Luke Benjamin Schunk
December 9, 1991 - April 2, 2023
Our beloved son, Luke B. Schunk died Sunday, April 2nd, 2023 from addiction relapse. Luke was such a bright spot in our lives and the lives of many others. He started off big, at 9 lbs 3 oz and ended up big too. At 2, he liked to recite the names of the planets, took to reading quickly and reminded the baby sitters that he and his brother needed to read before bedtime. He loved school and excelled at it. He graduated from Skyline with many honors including National Merit Scholar. He entered USC on an academic scholarship and was a pop music major and then completed a neuroscience degree. After a year in marketing, perhaps inspired by Madmen, he attended Devmountain to learn coding, and front end design, subsequently teaching there, after the training. His tech career included working for MX, Jane and in the last three years he found a workhome at Everee. Luke was an accomplished musician playing the piano, upright and electric bass. At USC he was part of a band called House Fire that even played at the Roxy in Hollywood. He loved music, with musical tastes evolving even faster than his fashion statements. He grew up playing tennis, skiing, took to the water like a natural swimmer, played volleyball for fun, and went riding on ever shifting sizes of skateboards.
First and foremost, Luke was an amazing human being. He seemed to connect with everyone. He was super personable, while somehow being open and vulnerable in a way that let people in and made them feel safe. His vulnerability included sharing self doubt, but still owning his fashion, nails, tattoos and all. He was keen to understand and be sensitive to those around him. Luke liked people for their personal truth and honesty and not their standing in life. He was compassionate for others, especially the marginalized, and understood our shared suffering in life. These qualities made Luke a great friend to many people, and he was loved, dearly loved. He befriended a stray, mangy male cat in Los Angeles, and brought him back to Salt Lake after naming him Big Pink for reasons that we still don’t really understand.
He loved being around people and talking, he could talk all night. He would rather sit and visit with someone than watch TV any day of the week. He loved to just drive around with friends, perhaps listening to some god awful screamo, and if not that, something equally loud.
He was funny in both self deprecation and he had a quick wit. His laugh could fill up the room. He was spontaneously goofy. Aside from all of these unbelievable qualities Luke was always ‘down’ to do something fun with friends. He gauged his weeks by what activities and events he would attend or get scheduled. He was up for anything, game night, concerts and road trips.
These handful of words barely touch the surface of this unique and connected human being. We miss him so very, very much.
We would like to thank all of Luke’s friends and colleagues for their support and unbelievable display of love, we are so grateful.
We would also like to thank the outpouring of nonjudgmental love from our friends, family and neighbors. Because of you we have been able to put one foot in front of the other and start each day. And, that is how our Lukey described recovery, “you just put one foot in front of the other.”
For all those who loved Luke and/or his family, there will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, April 23rd at the Orangerie at Red Butte Garden. Doors open @ 10:15 AM. A short program with speakers honoring Luke will begin at 11:00 AM. Food and mingling to follow. No children please.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Please visit www.starksfuneral.com to share photos and memories with Luke’s family.
A recording of Luke's Celebration of Life can be viewed on his instagram @lukey_801.
In Loving Memory
I met Luke at Wasatch Recovery in 2016 and we immediately connected over our love of music. Funny enough, he asked me about a few of the tattoos on my right forearm and where I had gotten them. It seems that not too long after that Luke was covered! Luke and I spent a lot of time together after graduating Wasatch and he became a dear friend to me, even offering to let me stay with him as I was facing difficult times financially. Luke was a fan of my music and his support meant the world to me. Although he had been out of touch for a few years I still considered him a good friend and a great person. I am devastated to hear that Luke has passed on but I know his spirit will live on forever. Luke certainly made an impact on my life and I will never forget him.
Knowing Lukey in his childhood and knowing what a terrific mother Syl (who I emulated) was way back then - so respectful of the intelligence of her littles and so invloved with them thoughout, I have been grieving for Luke as well a the wonderful parents, Syl and Jeff. Luke was a charming, bright guy and his smile, from the get-go, was infectious and lit up any room he occupied. The world is diminished by his absence.
