Gerald Karoly Lutz
October 19, 1972 - September 8, 2012
Obituary
“Life is short, so you better take advantage of it while you can.” A mantra Gerald Karoly Lutz lived by as attested to by his family and many, many friends. Gerald passed away in Seattle on Saturday, September 8, 2012, along with his beloved brother and best friend, Eldon Lutz. Described as a kind soul, a true collaborator, possessing a wicked sense of humor, and simply as a good man – Gerald cared deeply about making the world a kinder, happier place for everyone and what better way to do that than with a smile and laughter. Passions – many – but he will best be remembered for being authentic, honest and looking for the best in all people and situations, attending concerts, music of all kinds, his love of good simple food, cooking, and being a great bartender. Also for Mustache March, Tie Tuesdays, Bike to Work Month, his love of technology and gadgets – proud of his “geekdom”, Capoeira, karaoke, bringing people together – socially and professionally; and as one friend expressed, “his relentless food pics (on Facebook) which were primarily designed to torment me.” Gerald donated his time and funds to many charitable organizations, including Locks of Love, Treehouse, Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club, and was new to the Northwest Sinfonietta (Seattle Committee). He considered his adored son, Daniel – lovingly referred to as “Danimal” – as his great legacy; and Gerald was passionately devoted to his wife, Rachel Spain, the “love of his life.” Born October 19, 1972 in Lawton, Oklahoma, Gerald grew up in Severn, Maryland, Aschaffenburg, Germany and Meridian, Idaho. A graduate of Meridian High school, he is a proud University of Idaho “Vandals” graduate, earning degrees in Zoology, Biology, and Botany. In addition to wife, Rachel and son, Daniel, Gerald is survived by his much loved mother, Genevra De Mond and step-father, Willy De Mond; father and step-mother, Mike and Kim Lutz; mother and father-in-law, Linda and Tom Spain; sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer and Dr. James Spain Greene; brother-in-law, Christopher Watkins; Aunts, Bozsi Claussen, Francesca de Csipkay and Nicolette de Csipkay; 4 nieces, including wonderful niece, Eldon’s daughter, Karisha; 3 nephews and many very cherished cousins. Gerald believed deeply in family and treasured friends. In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to the non-profit Locks of Love or education fund for Daniel K. Lutz (information to be posted on Facebook). Viewing at 5-6:30 p.m., followed by Rosary will be held on Friday, 09/14 at 7:00 p.m. Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, 09/15 at 1:00 p.m. at BONNEY WATSON Capitol Hill, 1732 Broadway, Seattle, WA (206) 322-0013. Please sign the guest book at www.bonneywatson.com. A Slamming Memorial Party to honor Gerald will be announced on Facebook soon. And, as Gerald liked to quote, “Smoke a kipper for me Skipper, I’ll be back for breakfast.” “Ace” Rimmer
I’m so saddened by the news of the loss of Gerald. We worked together back in the Classmates days and kept in touch over the year. He was an amazing, creative and warm soul. We’ll miss you man 🙁
Very few people can leave a mark in the life like Gerald. My deep condolences to his family !!
I know you are looking down at me right now and saying “It is truce that God made beer because he loves man and wants him to be happy. He told me so as he poured me a pint”
I won’t say “rest in peace” brother because you were never happy resting. Instead, when I feel a cool spring breeze, I will know that you and the Saints are having a blast.
Thank You Gerald for being the amazing brother you were for Eldon. He loved you and appreceated all you did for him and with him. Thank you for so many great memories. You are missed.
I will miss your great sense of humor and never ending smile! You were indeed an inspiration to behold. (Say hi to Joe if you should see him … but don’t challenge him to chess) 🙂 Sending hugs to all others as well via you along with a huge one for just you!)
Though the time we knew each other was short, Gerald made one heck of an impact. Few people live the way he did, doing as much as he could and touching so many lives, especially through those taunting Facebook posts of food and beer, and he will be missed for it. The world is poorer for losing a man such as he, but those of us who had the chance to spend time with him are so much richer for it. I miss you, Gerald.
