Joe Louck

JOSEPH P. LOUCK: April 10, 1970 - November 28, 2004

What can I say about my brother Joe, other than I loved him with all my heart.

After graduation, Joe initially went to Auburn University in Alabama to study veterinary medicine; he had a great compassion for animals. As a kid, I remember he always had one of the family dogs by his side.  Joe was not a big fan of the oppressive heat and humidity that the south had to offer and returned to New Mexico. He found himself at NMSU hanging with his brother and friends in southern New Mexico. Joe was always an excellent student. However, I think the distractions posed by his brother Tom (not a great student) inevitably led to his transfer to UNM, where he graduated in 1993 with a B.S. Biochemistry.

Joe returned to Los Alamos in 1994 and began working for the Lab in the health and safety division, where he made an impact on all of though he met, both professionally and personally. It was around 1995 or so when Joe got two Dogs, a white Lab named Hunter and chocolate Lab named Todd. I know that my Mom, Dad, and the dogs were a great comfort to Joe when our brother Sam died. I know that the loss of his oldest brother greatly affected Joe even if he didn’t show it externally. He decided he needed a change of environment and moved to Portland, Oregon in 1996 where he worked for the State OSHA.  Joe lived in Portland for about a year, but he missed the sunshine and the beauty of New Mexico and returned to the land of enchantment, living in Santa Fe.

Joe was the field project manager for Adelante Consulting up to the time of his death. He was involved in many environmental restoration efforts including decontamination and decommissioning services to the private sector and to government.  Some of the highlights of his career were the decommissioning of Phase I of Omega West Reactor, flood mitigation problems resulting from the Cerro Grande fire, and developing sampling strategies and methodologies for the crushing of concrete contaminated with Pu-239 and Am-241.  These are just a few highlights of a determined and intelligent individual truly concerned for our environment. His coworkers found him to be humorous, very likable, stubborn, and cocky, but above all authentic.

It was during the memorial service that I realized just how many people cared and loved my brother. It was standing room only at the church. People were even lined up outside because there was not enough room.  I think his good friend Tony Hinsley summed it up well in a note sent to our family for the service:

“ A green land cruiser and a black Z28—Smoking, drinking, dipping, and the patch, all at the same time, one of the best friends I let get away—Intelligent,

humble, huge heart, disappearing hair line, no-ass, pale skin, non-athletic

awkward duck-footed: most lovable guy in the world. Here’s to the mountains, the dorms, Joe and John’s apartment, Rock Creek, My and Joe’s place, the lake, every bar in ABQ. Here’s to  “ you buy , I’ll fly “, to all the times we stayed up all night talking about life or religion, politics or school dreams, relationships, sex, the future or nothing—just enjoying each other. Knowing we were friends, buddies, brothers for life. Here’s to all the places and experiences we shared that taught us about life and molded us into who we are.  Here’s to you boy, hope you’re at rest and at peace, I hope you found your answers. I’ll miss you, I’ll always remember you. Sorry I couldn’t stop the “drift” and let you get away. “

My brother Joe was wonderful person; he lived his life with the courage and purpose that most people strive for. Joe had an incredible spirit that persevered through everything.  He exemplified the type of kindness and friendship one reads of in poems.  Joe was the kind of guy that would go that extra mile to help a person in need.  He had a great sense of humor and a sharp wit. I recall times we laughed so hard our stomachs hurt the next day.  He was the one I turned to when I needed someone to listen. He was the one I turned too when I needed a smile.

It was Joe’s approachability and charm that drew people close to him. He always had numerous friends wherever he went. He had an amazing capability to make people feel comfortable and special.

The most important thing I learned from Joe was that of acceptance. He taught me to accept different lifestyles and different ideals. For that I am grateful. It is a consequence of those teaching and beliefs that I am a better and more understanding person today.

My brother is an excellent example of success in this world. Not because of his professional accolades or recognition, but because of his honesty, integrity, compassion and love for his fellow human. I am very proud to have been a part of his life. But above all I am honored to have been his brother.

Tom Louck

---

“I showed my wife, Kari, the Website of Joe's and she asked, "Is he the really nice guy that we rode up with to your 10-year reunion?" I had not seen Joe much before or after out reunion, but my last memory will always be how he treated my wife whom he had never met before. Here is to loading up in our trucks, heading to the mountains, and being with our closest friends. I will miss you Joe.”

- Wright, Kari, Kaitlin, and Kortney Zimmerly

---

“I just want to say how much Tom and I will miss Joe. As I sit now and think of Joe and the impact he has had on my life, it leaves me with many feelings: sadness, love, jealousy, laughter, happiness, and strength. I think of how many times I will think about Joe and remember him in the years to come-telling my children stories about high school, first loves, piercing blue eyes, great lab partners, broken hearts, and lifelong friendships. Joe once told me the song, "Born in a Small Town ," was written about him. I heard that song today and I think Joe was there with me. I know Joe will never be forgotten and will often be thought about because he touched so many lives and has become a part of everyone he befriended. There are many people sharing their grief, but a smile should come to all our faces, as Joe would want it that way. Joe will be with us forever, in a piece of our hearts. Everyone was lucky to have known him. Thank you, Joe, for being you and for making me a part of who I am. We will miss you!”

- Lori (Hecker) Kosty