Sad, life cut short.
Maybe the way I'd want to go, but not so early.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_6503216
"Lightning victim a genuine adventurer
Lightning victim "couldn't stand to be inside," volunteered for
tsunami recovery
By Howard Pankratz
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 07/31/2007 02:15:32 AM MDT
Family of Luke Altmix-Simmons, from left, brother Jake Altimix-
Simmons, brother, Zach Altmix-Simmons, mother Margy Altmix, step-
father Paul Hedquist, father James Simmons, gather, Monday, at Margy's
home in Loveland. To reflect on Luke's life. At this moment Zach tell
a funny story of his brother leading him out a mountain in the dark
during a family vacation. Luke was killed recently during a jog when
he was hit by lighting. (Post / RJ Sangosti)
The Denver runner who died from a lightning strike Friday was an
architectural engineer, a project manager for Mortensen Construction
Co. and an avid cross-country runner, rock climber and swimmer.
Just two years out of the University of Colorado, 24-year-old Luke
Altmix-Simmons was overseeing the conversion of the downtown Denver
Embassy Suites Hotel to a Ritz-Carlton. He worked 12-hour days in the
field to which he'd aspired since he was young.
But more than that, he was a person who enjoyed people and life to the
fullest, his family said Monday.
"He couldn't stand to be inside," said his mother, Margy Altmix. "He
was always looking for the next country with big mountains to climb."
"He was adventurous in a huge way," said his father, Jim Simmons.
What made him stand out was his ability to get along with people in
all stations of life, they said.
"He wanted all his friends to be happy," said his girlfriend, Margi
Tanis, 24. "He never sought the spotlight. Everyone who knew him loved
him. He was just a great, great guy."
At any gathering he would mingle with the crowd, usually with a beer
in one hand, a smile on his face and a deep interest in the people in
the room.
"He was interested in people and their stories," said his brother Zach
Altmix-Simmons.
"He loved to hug and be hugged," said his stepfather, Paul Hedquist.
After the tsunami in Thailand, Luke volunteered to go there and
rebuild the home of a fisherman who had lost his family.
When he returned to the United States, he said he was impressed with
how "incredibly grateful" the Thai people were for his help and the
help of others.
His family also said he was fearless.
While at CU, some "bad guys" went through his dorm, stealing personal
belongings. Jim Simmons said Luke and several friends took off after
the thieves in their stocking feet.
Ultimately, Luke's friends stopped, but Luke continued. One of the
thieves suddenly stopped.
"The guy pulls a gun, points it at Luke and says, 'Back off,"' Jim
Simmons recalled.
"He was a neat kid - lovable - who loved life," Hedquist said.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Allnutt Hunter Chapel,
2100 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m.
Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Lucas
Altmix Simmons Fund being established at Wells Fargo Bank in Loveland."