[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   THE PASSING OF LUKE TATSU JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALAN S. LOWENTHAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2016

  Mr. LOWENTHAL. Mr. Speaker, the unique middle name Tatsu proved to be 
a fitting moniker for Luke Tatsu Johnson. The tatsu, or dragon, is a 
centuries old mythical creature of great wonder, bravery, and strength. 
Throughout his extraordinary life, Luke consistently demonstrated his 
own special type of courage, power, and excellence. As a loving son and 
older brother, loyal friend, accomplished student and athlete, all-
around young man of solid character, and ultimately, brave cancer 
patient, Luke filled his life with meaning and grace.
   Luke was always an active kid--he loved being outdoors doing just 
about anything with family and friends. Over time, the video game 
consoles gathered dust while Luke played organized baseball, flag 
football, soccer, and golf, participated in Junior Lifeguards and the 
Stud lronman, engaged in backyard competitions with his brother 
Spencer, went skiing, boogie boarding, and bike riding, and enjoyed the 
big, small town atmosphere of Alamitos Heights and Long Beach. Some of 
Luke's passions occasionally kept him indoors--mom's cooking, sushi, 
and sports TV, especially if his beloved Angels or Chargers were 
playing.
   Luke held himself to high standards and achieved success in his many 
endeavors. He was a straight A student since grade school, including 
his freshman and sophomore years in high school studies--which he 
completed while enduring often difficult chemotherapy regimens. During 
his two periods of remission, Luke worked tirelessly on his golf game. 
He enjoyed long hours at the driving range and on the course alongside 
his father and brother. In April of 2015, while still regaining 
strength after his initial treatment, Luke made a hole-in-one on a 
family outing in Northern California. In the greenside photo 
commemorating that moment, Luke stands ball in hand, bathed in 
sunlight, shining his familiar winning smile.
   Luke faced his illness with the same determination and strength of 
character with which he pursued all of his challenges. Through months 
of hospital stays, difficult treatments, and intermittent setbacks, 
Luke continued to push ahead and never lost touch with his true nature 
and he remained the great kid--full of good cheer, quick to smile, 
concerned about others, close to his parents and Spencer--that he had 
always been.
   Luke's story inspired a broad array of supporters--Team Luke--which 
included friends, teammates, and relatives as well as celebrities and 
PGA stars. It is in and through this team that loved him that Luke's 
unique spirit will continue to soar, like a tatsu, as a source of 
courage and grace.

                          ____________________