Luke Kruytbosch
Luke Kruytbosch
Obituary
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Luke Kruytbosch Obituary
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Harry C Moore
June 11, 2024
My all-time favorite race caller, by far. He was/is perfection in his profession. He set the standard and shall not be surpassed. A great loss that I will never forget. Thank you Luke! RIP.
PAUL MATTICE
October 17, 2020
LUKE HAD BEEN GONE TO HEAVEN FOR ALONG TIME HE CALLED SKIP AWAY'S WIN IN THE HOLLYWOOD GOLD CUP HE WAS THE BEST TRACK ANNOUNCER IN THE WORLD HE IS CALLING THE RACES IN HEAVEN
JUSTIN PANETTA
September 5, 2014
DEAR LUKE YOU ARE WATCHING DOWN IN HEAVEN MARK JOHNSON REPLACE YOU NOW IS LARRY COLLMUS CALLING THE RACES YOU CALLED RACES AT GULFSTREAM PARK CHURCHILL DOWNS TURF PARADISE HOLLYWOOD PARK KENTUCKY DOWNS ELLIS PARK TURFWAY PARK SUNLAND PARK YOU CALLED THE HOLLYWOOD GOLD CUP WHEN SKIP AWAY WAS THERE IN 1998 YOU CALLED YOUR FIRST KENTUCKY DERBY AT CHURCHILL IN 1999 YOU HOST THE ELLIS PARK REPLAY SHOW NOW YOU ARE WITH MY GRANDFATHER CARMEN MY GRANDMOTHER SANDY JOYCE ARNOLD JOAN RIVERS EDGER GROESBECK HARRY ROTHWEIN MARIE ARNOLD FRANK ARNOLD UNCLE BUDDY PETER JENNINGS DON ZIMMER BABE RUTH BOBBY MURCER BIG GRAM GARY HOLCOMB HANK ARNOLD DEACON BILL WALT SWARTZ JEN DIGMAN TONY REYES GENE STUS EARL ANTHONY DAVE D'ENTREMONT ROGER WORKMAN ROSS MORTON MR. ROGERS ROD RODDY AUNT LUCY AND UNCLE BOB DONNA MARGIASSO ANNA CACCKELLO COUSIN VITO I MISS YOU LOVE, JUSTIN
Frank Randolph
November 15, 2012
Always think of you Luke ! Miss you Ole Buddie!
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Dianna Doughty
November 6, 2011
Miss you,
Frank Randolph
May 2, 2010
Luke,
I Thought about you all day yesterday it was your favorite day again. I just can't believe its was the second Derby with out you and they don't mean as much to all of your friends with out you here to share them with. Your missed more than you could have imagined. I still think of your Chris Farley imitation of Tommy boy you did " Tommy Like Wingy" still makes me laugh buddy your the best. Miss you Bro.
John Blanchard
May 1, 2010
Luke: I hadn't seen you since high school. You were always a riot..I remember when you wore a Washington Lee jersey to football practice. I thought the coaches would have a stroke..one of the funniest things I ever saw. You left us much too soon but I'm happy that you made the most of your life here on earth. It's a rare person who gets to do what they love for a living.
Rest In Peace and God Bless My Friend,
John Blanchard
MHS Class of '79
Greg Geiser
July 14, 2009
Still miss you Buddy. Geez
Richard Berke
July 13, 2009
Luke, you did alot of good while you were here on planet Earth, but like so many other talented and good people your life was cut to short. God gave you a special skill and you will be sorely missed.
Dan Westover
May 2, 2009
I went to school with Luke at McLean High School. Had not spoken to him in 28 years when I learned of his career. He graciously invited some acquaitences to his booth at the Kentucky Derby. It was like we never missed a moment on the phone. On the phone he immediately started to jerk my chain. I was almost in tears laughing. You should have known him then and now.
PIC WITH LUKE AT TURF PARADISE
JOEL RIVERA
September 29, 2008
WOW!!!
I just found out that Luke was no longer with us. Only met Luke a few times but, in those few moments he touched my life. His enthusiasm for the sport was Awesome! However, Luke simply oozed with good nature.