I will miss your ever present smile and great sense of humor Gerald.
Like so many others one of the things I remember most about Gerald was his wicked sense of humor, hanging out on Chrisman Hall and his “Satan Clause” outfit Halloween ’92. Gerald- though I don’t drink anymore will lift my lemonade to you as I celebrate our 40’th next month!
I keep thinking I’m going to be able to talk to you about things tomorrow, or the next day. I don’t like this. I’m going to miss our talks about family and the month of March just won’t be the same. You were a great friend with strong family values I appreciated. Gwen and I are still running the Hell Run with you in spirit this Saturday before the services and we’ll show up muddy and gross- just how you’d want it. I love you, man. And here’s to strength for Rachel and Danimal and your parents who lost two sons… and all your other family and friends who feel the deep impact of this loss but remember the deeper joy you brought to any room you entered. Cheers, Gerald.
Gerald, I will take your mantra and run with it. Thank you and goodbye friend.
Dearest Gerald, I will always cherish my memories of our time together. You will always be loved.
I remember Gerald as one of my best friends at Meridian HIgh School, as we competed together on Academic Decathlon team. He is a talented and bright individual, full of smiles and enthusiasm. He provided comic relief to everyday life. I am a better person for knowing him. I hope to see you in the next life, Gerald, and may God bless your family.
There are no words right now that can take away the pain. Rach, you and Danimal are always in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers. Gerald was a bright light in our family and will be missed terribly. But the fun and memories will live in our hearts forever. I believe my stomach still hurts from laughter from when you all were in Vegas last year. We love you all and yes, … Life is an adventure. We will take advantage of it while we can and honor Gerald every day. Love always, Jennifer, Tedd & Baby Flo
Dear Gerald,
You, like Eldon, will be very much missed by us…your sense of humor and zest for life, and love of so much: I was just relistening to a tape you and Eldon made for us long ago, about your Christmas, when you were, I think, about 7 or 8 years old. The incredible zest in your voice as you thanked for your present, talked about why you loved it, and then branched into why you so much loved each of your other presents. What was notable that it was the curiosity in you and the imaginative ways you planned to pursue your interests, and then what those interests were and why, and then…you expressed so much of what you were all about throughout your life, I think, already in those long ago tapes from early childhood. I love you, and you will be much missed. Rest in Peace. Goodby.
I’m truly saddened to learn of Gerald’s death. My thoughts and prayers are with all family and friends during this very difficult time. Rest in peace.
Gerald – You made a difference, you will not be forgotten.
Rita
May your ever-present smile and positive attitude be stamped in our memories forever! You have made an impact on the lives of all around you — that’s evident! May God bless your family. You will be truly missed. Many prayers
Gerald,
I sit here remembering the times we hung out during our Meridian High School days during breaks in the room your mom helped teach in, all the bootlegs of your vast CD collection you made for me (Genesis, anyone?). Even after you graduated, you’d still come back into town and make sure to say “Hi!” when you’d visit the school.
I can’t believe I won’t be able to Facebook or call you anymore or to ask where I can find the unique beers you seem to be able to find to try. Or that when authors I know come to town, you won’t be able to take all their tomes I have for them to sign in my stead. 🙂 Thank you for your friendship, G.
I miss you and Eldon more than I can say.
Gerald’s sudden passing has deeply affected everyone who knew him. The countless testimonials on Facebook are a wonderful tribute to a great guy and a reminder of all the lives he touched. RIP Gerald. I’m glad I had the opportunity to know you.
Dear Gerald,
We saw you quite often when you were a young boy, and I enjoyed interacting with you. We both shared a love of zoology. I still remember your visit to us in Ohio and you helping me collect crayfish from one of our local streams. You got quite a pinch from one of the little buggers, but you bravely soldiered on! Regrettably we saw you much less often as an adult. However, I know that you developed into a fine young man and an excellent and loving father. Although you will be sorely missed, we can all feel grateful for having known you.
Gerald was the kindest soul. He always put other people before himself. Life was a gift to him which was evident in the way he lived. I will miss his smile, his laughter, his insight.and his friendship.
