Richard J Lucas Memorial Gymnasium

Rich (our Dad) was the AP/Principal of Wilson Middle School for 26 years. He spent endless hours on campus and in the gym with his students. He played basketball with his students for decades, 3 days a week, it was his joy. He was far past his prime and not even a broken ankle or knee surgery would keep him from the game. Wilson and its gym were his home. We received the magnificent news that Wilson and the Glendale Unified School District had approved the gym to be renamed the “Richard J. Lucas Gymnasium”. We could not think of anything more perfect to memorialize him!! Dad LOVED basketball, he loved playing with his students and colleagues, and always came home with a positive anecdote about his time in the gym. For students and adults alike, moments were made there and lessons were learned. It makes us so happy that Dad has been given this honor.

Dad was the greatest person, a man with no vices, so full of life, and someone who would make you laugh until you cried. Someone so calm, he could walk you through any storm. The healthiest man we knew, our iron man, unexpectedly received a blood cancer diagnosis in late 2018. He fought so hard, but ultimately succumbed to this fatal disease, Multiple Myeloma, in June 2019. He was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather, brother, and educator. There wasn’t anyone who knew him that didn’t love him. We appreciate any donation you can make to make this memorialization come true.

Much Love,
The Lucas Family
Diane, Jennifer, Kristen, and Ashley