When I first met Luke, he felt my own love for the game and invited me up to his racecalling booth atop Turf Paradise.
He said to me "just let me know when you can make it and I'll let staff know to allow you upstairs"
Well needlesstosay, I took him up on the offer and I was in the booth with him that day for several races!
It was like watching an artist painting on canvas!
I remember not wanting to leave the booth.
Luke did not have to be that nice to a stranger. However, I feel that Luke just had that "IT" about him that made people feel comfortable.
Dear Luke, I have a picture with you that we took on that day. I will cherish that picture and never forget how nice you were to me!
Thanks Luke! Wish I could have spent more time with you.
I know you'll still be calling races from your box in the sky!
With Love and sincerity, your friend,
Joel
Jeff Crockett
September 9, 2008
I just heard of one of the greatest losses in horse racing history. I knew Luke from a local pub across the road from Turf Paradise. Luke was a true hero in the racing industry. Luke, you will be loved forever and forgotten never.
Mathew Holloway
September 2, 2008
I have been in the horse racing industry for years and had hear a lot of track announcers but none of them can compare to Mr. Luke. He was the greatest, to me, of all times. I loved to hear him say, "Their off running." Mr. Luke was not just calling a race but telling you a story and it always kept you on the edge or your seat wanting more. My condolences to his family. My God rest Mr. Luke's soul and bring peace and comfort to his family.
steve nagelberg
July 24, 2008
I never met Luke, but I listened
to his race calls for many years.
In the sport of kings, he was truly the king of race calling. He left us way too soon, and from reading all of these wonderful tributes, I can tell
he was a very special person.
I wish Luke everlasting peace, and his family our prayers and sympathies
at this difficult time.
Terri Ferguson
July 24, 2008
To Luke's Family: we are truly saddened by your loss. Luke was a remarkable person that will be missed. I was blessed to have worked with Luke and to be a friend. He was and will always be the voice of Turf Paradise!!
Terri & Chad Ferguson
karen batcho
July 22, 2008
luke i had only met you last fall at churchill but the little time i knew was a blessingyou were a wonderful person and will be missed very much
Mik Monroe
July 21, 2008
Had in mind to call Lukster since I left Louisville, always should do what you have in mind - what a guy he was - friend - helper - .Carla - you must really be proud of him I know he was in Switzerland last September - I was in Germany - ways crossed - I will miss him so much - CD, Saratoga, Turf Paradise and he never made it to meet up in Hot Springs, AR - enroute from Phoenix to Dallas to see Phil - en route to Louisville, making his friends other peoples friends. Yes he lived life to the fullest - he is at the best place.
Chris & Bobbie Nelson
July 20, 2008
We will miss you Luke, God Speed.
Steve Hurley
July 20, 2008
Luke, it was my pleasure being your friend. i am grateful that our paths crossed and i had the opportunity to get to know you pretty well. I miss you already.
July 19, 2008
Luke, it was a privilage to have met you it always amazed me how you had room for one more friend. Love all your Friends from Canada,you made a lasting impression here "Kept in but not out" Cindy Cummins, Bob Fowles, Robertino Diodoro and Nikki Leschert
Debbie (Kelley) Kakuda
July 19, 2008
I knew Luke 12 years and it feels just like yesterday when I got my big bear hug from him and he again invited me to come to the
Derby, even though I never had the opportunity to go to the
Derby I never missed a chance to watch and listen at an offtrack facility in Phoenix. He always managed to slip some comment into his race calling that would make me laugh. Luke you will be greatly missed by all and especially me. I look forward to seeing you again someday. Love ya.