I didn’t know Gerald very well but from the moment I met him, he always had a generous smile, and took the time assist me as I was new to our office.
He was the kind of person you knew would be a great friend. He will be missed.
When I heard of Gerald’s passing I was crushed. Gerald was kind, funny, warm and giving. We had alot of great times together and I will miss him forever.
Gerald was a good man, friend, colleague and confidant. He was always there with an open ear to hear, caring very deeply about the lives and situations of those around him. I will miss him greatly, my thoughts and prayers are with his family and closest friends.
Gerald when we were in school you were so quiet & peaceful with yourself & everyone else. You always knew when I was having a bad day as you would give me a grin that would melt a mom’s heart. Now we are grown & boy has life givin us many challenges along the way. I will forever miss the Tie Tuesday’s, hearing about your Motorcycle stories & the best thing is hearing how much of a blessing you have in Danimal. You may be gone for now but your are never forgotten. We will see you again. So in the mean time tear it up in Heaven with Eldon so we can hear more stories when we get there. Blessings to you all. Till we meet again.
Gerald, I didn’t get to see you much in person, but I loved working with you and will really miss hearing from you on facebook. I’m so glad we reconnected a few years back. Your smiling face reminds me to smile more and to enjoy life to the fullest. You have inspired me to be a better friend, sister, daughter and most importantly a better mom. Daniel was lucky to have you as a dad. To Gerald and Eldon’s family, I can’t imagine how much you are hurting right now. Just know that all of us are thinking of you and wishing you comfort and peace. I didn’t get a chance to know Eldon, but those of us that knew Gerald miss him so much. I feel very lucky to have known him.
We will miss you and always remember how great you were with the kids.
I met Gerald only a few months ago at Alki Community Center and became Facebook friends shortly thereafter. Although our friendship did not have much time to deepen, I am grateful to have met him as I felt he was an admirable person and devoted father.
Gerald, You will be sorely missed by many people. I pray you knew what a positive impact you made on SOOO many lives. You were such a GREAT man, father, friend and Husband to Rachel. I know you knew how much she loves you and life without you will be so difficult for her. I will do everything I can to help her in anyway I can. RIP my friend. I will miss you so very much!
I met Gerald at Alki Elementary school, our kids were starting Kindergarden and were in the same class that year — all nervous that our babies were starting their academic lives! He was such a super involved Dad over the years in his son’s school activities and it was always nice to see him on the playground, and at school events, field trips, and out and about in W. Seattle with Daniel. He had such a great sense of humor and was just an all around great guy. Not to mention his FB posts were always a hoot. He made me laugh. He obviously impacted many lives and made lots of friends. To his family and friends, I am sad with you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Dear Gerald,
It is too soon to be writing this message to you.
Your life was cut too short yet you have impacted so many lives with your generosity and contagious enthusiasm.
You were the life of the Seattle office. Always upbeat and happy and knowing when somebody needed uplifting. I will always remember your smile, your tenacity, your can-do attitude, your kindness.
I was truly shocked and saddened to hear about your passing. I cannot imagine how hard this is for your family and friends and I wish I could offer some words of comfort. Your son looks so much like you. He will grow up to continue your legacy. I choose to remember you smiling at me. I am sure you are smiling at us from above. Rest in peace.
We were so looking forward to get to know Gerald better through your involvement with Northwest Sinfonietta and beyond. Our first impression was SO heart-warming and enthusiastic! You will be terribly missed by many Gerald…
Gerald, I will miss your love of life, your joyful enthusiasm for all things social, and your willingness to spearhead any oddball event, especially Mustache March.
I will miss your great kindness and your gift in bringing people together. You made people feel accepted and good about themselves.
I will miss your smile and your easy laugh, the way you listened without judging, the light in your eyes when you talked about Rachel and Daniel.
You followed your heart in all things and were true to your convictions. I will miss you.
Goodbye, old friend. Thanks for the laughs.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and the countless people who called you friend. I hope to raise a glass with them at the “slamming memorial party”.
Gerald was a wonderful boss, graciously welcoming me to the Classmates QA team when I transferred from UOL.
