Michael Lucas
Michael “Mike” George Lucas, 49, Raleigh, N.C., died Tuesday, May 18, 2010, from complications during pancreatic surgery. Born in Tripoli, Libya, on April 17, 1961, he was the son of the late James “Jim” and Darlene Lucas of Watford City, N.D.
Mike’s father was in the oil business, and his work took the family all over the world; living in places such as, Madagascar, Spain, and various locations throughout the United States. The family settled in Watford City, N.D., where Mike graduated from high school in 1980, before attending and graduating from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.
A born entrepreneur, Mike owned several businesses in Watford City before moving to Raleigh in 1995. Mike joined ATC Associates Inc. (formerly ATEC) in 1996, and in 2002, opened the Dakota Grill restaurants with family and friends. Life of the party (as well as coordinator), Mike loved his friends and enjoyed being surrounded by them either at home or on vacation. Some of his favorite travel spots were Las Vegas, Atlanta, and South Beach. Mike, like himself, had a one of a kind sense of humor and quick wit, an infectious smile, brutal honesty, and perfect/untouchable hair.
Mike will be deeply missed by his partner, Arnie Mariano, also of Raleigh, whom he dearly loved and adored, as well as his: 101 year-old maternal grandmother, Ruth Baye of Watford City; and sisters, Tori (Lucas) Dwyer and husband, Tim, of Sidney, Mont.; Benji (Lucas) Showers and husband, Jeff, of Cranberry Twp., Penn.; Jaimie (Lucas) Johnson and husband, Shane, of Watford City. He is also survived by twelve nieces, four nephews, best friends John Hatlestad of Raleigh, Gabe Araos of Raleigh, Karel Brown of Indianapolis, Ind., and so many more friends that he dearly loved. He will also be greatly missed by his beloved pets, Ching, Khan, and Randall.
A memorial service to celebrate Mike’s life was held Friday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m., at the Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the “sisterhood of the traveling urn” foundation.
We leave you with Mike’s favorite song lyric: “All eyes on me in the center of the ring just like a circus.”
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.MitchellatRMP.com