Mike Dimoff
July 19, 2008
I met Luke over a telephone call on fat Tuesday 1997. I was working at the N.O. Fairgrounds and he called me between races to introduce himself and to say a few kind words. That was Luke. A friendship spawn and I now live in Phoenix most of the year and was honored to fill in from time to time in the Turf booth despite the large shoes to fill. This is a wonderful forum and with it I'd like to remember the man who loved horse racing, but even more so, cared genuinely for all its fans and participants. The human spirit burned intensely in Luke and when we look back,all our days spent with him will appear very warm and bright indeed. Luke belongs to the ages now, but I preferred it when he belonged to us. Thanks Luke...I won't forget
double d
July 19, 2008
You never know how much you will miss someone until they are gone...whether it's after a quick visit, or the more permanent circumstances. Luke always made me feel like part of the crowd when I visited Turf Paradise...waving from the booth or slipping my name in somewhere at the end of a call. Dinner at Pappadeaux, breakfast with Calo and geez...fond memories that will bring smiles and tears at the same time. Godspeed and drop us a line when you are between races upstairs!
Jerry Gerardi
July 18, 2008
The horse racing industry has lost one of its distinctive voices and classiest gentlemen. Condolences to his family and many friends.
Paul Ferg
July 18, 2008
I'll always remember the time at Northlands Park in Edmonton when a buddy of mine was standing at the rail wearing a Pittsburgh Steeler jersey with the then Quarterback Cordell Stewart emblazoned on the back.Luke paged " Cordell Stewart to the information booth please,....Cordell Stewart please report to the information booth".....priceless!!!
we'll miss ya Luke
Paul
Decker Foutz Jr.
July 18, 2008
Luke always knew how to make everyone feel special....whether, it was introducing me in the winner's circle or calling me to security. I can't stop wanting to pick up the phone and call him for insight or just a good laugh. I'm so thankful for his friendship and all our great times together....I will always treasure them!
Susie Sourwine
July 18, 2008
A decade ago Luke and I worked on a small project in western Canada, and, in true Luke style, that fun and friendship was parlayed forward all these years. It was wonderful to watch his success. I will miss looking forward to a cocktail, a great story, and a belly laugh when I expected to see him. Bless you buddy.
Dan Loiselle
July 18, 2008
Luke was bigger than life...I'll never forget a surprise visit to him in the Turf Paradise announcers booth, and the Big Bear Hug I got...exchanging phone calls before each of our big races, wishing each other luck...having some cocktails and having some laughs, after we called our races on various All Star Announcers Days...memories I'll cherish forever...Luke you were so special.
Les, Ray (Turfman) & Sierra
July 18, 2008
The world needs more Luke's!!! What a great fun loving guy. He had time for everyone and always made you feel special!!!!!
Robert Geller
July 17, 2008
Luke was a shining light in the industry. He really knew his craft and cared. There was a mastery and eloquence to his calls. No track, race or for that matter, person was too big or too small. A true man of the people. He had more fans in the NW than he would ever know and all of us at Sunland Park thought the world of him. Who's going to help me say 'thatsusintheolbean' now?
Tony Calo
July 17, 2008
Luke Kruytbosch was a great man always giving but never taking. Our friendship grew stronger the past few years and even more so ths year. I can't believe you are gone just when we were closer than ever. I'll never forget you and everything you did for me. You will always be front and center.
vic stauffer
July 17, 2008
Everything about Luke made you feel comfortable. His easy friendly way. The familiarity of his voice. His consistency of character.
Being around Luke be it a long time friend or someone brand new always made that person better for their time with him.
He truly loved horse racing. It came across not only in his distinctive calls but also the way he shared our sport with all that he met.
We've all lost a true friend. Racing has lost a best friend.
Rest in peace buddy. Is heaven now a better place? Exactly!
Casey Irgens
July 17, 2008
Words can't describe how terrible of a tragedy this is. Luke made every trip to Turf Paradise or to an OTB worth it just to hear his voice. I went up in the booth with him once and we talked about race calls and mentioned he was going to use an old English caller's term for using the whip ("pulls out the pursueder") in a race for me and later that weekend he did, and while I don't think my horse won, I didn't see the end as I was laughing so hard. He always shared a fist pump for each other while I walked on the rail and he was in the booth. The man made myself, my parent and friends, and many others feel as if they were someone very special. In terms of a race caller and a person, Luke, buddy, you "ran them off their feet".
RAY & KARON ASHFORD
July 17, 2008
WE WERE DEVASTATED TO HEAR ABOUT LUKES PASSING, HE WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST ANNOUNCERS AND ALWAYS COULD MAKE A PERSON LAUGH.WE WILL MISS HIM GREATLY, OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY AND ALL OF HIS FRIENDS.
