When President John F. Kennedy died in 1963, his close associates met to grieve their loss. One friend stated, "We will never laugh again." Another friend spoke up and said, "No, we will laugh again, but we will never be young again."

As family, friends, and associates crowded into the Old Cadet Chapel on 29 Aug 1997 to pay their final respects to Richard Walter "Dick" Luecke, the Class of ’69 would never be young again. We had lost a man of unique stature and character, a source of strength, and a "rallying point" for all privileged to walk with him during his 50 years.

Dick was born in Paterson, NJ, the second of three sons born to Walter and Frieda Luecke. When Dick was ten years old, the family moved to Parma, OH, the place Dick always called home. He attended Lutheran High School West in Rocky River, OH, where the first indication of his athletic greatness quickly became evident. He lettered 12 times in four different sports. Academically and athletically prepared, Dick headed for West Point to follow the lead of his brother and mentor, Bob ’66. Throughout his years at West Point, Dick quietly became a "point man" for the Class of ’69. His quiet leadership, integrity, and contagious sense ofhumor were woven into his warm and sensitive personality. At 6’3" and 215 lbs, he was physically imposing, and his athletic prowess and success impacted the entire Corps, as he ranked number one in physical education both Cow and Firstie years. Although "Hoover" (Dick’s nickname because of the way he scooped up ball carriers and errant footballs) was a varsity football and First Team All-American lacrosse legend at USMA, his true greatness stemmed from his attitude and approach to everyday life. His embodiment of Christian living served as a testament to his commitment to his God, his family, his friends, and his career.

In June 1969, Dick married Linda, the love of his life and his very best friend for the next 28 years. Together, they set out from Parma, OH, for a brief stop at Ft. Benning, GA, for Airborne School, the Basic Course, and Ranger School. In March 1970, Dick and Linda headed to Europe for an assignment with the 3-36 Infantry in the 3rd Armored Division at Kirch Goens, Germany. Their happy days in Europe were highlighted by the birth of their first son, Robert. After two years, the Luecke family of three returned to USMA, where Dick was a member of the football staff under head coaches Tom Cahill and Homer Smith. At West Point, Dick and Linda welcomed their second son, Todd.

In 1975, Dick joined Lutheran Brotherhood Life and Health Insurance Company in Allentown, PA This change of careers afforded Dick the greatest opportunity to combine his dedicated service to God with his commitment and dedication to the service of others. The Luecke family now grew to five, as Dick and Linda welcomed son

Reed. Dick’s rise to prominence in the company was rapid, and his achievements incredible. After a tour as an Associate General Agent in Rochester, MI, the Luecke’s returned to Ohio, where Dick became the General Agent of Lutheran Brotherhood’s Northern Ohio Agency, a position he held until his passing. In 1997, he was awarded the company’s most prestigious General Agent Award of Excellence, a testament to his "life of service to others—never to himself."

Dick Luecke never rested on his laurels. There was always more he could do, and Dick turned his energy and talents to writing. His book, Living Life Intentionally, captured Dick’s insights, observations, and inspirational helpful hints, and should be required reading for every successful salesperson. Noted sports commentator Dick Vitale wrote of Dick’s book, "People of all vocations need positive self-esteem and confidence. This book will play a vital role in assisting you to become a confident person."

Dick handled his battle with cancer as he handled everything in his life—with class and dignity. He never asked "why me?" but directed every bit of energy and focus into an unbelievable counterattack, filled with vitality, hope, humor, and an unquestioned faith in God and his loving family. In his final days, he had the courage and presence to write uplifting farewell notes and to take a very active role in planning his own memorial service in Westlake, OH. An overflow crowd of more than a thousand people attended his memorial tribute, where he was eulogized by his brother Randy. Everyone left with special memories of this great man.

As Dick Luecke was put to rest at West Point, alongside his brother Bob, who died in Viet Nam, the words of "The Corps" never had more meaning. The remaining members of the Class of ’69 would surely follow close order behind Dick Luecke, where he had pointed the way. None of us could have a better "Point Man." We had truly walked with a giant of a man, as a friend, mentor, teammate, and comrade-in-arms.

In September 1997, Dick’s final article appeared in the Northern Ohio Agency Monthly Newsletter. He wrote to his agents, "Just think of all the people you help along the way. If you do it intentionally, if you do it well, and if you do it often enough, you will become a legend whose life, indeed, made a difference." Dick Luecke truly "walked the walk," and his legacy will provide guidance and inspiration to so many that he touched. May we, in the Class of ’69, all be as "Luecke."

Ned Doyle ’69