Lucas Henry Diers

Lucas was an old soul in life — a sheepdog at heart, always watching out for those around him. The wisdom and insight he possessed was the driver, guiding his every move with quiet grace and deep connection. He had a spark — a knowing in his eye and a quiet wisdom that made you feel seen. Lucas was the guy who noticed when you weren’t okay. He could turn your mood around with a smile, sarcastic quip or just quiet compassion and simply be there.

From the beginning, Lucas was one-of-a- kind. Wearing kilts and cow costumes to class just because. An afficionado of cinema, Lucas not only enjoyed The Big Lebowski, he found his inner Dude and abided. He believed — nay, ranted — that the only true return was that of the Jedi. He loved the Colorado Avalanche and watched avidly. He’d hunt down a good game of pool or a Tuesday night poker match. Lucas was always cracking jokes and weaving in a dry, witty sense of humor that made folks stick around and listen or in his absence, wish he were there.

Lucas had the gift of turning ordinary moments into memories. He could turn a Thanksgiving poker game into a memorable slap down, giggling when a poor-sport aunt threatened to quit & go home. Good times! A road trip became a musical when Fiddler on the Roof was up on a playlist, Lucas as Tevye, belting it out from the driver’s seat. If on land, he would spring into a full Yiddish dance scene — arms raised high, hips and shoulders bouncing, singing with theatrical gusto. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a declaration of joy.

Lucas was a chef and the glue in the kitchen at every family gathering. When cooking for family and friends, dinners with Lucas leading the charge were a hoot. Laughter erupted regularly, and many problems were teased apart and navigated over a cutting board, a sauté pan, or especially the grill. He could turn a kitchen into a dance floor or a sanctuary — a place where joy and comfort simmered together. Like a sheep dog tending his flock, he made sure everyone was fed, heard, and cared for.

Four summers in Costa Rica with his mom and sister brought a lifetime of memories while traveling simply with backpacks and a copy of The Lonely Planet. Whether navigating local buses or remote beaches, Lucas kept an eye out for his people. That protective instinct wasn’t just for travel; it was how he lived. He was always scanning the horizon, making sure those he loved were safe and supported.

Lucas also found tremendous joy in the life he created for himself in Silverton, Colorado. The high mountain community readily embraced him and fed his creative spirit. There he completed a two-year brewmaster apprenticeship with the Avalanche Brewing Company and supplemented his income building handcrafted snowboards for Venture. Snowboarding was always a passion and many mornings were spent cruising untracked powder down remote slopes in the San Juan mountains. In a way, Lucas never left Silverton and Silverton never left him; a tattoo on his forearm of the Japanese character for snow was a constant reminder, always in sight and always a part of him.

Lucas was a sensitive soul who led from the heart. A multimedia artist, a lover of music and painting, he was also a professional photographer. Lucas saw life through a camera lens, framing moments with depth, humor, and grace. He identified as an old soul and old man. He could be wise beyond his years with a timeless spirit and a love for the simple, enduring things in life. He cherished quiet mornings with coffee, the rhythm of chopping wood, the comfort of a well-worn flannel, and the kind of conversations that lingered long after the fire burned out. He found and valued meaning in the simplicity of everyday life—a half banana on Cheerios, wrapping Christmas presents in towels or soaking thinly sliced onions in vinegar (still not sure what that was about.)

Lucas teased, he laughed, he loved fiercely. He departed this planet too soon, leaving many projects unfinished and conversations unsaid. Lucas was a fine son, a loving and compassionate brother, and was just becoming an uncle. He was a friend, confidant and teacher of many things. Those who knew him carry the marks of his time in their lives — the laughter, the wisdom, the spark. As one of his favorite band’s lyrics goes, “Good news will work theirs to all them plans.” He was a worthy, magnificent soul we loved. He will be desperately missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 30th, 5:00 pm at Riverbend Park in Palisade, CO. Attendees are requested to wear tie-dye, and to bring a chair and a blanket.

Lucas is survived by his father, Matthew (Jody) Diers, and Julie Diers, his sister Abby Diers, and brother Patrick Diers. You are encouraged to leave fond memories and words of encouragement for the family.