Larry Collmus
July 17, 2008
Luke was one of the great guys in our sport. Not only was he a wonderful race caller, he was a terrific person. He helped so many aspiring announcers to get their careers started.
He and I shared so many laughs together over the years. I can't believe he's gone. He's deeply missed.
Dave Kraft
July 17, 2008
I lived in Phoenix for 18 years and since have moved back to Phoenix. I miss some things about Phoenix but few as much as Turf Paradise and Luke's calls. What a pleasure they were to listen to. When Luke would say "Good afternoon and welcome to a day of racing @ beautiful Turf Paradise", everything was O.K with the world. He always would say "hi" if he saw you at the track and made you feel good. What a genuinely nice man. May God Bless you Luke. I know that he did down here on earth.
Heather Evans
July 17, 2008
Luke was by far one of the most special people I've ever known. I always looked forward to his smile when he would arrive at Ruidoso Downs for the day's races. It was a pleasure to hear/watch him call the races, especially on All American day... mainly because I was hoping to hear our barn's horse was in front. :-)
I was so proud the first time I heard him call the Kentucky Derby. It was definitely a special moment. I will never forget that voice, his smile, and most of all his friendship. He is and will always be truly missed.
Take care friend.
~Love always~
Bob Petrone
July 17, 2008
In an industry that recognizes and reveres class Luke was the classiest.
A true professional in every sense of the word, his love of the sport showed through in everything he did...Whether in the booth, on the backside or in the clubhouse. As so many others have and will continue to note Luke always made them feel special and important. He had the knack of making the kindest and most meaningful comments to horsemen when they won a race and were being introduced at the winners circle. His calls were always accurate and never over the top.
If you were to look up the term "racecaller" in the Horsemans Dictionary you'd see Luke's picture there.... No other definition would be needed.
Happy Trails old friend.
John Wilkins
July 17, 2008
Luke you were a special person touching many lives. God called you home because your job here was done. May you enjoy calling the races from heaven. I am sure the Angels will rejoice with your Golden voice.
Don From Chicago
July 16, 2008
As I told you on several occasions, big guy, you were the best of all time. I'll miss your calls and sharing beers at the VFW. You were supposed to call my last race when my ashes were sprinkled at CD. Apparently God needed a caller at the track in the sky. I'll miss you at and off the track. I guess I'll have to rip up Bardstown Road alone in November. Thanks for your friendship and the best calls ever heard.
richard mitchell
July 16, 2008
Great loss!
Todd & Lauren Fincher
July 16, 2008
What devastating news. Luke you will be greatly missed. You were a wonderful person and an outstanding announcer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and friends.
Jason Beem
July 16, 2008
As everyone has said, Luke was such a great guy. And as good of a racecaller as he was he was a better man. I feel fortunate to have gotten to know such a great guy and witness his constant greatness.
Dave Williams
July 16, 2008
Luke will be truly missed to all race fans. My favorite call by Luke, it was one of the only days I recall it snowing in AZ last live race before Christmas, as they were coming from home and it started snowing and Luke yells out " And coming down the Stretch in a one horse and open sleigh ". PERFECT. And those darn fake calls out to the crowd mad us laugh every time. Goodbye my friend.
Diamond Dave
Marc McCormick
July 16, 2008
I feel privileged to having known Luke as a friend. What great memories - Tucson, Vegas, LA, Nogales, Saratoga... His life was valued by so many. Luke will be truly missed.
James Witherite-Rieg
July 16, 2008
Like many of my brother racecallers have stated, Luke was truly a great guy and always willing to help. I didn't know him too well, but the few times I talked to him, he was always willing to offer his opinions and criticisms on anything, and always had a positive outlook on life. Not to mention, he was one hell of a racecaller. Farewell, my friend.
