Jared Wade Lucas

Jared Lucas, 39, passed away with his wife by his side on Monday, May 27, 2013. He courageously battled a very aggressive and rare cancer with everything he had.
Jared Wade Lucas was born on January 24, 1974 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to David and Sandy Lucas. At the age of 4, the family moved to Darby, Montana, where he discovered his love of flyfishing. Since the 3rd grade, Jared has been an avid Pittsburgh Steeler fan. He also loved exploring and hunting with his dad.
In 1992, Jared graduated from Darby High School, then attended Montana State University, where he earned his B.A. in photography. While in Bozeman, he met his wife, Serica. They married on October 16, 1999. Jared and Serica traveled the state following the Northern Rodeo Association circuit, as Jared was the official photographer. They were blessed with their first daughter, Caitlyn, on January 6, 2003, then moved to the Bitterroot Valley so Jared could show his family what he loved about the area where he grew up. Jared has always had a way with horses, working through the years at Triple Creek Ranch and Two Feathers Ranch in the Darby area. On October 11, 2005, God blessed them with another daughter, Denali.
In 2009, Jared’s kidneys were failing due to the diabetes he’s had since the age of 9. After many tests and waiting, Jared received a kidney from his wife on March 29, 2011. With all of his newfound energy, Jared was able to share his love of golf and snowboarding with his family. Every chance they got, the Lucas family could be found at the Hamilton Golf Club or at Lost Trail, making some great memories together.
On October 17, 2012, the day after their 13th wedding anniversary, Serica gave birth to their son, Benjamin.
Jared was an amazing, selfless, and talented man. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He always thought of others before himself, especially his family. He was one of the “good guys.” He had an amazing eye for photography and shared his knowledge with many while working at Triple Creek. He touched so many lives with his charm and selflessness. His family meant the world to him and he always did everything he could for them.
He was so thankful to all of his doctors and nurses, both in Missoula and in Seattle. Even during his final hours, he rounded up every ounce of strength and focus he had to tell them how thankful he was of their care.
Jared is survived by his wife, Serica, daughters Caitlyn and Denali, son, Benjamin, sisters Shannan Crawford and Kayla Hovelson, both of Brookings, South Dakota, father, David Lucas of Darby, mother, Sandy Lucas of Brookings, South Dakota, grandmother, Hazel Brinkman of Blaire, Nebraska, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Benjamin and Ruth Lucas, and Robert Brinkman.
A memorial service celebrating his life will take place on Thursday, June 13 at 11 a.m. at the Hamilton Assembly of God, 601 West Main Street, Hamilton.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up at Ravalli County Bank in Hamilton in Jared’s name for his children.