International Aroid Society

Dear Aroid world,

Aloha ("In the presence of the breath of life").

Steve Lucas was a good friend of mine and his death is a great personal loss. The IAS will not easily fill his shoes. His passion for plants and the IAS was unparalleled. He had the time and drive to push the IAS to expand their membership base. It always amazed me that he could grow so many plants in his small greenhouse. His online presence was so much larger and one could imagine that the walls expanded in virtual world until an actual rainforest grew in Arkansas. He certainly touched many enthusiasts online and his influence will be missed. I know he is now in the rainforest of his dreams, finding species that are new to science.

Aloha,

Leland Miyano

From: Zach DuFran <zdufran@wdtinc.com>
To: "aroid-l@gizmoworks.com" <aroid-l@gizmoworks.com>
Sent: Thu, January 13, 2011 6:34:23 PM
Subject: [Aroid-l] Steve Lucas

Aroid friends-

Steve Lucas, a great member of the International Aroid Society, passed away this morning. Many members and plant enthusiasts all over the world have known Steve, as he loves to correspond with people about plants. He had a great passion for plants and loved to share his hobby with others. For the last several years he has been a huge advocate for the IAS and has had great visions for seeing the society grow. He took it upon himself to personally welcome each new member and learn about their personal interests. He will be greatly missed by many.

Zach DuFran

A note from Steve's daughters:

The funeral will be held this Sunday, January 16, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas at the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home at 2. The address is 1401 E. Main Siloam Springs, AR 72761. In lieu of flowers we know our dad would appreciate donations sent to the Missouri Botanical Gardens. He loved this place and I know that he would much rather have your gifts sent there. Please pray for our mother Janice and brother Brad at this time. They have a long road ahead.