In Memory Of Daniel “Danny” Lukich (February 18, 1952 - February 18, 2018)
When I first met Danny about eight or nine years ago at the Ledding Library here in Milwaukie (which we cleaned together almost every Friday night for a number of years after that), I wasn't quite sure what to make of him. With his sometimes difficult to understand speech and shuffling gait, on first impression I wasn't sure how I was going to get along with this strange old man.
But overtime I realized that under the surface, behind those things that those who didn't look any deeper may have judged him for, there was a wise, funny, and kindhearted soul who in spite of all of his struggles in life touched the lives of those who knew him and loved him in his own unique way, and it wasn't long before he won me over.
I soon began a tradition of bringing Danny treats, such as cookies and cupcakes, every Friday that we worked together, which he always appreciated, and I would also bring him birthday and Christmas gifts, and he would bring me gifts as well. While working we would chat about everything from work and family drama to movies and music, from religion and politics to Star Wars and Barbara Streisand. Danny may have had his opinions and his likes and dislikes for sure, but even if we didn't always agree on everything there was a shared mutual respect and affection that we had for eachother, and while I could say that we were co-workers I can also say that we were friends, friends who confided in and encouraged one eachother and enjoyed eachother's company.
I remember he would sometimes playfully tease me about my hair cut or nerdy shirts that I wore (like Star Wars for example), and how he would sometimes pull pranks on me, and how he would call me up on holidays or just leave me random messages that made me smile or laugh and I would think 'that's Danny'. He was a character for sure, with a great sense of humor, which I have little doubt will be one of the things that he is remembered for. While Danny wrestled with a lot of things in his life, and had times when he was angry or disappointed or sad, I believe at heart he was someone who liked most to have fun and to laugh.
I remember Danny telling me about how when he was born because of complications the doctors said that he wouldn't make it that long, and yet even after 60+ years he was still kicking around. I think he took pride in that, that in some sense his life was a miracle, and that he had gone beyond expectations and had beaten the odds. I remember he would half-joke with me at times about dying, as though there was part of him that expected his time was coming soon, and the way he talked about it I don't think he had much fear of death, so while I am sad about his passing, as all those who knew and loved him are I know, I don't believe that he is sad about it, and I believe that wherever Danny is now, whether in spirit watching over us, with a smile and a twinkle in his eye, or in some wonderful realm that is beyond our imagining, I think he is having a good time.
I am thankful for the chance to know Danny for the time that I did, it was a gift and a blessing. I will miss you old man. Thank you for your friendship, and I hope to see you again, somehow, someday, somewhere.