Tribute: Luke's brother Sam

Hello friends.  For the next week we will be posting a series of tributes written in honor Luke.  If you'd like to write or suggest a tribute, please let me know.  This first one was written by Sam Granger, Luke's oldest brother.

I don't know if anyone truly lives their lives to the fullest, but that's what comes to mind when I think about Luke's life. When he wanted to master a skill or acquire knowledge of a particular subject, he was capable of putting his mind to it and did not cease until he had mastered what he wanted to master. Over the years, I watched him master magic, Rubik's cubes, tricks with a yo-yo that I didn't even know were possible, and innumerable other working knowledge/skills in various areas of expertise. He was a straight-A student, with a particular affinity for math, and loved to challenge himself, academically and in general. He had a unique strategic skill which allowed him to beat just about anyone in any game. I watched him became a musical prodigy, dabbing in a wide array of instruments, including piano, guitar, flute, saxophone, ukulele, and others that I probably didn't know about. His ambitious drive was especially evident in his skill at piano...he always tried the most challenging, elaborate, and intricate pieces, a staple being "The Entertainer" by Scott Joplin. He gave 100% in all that he did, and constantly blew people away with his abilities.

His brilliance in a number of areas was accompanied by a sociable, charismatic, endearing personality. He was the ultimate extrovert and social butterfly, able to walk up to a complete stranger and become their best friend within minutes. He was also the biggest smart-ass in the world, able to outsmart me with disheartening ease. He reveled in toilet humor, and he is the reason I cannot hear the word "duty" without snickering. We had completely opposing personalities, so sometimes we clashed, but I always had a deep admiration for his skill at navigating social environments, and with his endearing personality, he was able to form several fruitful relationships with various people over the years.

I guess the point I'm trying to get across is: if you have observed all that Luke did in his life, all that he mastered, all of the lives he touched, and all of the people who have a special place for him in their hearts and memories, you know that his life was not a life wasted.

To Luke: I cannot believe it has come to this, bro. Life will never be the same without you. I am relieved that you are out of pain, however, and I am grateful that I was able to know you and be a significant part of your life, and honored that I was able to call you my brother. Godspeed, bro!

Love, Sam