seattle Examiner domain.
The reason for all the introspection here is because I'm not sure where the story of Joe Lukas fits. It's a bit too personal and not an abundance of sports elements to it. But it is a story I need to share because of who he was and what he meant to so many people on the Seattle east side. Joe Lukas died Monday after a year-long bout with cancer. He was 42. He left behind a beautiful wife, Debby, who is due to give birth to a pair of 'Lucas Boys' next spring. Joe and Debby had a loving relationship and a thriving personal trainer business in Redmond, Wa.
It's painful and it's unfair but, taking a cue from Debby, as resilient a woman as I've ever known, she would want to reflect on his good life, not on this sad ending.
As far as sports is concerned, Joe did have an impact. Beyond helping so many young athletes in the area to build strength and endurance for their soccer, football, baseball, basketball teams, he trained shortstop Omar Vizquel for years, focusing on keeping his legs strong. I've talked to Omar about Joe. He credits him with helping to extend his 20-year baseball career. Omar, now 41 with at least one more season in him, will be in Baseball's Hall of Fame one day.
Jeff Nelson, the former Mariners and Yankees reliever, also joined Joe's workout studio, Sculptor Fitness, which Joe and Debby built three years ago next to their home off Redmond-Fall City Rd. After a few months working with Joe's trainers, Nelson told me that felt in tremendous shape and, in all seriousness, considered making a comeback at age 41. It's not going to happen but that's the kind of reaction you get from his workouts.
Joe, an imposing 6-foot-4, 230-pound gentle giant, learned the fitness trade in the U.S. Army. He was his battalion's Master Fitness Trainer. He served in the first Gulf War and spent a lot of time in Germany. In Germany, he learned the finer points of weight training, nutrition and fitness as well as the family-friendly atmosphere of their training studios.
He opened his first studio in Sammamish, Wa., in 1995 with the dream of moving his entire business to a facility behind his house. He achieved that in 2005. My daughter pushed me to join in the spring of 2006 because she saw me wasting away behind a computer and a fork. Joe was my trainer and was encouraging yet tough, informative and innovative, incorporating boxing moves, yoga and pilates, as well as detailed nutrition plans.
It took me a couple months of resistance before I really began to like it and appreciate it. I've been going regularly ever since, as have so many others, and I'm far better off because of it. As Debby once told me, a comprehensive fitness program "is the fountain of youth.''
That was Joe's philosophy and he had a multitude of loyal believers. It is ironic that he helped so many to greater health and fitness yet this strong, physical specimen has been taken away from us in his prime.
He had a simple life, ordinary Joe living the American dream. He had served his country well. He ran a successful small business. He had a effervescent wife who shared his career and his dreams. They both were overjoyed with anticipation over the arrival of their twin boys. Joe saw their forms on Debby's ultrasound images.
It's a shame that those two boys now who will never experience what a wonderful guy their father was. But they'll have Joe's genes. That's to their great advantage.
Comments
This is very touching. Thank you so much for writing it.
Julie Lukas, Joe's Sister-In-Law
It makes me very sad. I will be there for Debby for whatever she may need.
Joe was my trainer in 2005 and has had such an impact on me. I hear him in my head whenever I work out.
Joe, thank you for what you left inside of me. I am better for having known you.
Debby, Amy and I are thinking of you.
Joe was my trainer in 2005 and has had such an impact on me. I hear him in my head whenever I work out.
Joe, thank you for what you left inside of me. I am better for having known you.
Debby, Amy and I are thinking of you.
Bob - Thank you so much for your heartwarming comments. Joe, Debbie and Greg have made a life-long impact on my son, Alex. They began working with him when he was 15 and even though we only worked out for a year at Sculptor Fitness,they have made a life-long impact. I believe Alex is the wonderful 17 year-old man that he is partially because of the wonderful influence of Sculptor Fitness. We will always think of Joe, Debbie and Greg and the positive change they made in our lives.
I have known Joe for 30 years.It is so nice to read about all the lives Joe touched.I saw Joe in his final days and will never forget the courage he showed.INCREDIBLE!
INCREDIBLE! also discribes Debby.Joe was so fortunate to have the support of such a wonderful person by his side through his ups & downs.
Luke I will miss you.
Stemmer
A few words about our wonderful trainer, our friend, Joe. Gus met Joe and signed on for a month of prepaid sessions. Because speaking engagements came up, Gus sent me in his stead. I was nervous and intimidated, but I appreciated that Joe asked me what my fitness goals were. When I told him I'd like to be able to bend down enough to put on my pantyhose and build some strength, he just smiled and said "Let's get with the plan then".
He was so organized for both Gus and I, and he'd make our workouts effective, and specific to us. We so enjoyed the banter, the encouragement, the pushing to our limit...he just "knew" what we both needed. During the really tough Joga positions, he and Gus would talk about the music that was playing and I'd ask him to tell me what Debby cooked for dinner last night! He so enjoyed her cooking. He shared with us that he felt closest to God when he was running a trail or hiking the mountains. What a comfort imagining him enjoying God's Paradise. We love you Joe and Debby. Your friends, Gus & Jan
Thank you for this tribute message. Joe was an amazing person. I can still feel the soreness after one of his workouts. He was so inspiring and had a great outlook an life along with his wife Debby!! I feel so blessed to have them both in my life. He will always have a place in my heart.
I have known Debby for years and am so greiving for her. Joe was a wonderful man, and they were the perfect match. Thank you for the tribute.
I have known Debby since we were in middle school together in our little town of Snoqualmie. Truly one of the most unique, kind and giving persons I have known. Unfortunately, I moved away from our small little town and never truly got to understand the man that made Debby so truly happy. Today, thanks to this wonderfully written piece, I feel like I know who Joe was a little better. My family's hearts and prayers go out to Debby, her two boys and their entire family. I have no doubt that the strength Joe revealed to everyone through his passion in life, through his love for his wife, and the multitude of lives he touched will forever live in the heart of his loving wife and within the eyes of his two sons.
God Bless
JV
Debby - My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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