Luke A. Mayfield
Luke A. Mayfield, age 21, of West Yellowstone, MT, died on Friday, October 2nd, 2015 in his mountain cabin. He was born on October 28th, 1993 in Quincy, IL; the son of Jeff and Lori (DeVries) Mayfield. Luke worked for the Blue Ribbon Flies, one of the premier fly shops in the world, in West Yellowstone, and was a man of family, nature, and God.
Luke grew up, like so many young boys in a small-Midwestern town, with a passion for family, friends, and nature; enriching his life with Boy Scouts, St. Peter’s School, and athletics. Luke was raised within the brotherhood of his soccer friends, and grew to be a beloved leader and loyal protector of his teammates. As a co-captain of the 2011 Quincy Notre Dame soccer team, he led his band of brothers, shoulder-to-shoulder, to the ever elusive Illinois State Championship. Luke was a man of passion, and through his journey to find his place in the world, found himself immersed within innumerable experiences including a deep involvement in the Teens Encounter Christ (T.E.C.) ministry, developing his true character at Quincy Notre Dame, nurturing his hungry mind at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA, and pursuing his ultimate dream of a life filled with fly-fishing. Full of wild abandon, the wide, open spaces and tranquil waters of West Yellowstone, Montana (appropriately referred to as God’s Country) gave Luke a pure and simple happiness that people search a lifetime for.
Luke remains a beloved son, respected brother, cherished grandson, adored uncle and an irreplaceable friend to all. He felt each emotion to his very core, and it showed in his gentle kindness. A truly old soul with the optimistic heart of a child, Luke believed in people. He had genuine belief in his eyes and wonder in his words. Luke was always happiest exploring a new stream or rigging up his fly-rod although, he was just as excitable when he heard the snap of a hook-set and looked over to find you engaged in a battle with a spirited fish. His heart burst with joy for simple times with family and friends; a spirit so eager and full, perhaps he was a man meant for greater things.
So at the end of the day, when worldly defeats sneak in and we selfishly try to call him back to us; we must only remember that he is, in fact, already here. He is hidden just beyond the mist rising from that mountain stream on a cool spring morning and in the fall, he is just beyond the dark on the tips of those whistling wings headed south. As the sun hovers just above the horizon, and there is a warm, comforting blindness before dusk, he is there. When we find ourselves in our own wide open space, take solace knowing we are in good company with our dear brother Luke. Expect him to be looking over his shoulder with that one-of-a-kind grin, inviting us to join him on his next adventure.
In addition to his parents, he is also survived by:
MATERNAL GRANDPARENTS: Robert J. & Mary Jo DeVries
A BROTHER: Robert Mayfield and his wife Ashley of Mukwonago, WI
A SISTER: Dr. Alli Mayfield of Springfield, IL
A NIECE: Alivia Mayfield
Numerous aunts, uncles and other relatives also survive.
Luke was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: Logan and Rosemary Mayfield.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 1:00 PM in the Church of St. Peter. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday evening from 4:00 until 8:00 at the Church of St. Peter. Memorials may be made to Quincy Notre Dame, the Church of St. Peter or the Yellowstone Park Foundation in care of the Blue Ribbon Fly Shop in West Yellowstone.
I am deeply saddened by the news of Luke’s death. It is hard to imagine that such a cheerful, energetic young man could pass way too soon. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with Luke’s family. I knew Luke from being a customer in Blue Ribbon Fly Shop for the past two seasons. I got to watch Luke grow from a green rookie in the shop to a very knowledgeable and warm customer service guy. His passion for trout fishing was obvious every moment. He was in his very own sweet spot there in Yellowstone Country and the BRF shop, and it showed. Luke always shared his fishing knowledge freely and infectiously. He really enjoyed it when I returned to the shop with a report on how I had done. I’ll be back in Yellowstone, I’ll be back in the fly shop, but it just won’t be the same without Luke behind the counter.
Lori, Jeff & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. Love and prayers to all of you.
I work for a local law firm. My dear coworker has a tendency to browse the obituaries. Undoubtedly her heart will get heavy, her mood will grow somber – I tell her to quit reading them. This morning she said, “THIS obituary – it’s different – you have to read it.” She was right. Although we did not know your loved one, I feel compelled to write this short note to you and your family and express our deepest sympathies. To whoever took the time and thought to write such a beautiful narrative of the precious life of Luke Mayfield â�� thank you. God bless your family. – Secretaries of Mays, Walden & Anastas, P.C.
Dear Mayfield & BRF Families, My most sincere condolences on the loss of a great man. I never met Luke, but wish I had. He sounds like an amazing young man. I am so happy he embraced all that God and Montana have to offer. Peace be with you.
