Lucas Tendler

Lucas “Loo” Tendler of Saranac Lake passed away unexpectedly on June 30, 2023. He was 17.

Lucas was born in Saranac Lake on April 25, 2006, to Rebecca and Jacob Tendler. From the beginning, Lucas was sweet and loving and enjoyed making people laugh. He carried these traits with him and grew into a young man wise beyond his years, a natural peacekeeper with an uncanny ability to transmute negative energy to positive with a quick joke and a quirky, yet knowing “smirk” of a smile. His empathy and compassion for others and the world around him were nothing short of extraordinary, and he always had an ear or a hug at the ready. Lucas was incredibly funny, silly, quick-witted, even-tempered, curious, and intelligent, and could hold a conversation with just about anyone.

Lucas was a lover of animals and nature and felt blessed to live in the Adirondacks. He could be found skiing with his brother Noah, hiking and swimming with his mom and “best boy” Johnny, building a small farm and tending to animals with his dad, camping under the stars with his best friend Logan, or hanging outdoors with his friends, “the boys”.

A collector of Lego sets, old coins, and occasionally dirty dishes, Lucas was an avid gamer of both the video and board varieties. He was a passionate Star Wars fan, and Obi-Wan Kenobi was his hero. He was a lover of music, theatre, and art, and loved traveling.

Lucas was an inspired and motivated individual, finishing high school a year early to attend college this fall. He wished to enter the field of mechanical engineering. He held two part-time jobs and will be missed by his work families at the Hotel Saranac and the Ampersand Bay Resort.

To say that Lucas’ premature departure has left a hole in the hearts of all that knew him doesn’t seem sufficient and his memory will be forever present. In his life, Lucas naturally inspired those around him to become the very best version of themselves. May we honor his memory by continuing to do so.

Lucas is locally survived by his mother Rebecca Tendler, father Jacob (Melanie) Tendler, brother Noah Tendler, fur-baby brother Johnny, grandmother Dawn Rowell, aunt Nina (Tom) McBride, and countless friends, coworkers, and schoolmates. He is also survived by his grandparents Steve (Beth) Arnold of Mexico, NY, Aunt Stephanie (Andy) Canfield of Oswego, NY, Aunt Gretchen Arnold of Liverpool, NY, and Uncle Rick (Sharon) Burch of the Philippines.

Lucas was predeceased by his paternal grandfather David Rowell of Rainbow Lake, paternal grandfather Aaron Tendler of Guildford, VT, and maternal grandmother Tracey Golas of Lake Clear.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 2-5 p.m. at Fortune – Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. There will be a gathering at the Hotel Saranac immediately following calling hours from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM to share stories of Lucas for all who would like to attend. Go Fund Me has been established to assist his family. Family and friends can share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.