Michael Chamberlain
July 16, 2008
Luke was my race calling mentor and more than that, a tremendous friend to me over the many years that I have known him. I would not be a part of the horse racing industry but for Luke Kruytbosch. I owe him everything I have been able to enjoy over the last dozen years at Sam Houston Race Park. I always made sure I called him once or twice a month when he was in Phoenix just to check in and say hi or to find out what was up and invariably, we would wind up laughing about something before too long. I will miss all those talks and I will miss my dear friend. Thank you for everything, Luke, from the bottom of my heart.
Michelle C.
July 16, 2008
I did not know Luke personally, but my son Mick was a close friend of his at Ellis Park race track, and Turf Paradise. I'm sure he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Sorry to hear about your loss.
Mark and Krystal Villa
July 16, 2008
It was devastating news when we heard of Luke passing. He was a spectacular man. In my opinion the greatest race caller ever. He is the only voice I remember at TUP. When we moved to New Mexico, we always enjoyed hearing Luke call the races in Sunland on his way to Kentucky. Hearing the call of a race will never be the same. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Mark and Marge Johnston
July 16, 2008
Luke will always be a "special person" that will be missed tremendously by all. We have enjoyed his friendly face and stories for years and there was never a time when Luke wouldn't stop for a cold beer at the Turf Paradise Back Side Bar to say Hi to all his friends and always had something funny to say.
Bill Downes
July 16, 2008
I lost one of my best friends in the world
Luke was one of my great friends. He was the guy who helped me get into the announcing business. I met Luke when he was the announcer at Hollywood Park back in 1997. I was working doing the radio results job out in So Cal and I gave Luke my calls for him to listen to when I first started practicing announcing. He said I could do it professionally if II wanted and Luke helped me get my first job at Arapahoe Park in 1999. He has helped me and mentored me and offered advice on just about everything in life.
Luke was much more to me than a fellow announcer. He was one of my best friends in the world. I talked to him as much as my Mom and Dad. Everyone loved Luke. It's a couple days later and the pain won't go away. Luke would be laughing at me for making such a big commotion of his passing.
I miss u buddy!
Vincent Francia
July 16, 2008
The great, baritone race-calling voice that seemingly lifted more than one tired thoroughbred in deep stretch to the finish line has been silenced.
I went to the announcer's booth here at Turf Paradise. Luke's presence was everywhere: that warm, welcoming smile of his, that hearty laugh that could rock you, his box of Crayola crayons and the tripod that supported his super-sized binoculars. All there, waiting for him to call the first race of a brand new meet.
You left us too soon, dear friend; way too soon.
Mark Rauber
July 16, 2008
Luke brought a smile to my face every time I heard his voice . What a remarkable man and a truely great race caller . I miss you so much !!
Travis Stone
July 16, 2008
The impact Luke had on the lives of those he touched will surely resonate for years to come. His personality, zest for life and professionalism are qualities we all must strive to achieve. He was an example, a pilar of what we are supposed to be as people, and his influence will sorely be missed. As a race caller, Luke was distinctive, smooth and entertaining. His career reflected his personality, and his personality reflected his career. Racing suffered a loss this week, but gained the realization of how fortunate we were to have him around.
David Rodman
July 16, 2008
Luke's passion for horse racing was evident in every race call he made. Many a time, if you would listen to the last race of the card at Turf Paradise, you could just hear by the energetic style, and of course unique voice, that he was putting as much into that call as the Kentucky Derby. He was quick to help anyone get into horse racing, whether it be a fellow announcer, or getting someone a job in the racing office.
Luke, I wish we had one more shot at a
a quick bus-man's holiday at Saratoga or even Charles Town.
My prayers to Luke's family and friends.
Hajck Hillstrom
July 16, 2008
The great Damon Runyon never wrote a character with the racing flavor as savory as Luke's. His calls will be missed, his passing will be mourned, and he will always be fondly remembered by those who knew him and those that knew of him.
The Irgens Family
July 16, 2008
With tears in our eyes and hurt in our hearts, we say goodbye to the great person you were with the so recognizable voice. Turf will never be the same without you and your humorous little add-ons while announcing. Thanks for all your considerations to the snow-birds from Montana. We will all certainly miss you. Our condolences to your family.