He brought a great deal of joy and fun into the workplace.
My deepest condolences to Rachel, his son, and all of his family and friends.
Gerald, you have inspired us to find reasons to celebrate each day in our lives. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with you and wish you peace on your next journey.
My deepest condolences to Gerald’s family. I know Gerald through his great contribution to the Rainier Vista Boys and Girls Club, and through his mother-in-law and my great friend Linda Spain. I share the family’s loss and extend my appreaciation to Gerald for his kindly support of the noble cause on behalf of kids. Gerald, your gift to this world will live on. Mack Hogans
Gerald was a wonderful person and will be very missed. He cared deeply for his friends, and it has been one of the true blessings and honors of my life that I was one of them.
Dear Gerald,
Your company was always a pleasure to me and to those around you. This is truly a gift that you had and I am sure it makes everyone miss you even more.
Thank you for everything you did and everything you were. I will always remember your good spirits and love of life.
My condolences to all your family and friends.
Our heartfelt condolences to Rachel and Daniel. We fondly remember you at our home for Christo and Luna’s wedding, and Daniel bringing up Christ’o’s ring at just the right time with his father to guide him. Our condolences to Generva and the deCsipkay family.
Gerald,
You always brought happiness to my day and that left a lasting imprint on my heart! I’ll miss our countless chats over lunch and coffee! My heart goes out to Rachel and Daniel. Take care my friend and we will see you up in the heavens…
Gerald, you always brightened up my days when we worked together back at Classmates. I’ve missed you since then, but never so much as I do now. You were kind, patient, and incredibly smart. Rest in peace my friend.
I keep thinking I’m going to be able to walk down the hall and talk with you just like usual. My mind just can’t believe it. I’ll always cherish the long chats we had about career, family, and the joy of first becoming a father. Your enthusiasm for Daniel is inspiring. Your love for him was evident. One of my favorite memories is the way you told a joke. You’d get that big grin on your face, realize it was pretty cheesy and hang your head with a sigh, and then grin all the more! Thank you for the fun times. Sharing the latest tech news, user experience concerns, helping a bunch of engineers be social a few times a year. And who could forget our masterful Chuck Norris Chili campaign! Your genuine friendship will always be remembered. We all miss you Gerald. Thank you.
Gerald,
I was saddened to hear about your passing.
You were such a kind soul and you showed me
Kindness and understanding at work when so
Many people did not. I will never forget what you
Reminded me about life and friendship. I will
Always remember you.
My heart goes out to Gerald’s family. Especially to Daniel and Diane. Daniel will is in good hands with his mother Diane. Diane has a very important job ahead of her. She gets to tell Daniel what a great man his father was. He was kind, loving and most of all giving. Good luck in the further Diane and you and Daniel are in our prayers.
Gerald,
It was with great sadness that I learned of your passing. I will always remember your kindness and our long discussion about life and family. You contributed so much to people’s life and I am thankful I knew you.
Dear Rachel and Daniel,
It was with such sadness that I learned of Gerald’s passing today. We would get together for lunch every six months or so. When he didn’t respond to my latest “let’s catch up” note…
In addition to all of his great personal qualities, Gerald was a real believer in the ability of people to improve themselves through ongoing education, which is how we met. He improved the lives of many others at work, which is a real gift and something that can’t be said of many people.
I’ll sorely miss his enthusiasm, that little look of mischievousness he’d get on his face, his quiet kindness.
I wish you well in your healing.
Our hearts go out to Daniel and Diane, I know you truly miss Gerald and we hope time heals. Diane you are a wonderful mom to Daniel and I know he will turn out to be a wonderful man thanks to you. Stay strong and remember how much you mean to Daniel. He is such a awesome boy.
Dearest Gerald,
You and Eldon were giving me your to be last talk on the important things in your life and what was soon to come, when you both came to Eugene for Christo’s wedding. I treasure what each of you said and hearing of each of your loves for your child. I am so very sad that both of you left this world leaving unfinished lives. Why isn’t it just a bad dream that you both are gone?