Luke Chadwick

Luke Yen-hui Chadwick, of Bainbridge Island, died on Aug. 22 from acute respiratory failure after a three-month hospitalization at the University of Washington Medical Center. He was 22 and a 2007 graduate of Bainbridge High School.

He was born Yu Yen-hui Sept. 20, 1986 in Taipei, Taiwan. He came to Washington state to his adoptive parents, Cathy and Kent Chadwick, in 1988. By then he had already contracted the progressive lung disease secondary pulmonary hypertension.

Growing up, Luke focused on what he could do, as opposed to what he could not. He perfected the arts of friendship and of living for today. His greatest joy was to make someone smile, which he would effect with any means at hand. His spontaneity, courage, and unselfconsciousness inspired the whole town of Bainbridge Island, where his family has lived since 1996.

While at Bainbridge High, Luke memorably served as the boy’s basketball team manager and unofficial mascot during the 2007 season, when the team went to the state championship. Graduating from BHS was one of Luke’s proudest moments.

In March 2008 Luke received the gift of a double lung transplant and had 12 months of good health. He became an enthusiastic volunteer organizer for the local Barack Obama campaign and even travelled independently in the spring of 2009. A severe case of pneumonia irreversibly damaged his transplanted lungs and led to his final hospitalization in May.

Luke’s mom and dad, sister Ali, grandparents Bob and Peg, aunts, uncles, and cousins all rejoice for the time they had with their miracle, Luke.

Luke told his friends on Facebook: “I try to stay upbeat and keep my head up but it is hard sometimes. I have God and he knows when I will be with him and flying with the angels. Love always.”

A celebration of Luke’s life will take place at 3 p.m. Sept. 6 at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, 11042 Sunrise Drive, with a community reception to follow, to tell stories about Luke. Donations in his name may be made to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, which did so much for him as he fought his illness, at 801 Roeder Road, Ste. 400, Silver Spring, MD 20910, or online at www.phassociation.org. To honor Luke’s year of transplanted strength, please consider registering as an organ donor.

An online guest book is at www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Cook Family Funeral Home.