Tony Toporek
July 16, 2008
Luke was truely one of a kind. I have know & worked with him for the past 12 years & will miss him for a dozen more. I'll raise one more glass with you my friend...And they're off!....
pam vanwinkle
July 16, 2008
It will never be the same at Turf Paradise without having Luke call the races and then stopping by Lindas bar for a cocktail. We love you Luke. Our sympathies to your family.
Pam and David Van Winkle
Curt & Debi Ferguson
July 16, 2008
All the great tributes written to a truly remarkable person, represent what Luke really was. He was one of a kind. There was NO ONE more highly regarded in racing or life in general than Luke. He was truly loved and admired and was all that everyone has stated and more. It is absolutely certain he will be missed at Turf Paradise. He added something here that no one else will. We loved him and will surely miss him.
Rita Cook
July 16, 2008
Lukster...in this sport of Kings..you are the King, the triple crown! I wish this was a just bad dream and I could wake up with you here with us.......I will always treasure our talks, laughs and advice you gave me! You always made me feel special.. Hats off to you babe....."sit down for the drive"
James McKnight
July 16, 2008
My heartfelt condolences go out to Luke's family. Luke was my mentor at the University of Arizona and at Ruidoso Downs where we both started working in 1991. He helped and encouraged me throughout my racing career at Sunland, Turf Paradise and in my daily life. I will never forget his kind advice and friendship. He will be sorely missed by me and everyone he touched. We were both big city guys living in Ruidoso every summer, but with Luke, everyday was a kick, no matter where we were. Luker, tonight I'll have a "foolish brew" in your honor and hope that the Bills will win the Super Bowl for you this year! God bless you! Your buddy, Jimbo
Dianna Steffe-Lasher
July 16, 2008
Luke was my friend and soulmate. I will miss him dearly. I know that he is watching over me and my two daughters and making us smile with his positive attitude and outlook on life. I love you friend and lifelong buddy forever. I will miss you but know that I will see you again. Hugs and kisses!
Dianna Steffe-Lasher
July 16, 2008
I love you dearly Luke! You have been such an amazing person in not only my life, but you have touched my two daughters also. I hope that they can only display half the charisma that you had in your persona. Thank you for being my friend and a great soulmate in my life. I will miss you my friend and all the things that we experienced together.
Art Jinkson
July 16, 2008
He rose to the top of his profession doing what he loved to do. His calls were my favorite. Godspeed to you.
Geez
July 16, 2008
I got to know Luke last year while spending the winter in Phoenix. We had alot of fun after the races with a few of our buddies, but, what I will remember most was his engaging personality, positive outlook on life, and the fun he had living his life with his friends. I saw him just last month at Churchill and will fondly remember those 5 days. He was the best.
Jeffrey Staley
July 15, 2008
His presence will be missed at all the tracks he graced, as well as in the sport he so loved. God Bless you Luke....we will all say a prayer.
Joe Baldassari
July 15, 2008
I went through the Race Track Program at the U of A with Luke, and even though I have not seen him since we graduated I still felt like I knew him well hearing him call thousands of races at many different tracks. He was the best in the business by far,earned through much hard work
I have a clear memory of Luke driving his pickup to Nogales OTB with me and Kevin Colosi crowded in to the cab with him. On the way back another student was approaching us and about to pass and Luke, in his best Trevor Denman voice said, "Jim the danger approaching on the outside", as he was about to pass us. We laughed so hard, what a great memory.
Luke you will be missed so badly, races from CD ,TuP, and Elp will never be the same
Heather Haviland
July 15, 2008
I love you sweetie. Until I see you again...
Patsy Carman
July 15, 2008
My thoughts and prayers to the Kruytbosch family. Oh how much you will be missed.
tom durkin
July 15, 2008
This comes as a terrible shock. As a race caller I can't say enough good things about Luke. He had it all. Accuracy, enthusiasm, "feel" for a race, passion ....and that voice! He was also unique. And that is what made him great. He had a style that was all his. Part clear, uncluttered modernism. And part a drama of delivery that harkened back to days of racing on radio in the 40's 50's. It came naturally and came across magnificently. What a sad day for the sport.