Dear Sylvia and Jeff. I am so sorry for your loss. I worked in the lab as a phlebotomist, I too have been helping my son fight his battle and know how hard it is on the parents also. I hope and pray that you can get through this difficult time. PS everyone at Primary Children's love you both.
Everyone should be remembered in such a beautiful and authentic way. The words shared are the exact way I and so many others saw him. He truly did love people for their personal truth and honesty over their standing in life and as I have read over all the comments made by his friends and family over the past week, he made an impact on everyone he met because he himself was vulnerable. Addiction was a part of him, but it never defined him and drugs do not discriminate. Thank you to his family for honoring him and sharing who he truly was because he was a rare soul who brought a light and safe space to everyone who was lucky enough to know him. Luke made the world a better place and the world is just a little darker without him here. Thanks Luke for being you because there really was no better. My mom said to me after I told her the news that if someone impacted me the way you did then they must have been a good person and she couldn’t have spoken truer words. You allowed space for everyone to be themselves, never asked for anything and always made sure you made everyone feel seen and I always walked away from our conversations feeling like I mattered. You were wise beyond your years and if I am seen by others the way others saw you, then I know I lived a good life. You’re so very missed already.
Jeff and Sylvia, My deepest condolences. Your tribute to your son is beautiful. I can feel the love you have for him and what a lovable person he was. You have the love, prayers, and support of so many who admire you and appreciate the genuine concern you show for others. Luke clearly learned that from you and brightened the lives of many as well.
Dear Jeff and family, My prayers and thoughts are with you. The description of Luke is so raw and beautiful and captures the intensity of life of a person who made a mark. May the memories of his life be eternal.
Dear Jeff and Sylvia, I am so sorry for your loss and know there are no words anyone can say to make this easier. Please know I am thinking about you and your family. All my love to you! Judy Geiger
Jeff and Family, My condolences go out to you along with my prayers! I have so loved working with Jeff, taking care of those little ones in the ED at Primary Children's. I will continue to pray for you and your family. May the Lord be with you and yours always!
Dear Sylvia, Jeff, and Jack, From our first meeting at Holladay Preschool and singing silly songs with Mrs. Bloomfield, Luke always had a fun-loving silly smile, positive energy, loyalty, and sincere friendship. These beautiful memories we carry in our hearts. Please know how much your family means to us, and how much we grieve for your loss. We will dearly miss Luke and feel the difference he made in the lives of our family. A few memories to share… Early morning swim team workouts, getting ousted out of bed, Cold winter ski days, racing down the hill, and sometimes wiping out, Tennis at the Cottonwood Club, hitting winners in the desert, And sometimes not, School days gone by in a blink of an eye, So much fun we had, but oh that horn! We treasure being part of your village, our families sharing the ups, and the downs, that are life’s journey. Love, Julie, Ron, Becca, and Emmy
Luke - You are a light that will never stop shining. Thank you for the way you made anyone talking to you feel. Seen and admired and cared for. I’m so sorry. You were a huge part of the weird little garage band group of kids at Ground Zero in college. It wouldn’t have been the same place without you: this world will not be the same place without you. I hope you are napping on a couch and have a feather earring blowing in the wind. You were epic. Thank you for what you gave us all. -Katlyn
I am so saddened to hear of Luke's passing. I worked with Luke for a few years. I got to know Luke while working out together in our work gym. I instantly knew what a kind, genuine, and authentic person Luke was. I know there's nothing that can make any of this any better. I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss.