Luke was the first person I saw in Blue Ribbon when I arrived this year. Luke welcome me with a huge smile and proceeded to get me ready for the season, Luke would always spend plenty of time giving me tips where to fish and make sure I had everything I needed, of the dozen times I saw hime this year he was always full of energy and smiling. Luke was great person that I with miss.Thank You Luke spending time with me in the shop
God called Luke to be with Him and explore His rivers and streams where the hatches are always on.
Remember to Him those of us you’ve left behind.
God’s Grace and Strength to those he left behind.
Luke was an exceptionally great man. He was always so helpful when I would go in to the shop. I wish I could have got to know him better. My condolences to the family he will truly be missed.
I met Luke in West Yellowstone this past Summer and was immediately taken by his infectious enthusiasm for Montana and fly fishing. His smile lit up the shop from morning to quitting time. The good Lord took a great man from us this week. Am most certain that he’s stream side in heaven looking down at this family and friends today saying…”don’t worry about me — after Montana the next best place you can fish is here!” Rest in peace Luke.
I only saw Luke once, on Monday September 28, 2015. It was a slow afternoon @ Blue Ribbon Flies and when I walked in I asked Luke how the fishing was in the park. For the next 20 nminuted luke and I were huddled in front of the shop’s computer screen looking @ the headwaters of the Madison River on google maps searching for the best lies for spawning Brown Trout. I have never met a more enthusiastic or engaging young man in recent memory. There should be more people like Luke, the world would be a better place. R.I.P. Luke.
I had the privilege of meeting Luke at Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone 2 summers ago with my father. We struck up a conversation about being from the Midwest and he immediately asked if we would want to fish with him. During our week stay on the Madison, we fished multiple times with Luke. Luke left an indelible impression on my father and me. We will always think of Luke on our annual trip to the Madison. Thank you, Luke. May you rest in peace.
I really regret never remembering Luke. I think I would of liked him a lot. As second cousins I really missed my chance and living so close. Jeff and Lori, my heart pains for your loss, such a tragedy. I will continue praying for your peace.
What beautiful words. We are so sorry for your loss. Your Family will be in our prayers.
Bob, MaryJo, Lori, Jeff and family- My heart breaks for you and the precious Luke. We will all remember you in our prayers. Marilyn, Jill, Eric and families
So very sorry for your loss. We knew Luke mostly in scouts. He enjoyed everything he partipated in. We were recently in West Yellowtone and know the angels carried him from God’s country into paridise. Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute with all of us and sharing Luke with so many who loved him. RIP Luke
Jeff – So sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are being sent to you and your family from Canfield & Joseph.
Dear Mayfield Family, After reading Luke’s obituary we felt we must let you know that we think it is the most loving and wonderful tribute we have ever read. Cherish only good memories! Sincerely, Dick & Pat Wentura
Jeff, Lori and family. We were so sorry to hear about Luke’s passing. Although we never met Luke, it was great to read what a beautiful person he is. Know that our hearts and prayers go out to you all.
A truly beautiful & emotional tribute to Luke… Feels like we knew him & wish we had. Thoughts & prayers to your family.
Jeff and Lori. We are so very sorry for the loss of your son Luke. Praying God’s comfort, peace and strength surround you all. Heaven has gained an angel.
From my family to yours,
We send our deepest your loss. Luke was not only loved by your family but by a community and will be greatly missed.
Lori and family. We are at a loss for words. Please know that you are in our thoughts and in our prayers. Hugs to you all.
Dear Lord, you’re Holy Spirit prays for us even when we do not know how to pray. Send your spirit to comfor them in their need and loss, and help to commend Jeff and Lori, Robert and Alli, and all Luke’s family and friends in your merciful care. Praying the wonderful memories will give you some comfort and peace in this difficult time, and tears of happiness with each fond memory! Our thoughts and prayers are forever with you and you’re beloved Luke, we all love you!
Jeff and Lori No words can ever express the sadness one feels, no parent ever expects to have to go through this. After reading his eloquent obituary, I feel like I knew him, even though we had never met. What an exceptional young man you raised. It sounds like God needed him for something greater than we all can imagine. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Your son Luke will be watching over you always.
Jeff and Family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Mayfield family.
Lori and family: so sorry for your loss.
Lori and family
I am saddened and no words can express how much I am thinking about you and your family. Praying for peace during this difficult time. Hugs to all.
So sorry for your loss…I know that Luke loved living in Montana… he will be missed…. Amy
This is the most loving and beautiful tribute I have ever read! Luke’s heaven is a place where he can roam free in God’s nature and infinite love and care. Prayers of strength and peace for his family
Robbie and Family, So incredibly sorry for your loss. May God’s grace comfort you during this time.