But racing aside ,he wasjust a great guy. I mean, a really great guy. Never said a bad word about anybody. And cheerful!! He just lit up a room with positive energy. A person you just loved to be around.
I admired him on many levels.
you were a great guy, Luke
Tom Durkin
Tim Isaacs
July 15, 2008
Ididn"t know luke personaly but working at the track and the otb"s I would listen to the races.God bless the family of lukes and the family at turf paradise as we adjust to the thought of him not there this comming season.
Eric Clemenic
July 15, 2008
Even if Luke did not know you by name, if he saw you on his way up to the announcers booth , he would always say hi. During a race if Luke said a horse was "shaken up at the 1/4 pole", your horse was usually in trouble. We will miss Luke. Condolences to his family and friends. Now , he has the best seat in the house for every horse race that is run.
Mike Lengvenis
July 15, 2008
Luke called many races where the ending was "takes it by five". Luke won the race of life by 5 lengths. He was good to hear calling races!
Ronnie Saunders
July 15, 2008
Good bye, my dear,old friend. You will never know the hearts you touched and how you will be missed.
Casey Culver
July 15, 2008
In tribute to our gentle giant. What a huge gap this tragedy has left in so many lives and the great industry of horse racing. Your gracious ways left such an impact on us all. I can only comfort myself and my daughters by remembering your beautiful ways. I guess Heaven needed an angel right now. Thank you so much for letting Leah and Shelby always feel special in the announcer booth with you and the crayon lessons. No words can express our sympathy to your family so all I can say is God Bless you all and thank you for sharing such a wonderful person with us. I still have your Easter recliner and will forever share the wonderfully funny story associated with it. We love you and will forever keep you in our hearts big guy! Don Bridge, Casey Culver, Leah and Shelby Jo Hofferber
Larry Hedgecorth
July 15, 2008
Racing has lost one its greatest champions, you will be deeply missed.
R.I.P. big fella
Bill Straus
July 15, 2008
There aren't many like Luke. Everyone recognized his talent....except maybe Luke! He was, in the words of my buddy Andy, "painfully humble." Whenever I took someone up to meet him, Luke actually seemed more enthused about meeting them. He was quite possibly one of the nicest guys I will ever know and I'm proud to have been his friend. I loved him and miss him.
Jim and Cathy McAulay
July 15, 2008
This is a huge loss not only for racing but for life itself.Luke helped me in every way i could always look to Luke for advice i will miss him dearly.
John Pricci
July 15, 2008
The news of Luke's passing was shocking and awful. When I heard him fill in for my good friend Tom Durkin in NY this winter, I thought; great, a wonderful heir apparent perhaps. I was a huge fan.
I heard a lot about Luke but never met him. Somehow, that makes it even more difficult to accept.
Rest in peace, sir.
Juan E. Carrera
July 15, 2008
I heard the news from a High school mate on monday that Luke has passed. We all went to Mclean High School in Mclean,Va and graduated in 1979, I might have run into Luke a couple of times since high school but what he did was to become famous and leave behind his legacy. Rock on Luke where ever you are..
Walter K. Lopez
July 15, 2008
I first met Luke early in his career at The Downs at Santa Fe and Albuquerque. He was a class act and a mega-talent. When I saw him last at the 2004 Breeders Cup in Dallas he was the same ol' Luke K--gracious, outgoing and passionate about horse racing. We will miss him dearly. RIP buddy.
Henry Richards
July 15, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Clinton Stuart
July 15, 2008
I was fortunate to have been friends with Luke since his first announcing job at Albuquerque and cherish the many evenings he and I spent watching the Suns or Coyotes in Phoenix.I remember a race at Turf when he called a horse blowing a shoe the first jump out of the gate and sure enough after the race the horse he called returned missing a shoe. He will be missed but is surely " locked up" in heaven.
Christine
July 15, 2008
You will always be my Tupelo Honey. Thank you for sharing part of your time with me. I'm better for it. Miss you and love you always.