To the Schunk family: I'm so sorry to hear of Luke's passing --- to begin to say his loss is devastating deosn't even come close, and I am finding as I write this that no words truly do. I stumbled across Luke online several years ago, and since then he has been an endless source of comfort and joy in my life, as he was to so many. When we first met, my mom was diagnosed with (what we thought at the time to be terminal) ovarian cancer, and so few pieople knew how to help, but Luke always knew the right things to say when I needed it the most. His kindness and humor cut right throught the isolation and even the smallest of gestures radiated light into the dark places. I remember times where I'd be awake all night crying my heart out believing I was completely alone, and I'd get a message from Luke asking how my mom and I were doing with a link to a Lil Peep song he thought I'd like. He'd send me photos of the sunny desert mountains around Salt Lake City and suddenly the world would feel like a bigger brighter place and not feel so hopeless after all. Luke had a way of making every person he spoke to feel loved and cared for, and his presence touched even the hardest to reach souls. He left so many traces of himself behind --- I see his influence in so many places in my life I hadn't realized were there until now. I owe so much of the person I am today to Luke's friendship and support. I wish each of you all the love and comfort this life can give. Luke was an incredible and one of a kind person. He will be forever missed. Love Elizabeth
Dear Schunk Family: I was a close friend to Luke and loved him very much. He was a constant bright spot in my life and we talked regularly about work but mostly just life. I'm older than Luke and a father so I naturally gave him advice all the time. We joked it wasn't always the best advice but I know he was always listening. I met Luke at Everee when we hired him. Some old friends stressed to me that Luke was really gifted so when we did interview him I practically bullied him into joining. I never could have imagined how important he would become to me or to our team - but I knew I wanted to be around him. He was one of our first employees and it turned out that Luke was a cultural connector at Everee. His energy and positivity was refreshing. He instantly connected with everyone and brought people together. Luke was a real professional and an excellent engineer. He had an incredible reputation at Everee and in the local development community. He was a teacher, mentor and advisor for many people. He was a leader and I believe Luke was just starting to figure that out. Last year we asked him to step into a position of leadership - Luke was nervous. He and I had multiple conversations where he shared apprehensions about leadership and I did my best to coax him into this role. Turns out he was ready. He and I would get together and hang out. We'd see a concert (of my choosing, I didn't listen to his music because it was terrible), grab lunch, or he'd come over to my place and hang. The last time Luke asked for some personal advice was December 23. He told me and Rebecca (my wife) that his mom wanted a 'letter' for Christmas and he was worried that he'd disapppoint her. We gave him a gentle nudge to jump in and just do his best. I followed up with him after Christmas and I asked how it went. He said it made him cry. I told him that was the whole point - he knew. I miss Luke and will always be proud of my friendship with him. Thank you for raising such a wonderful human - I am a better person having known him. Kyle Jacobsen
I was honored to love and be loved by Luke. Our first date Luke took me to get crepes and as I was taking one of my first bites Luke blurted out of nowhere, “What are your core life values, and do you think you are living by them?” I nearly choked as I realized this guy was going to have a big impact on my life. Luke was so many things; he was goofy, smart, handsome, creative, giving, and playful…just to name a few of my favorites. He always wanted to play and never wanted to “grow up.” Luke made everything into a game. Grocery night quickly became my favorite night of the week, we would have competitions for who could walk the funniest, or do the best prank. He challenged me to get more out of life, take a chance on myself, and to never settle. Luke brought me into his family and life when I felt alone, scared and unlovable. That was who Luke was, he knew sadness, he knew what it felt like to not quite feel like you fit in. He was incredibly good at seeing that in others and making you feel at home. Luke became my home, my family, my best friend, and someone I knew would love me for life no matter what. That was how Luke loved. To hear Luke was no longer with us was devastating. I feel for his family, his friends, those he loved, those who loved him, and all those that never got the chance to meet Luke Benjamin Schunk. Luke- I love you. I hope you are eating sweet treats, listening to music, taking hot showers, doodling cartoons, and it's always warm. You are so loved, you will be missed by many and I wish you had more time. I promise to keep our memories safe, to play, to laugh, and to be who you always encouraged me to be.
Jeff and Sylvia, I just heard of Luke's unfortunate passing last evening. I am so sorry for your loss. The emptiness and pain returns so easily; I have no words that can offer solace in the void. Please know I am sending out my thoughts of love and comfort in this horribly difficult and painful time. Many hugs, Jane Sturtevant
Lukey, it's been a whole year since you left u and we still miss you so deeply, we will forever. I'm not sure why terrible things happen in life, or why we are even here on earth, but I do know this: if someone can make one person feel heard, cared for, and loved, they've done some good. You Luke were able to make many, many people feel heard, cared for, and loved. We are so proud of the way you lived your life and continue to discover the way you shined. Love forever, 'Mom and Dad
In Loving Memory
