Lukas Loftus was only 15 years old when he passed away in 2009.
Born in 1994, Lukas grew up on an acreage just outside of Carseland. He spent between kindergarten and Grade 6 at Carseland School, growing a love for sports and joining the soccer club at just five years old.
"Luke joined the Boy Scouts, and he was a natural for all of it. Cooking, camping, making fires, fishing, sports, and anything else outdoors," wrote Lukas' mother Shawna.
Lukas began going to school in Strathmore for junior high, spending time at Crowther Memorial Junior High School alongside his friends.
"It was a great move. He loved it and participated in some of the sports. Although doing cross country running in a leather coat and army boots still makes me laugh, Luke played to his own drum," added Shawna.
As Lukas grew up, he gained a passion for lacrosse. He appreciated the lack of rules and camaraderie that the sport provided.
Lukas passed away just before a tournament in Cranbrook, which devastated his teammates, friends, and family.
Since his passing, Shawna has been a part of the Venom, taking part in the annual Redneck Rumble tournament. She even created a fund named after Lukas to help underprivileged kids get into sports.
"For the past 15 years the Luke Loftus Memorial Fund has sponsored families each season to help offset costs for registration and other expenses to play lacrosse," wrote Shawna. "I've created the memorial fund to help kids continue playing."
She added that the tournament has helped to keep Lukas' memory alive, with the Lukas Loftus Memorial Award being given out to a local player every year.
A memorial to Lukas, including his iconic black converse sneakers, are on display at the Strathmore Family Centre, where he spent most of his time with the Venom.