Linda Malm
July 15, 2008
This is a special time to remember the special person who has touched our lives and our hearts. His uplifting aura, magnetic personality
and love was shown to us all. Thank
You, Dear Lord, for gracing us with his presence, now and forever. God Bless you Luke, I'll miss you greatly my dear friend. I love you. I'm certain the sadness I am feeling now will soon be replaced with all of the many, many happy memories of you and how you could make me laugh as you did so often. You have left a beautiful memory and legacy. Be proud, you deserve it. Later Baby!
Bradley Harp
July 15, 2008
the derby will never be the same..I remember before this years KY derby he was talking about calling a triple crown horse race and he thought this would be the year with big brown. You will be missed. Prayer and love goes out to your family.
Melle Bos
July 15, 2008
Our condolences to Luke's family and friends.
Luke often spoke of his parents to me because of his Dutch heritage.
Could speak the language somewhat and always greeted me that way.
What a race-caller and what a great ..funny..friendly and likeble person.
We will miss your golden voice and we are priveliged to have that voice on record on the many races you called for us at Turf Paradise.
Look down to us from above Luke,
we mean it when we say that we will miss you and speak of you often.
Goeden Dag.... Luke.
Bos Family.
Gary Porter
July 15, 2008
May God Bless Luke's family...Thanks for the calls at Turf
Manuela Monroe
July 15, 2008
What a pleasure it always was to see Luke in Louisville for the KY Derby. I met him 10 years ago and ran also into him at Saratoga Springs and Turf Paradise. He always was a joy to be with. He will be missed a lot. My regards to his family.
Mary Campbell
July 15, 2008
Luke,
You were one of the greatest voices
in horse racing. I enjoyed listening
to your precise call of the horses, and the always thrilling call of the stretch drive.
My prayers go out to your family and
to the Churchill Downs Family.
Theresa McKenzie
July 15, 2008
What a terrible loss to horseracing. The sound of his voice was exciting, yet comforting. He had a most unique style reminiscent of nostalgic racing. It is a blow to me personally and all who love horseracing and Churchill. I hope he's calling races in heaven with the greatest horses who've ever run! My deepest sympathies to his loved ones.
Marilyn Trippe
July 15, 2008
My sympathy and prayers go out to Luke's family. I enjoyed listening to him call the races. He was very good at his job.
Wendy W
July 15, 2008
Just the other day I was thinking of some of the people I couldn't wait to see return to Phoenix for the fall season, and you were one of them... I didn't know Luke from the track, I knew him from his off time and "calling" out our bar rails as if it were a race and cracking everyone up. We started off rocky and then I couldn't help but grow fonder and fonder of his over generous qualities and ZEST for life... He will be missed by many. And this season will surely be saddened without you around... God rest your soul big guy! And my prayers to your family for comfort in this sad time of grieving...xo
July 15, 2008
We here at the Finishline had the pleasure of spending most of the year with Luke. His jokes and bigger than life pearsonality always kept us entertained! We will always consider ourselves very lucky to have him in our lives! I for one know this for a fact!!!!!!!!! Thank you Luke for the memories!!!! We Will All Miss your Laugh and ALL the Jokes!!!!! Thank You ! Love Brandy, Jennifer, Dink, Andrea, Wendy, Blackie, And all of us from The Finishline!!!!!!!
Kevin Owens
July 15, 2008
My heart goes out to all of Luke's family and friends. I never met him but he felt like a friend to me. Luke you have truly went "from the back of the pack, to the top of the lane." I loved when you said that! You got to call 10 Derbys but now you can visit them all! You will be missed!
Paul Nicholson
July 15, 2008
I have known Luke for around 20 years from the time he first started to now. He was a pleasure to work with and it was a great shock today to get to Yavapai Downs and hearing the news. Something I will miss is just not his race calls, but his little humorous quips that a lot of folks might have missed if they weren't paying attention. He certainly made me laugh many times through the years. I have watched Luke become one of the best in the business. Guess it's true........the good, they do die young.
Lolly Hoban
July 15, 2008
What a truly fantastic guy Luke was! Not only was he the best racing announcer in the country . . .
he was a treasured friend to everyone he knew. He will be missed terribly. Rest in Peace Luke.
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