Dave Lutes was pinnacle to the Kent School District. Now after 42 years of service, he’s decided to retire.

Lutes, 66, started his career at the Kent School District as a teacher, assistant principal and a coach. During his lat 29 years, he spent his time as the Director of Athletics for the district, according to a King County Press release.

For his impact on the community and his years of service, the King County Council proclaimed June 7, 2019 as “Dave Lutes Day.”

“They had this big, paper proclamation and naming Dave Lutes Day for King County. I was really surprised and humbled and kind of taken back,” Lutes said in a phone interview.

Lutes said he stuck with the Kent School District for so long because he loved his job.

“There wasn’t a day that I didn’t enjoy doing my job,” Lutes said. “It was something I think God made me to be able to do. I just love doing coaching, athletics and administration, and leadership aspects to my job. I never really go tired of it.”

The only reason Lutes decided to retire is because there are other aspects of his life he wants to pursue.

For his first day as a retired man, Lutes did yard work, which was pretty great. But as for long term plans, he said he and his wife of 44 years, Linda, will be getting more involved with their church.

Lutes said his wife retires on June 27 from her job, so they’re going to be spending a lot more time together.

In October, they plan on going on a mission for their church.

“Just growing our faith,” he said.

Another activity he and his wife want to do is working on their physical health as they get older. The most important activity of all though is spending more time with the grand kids.

“We’ve got eight grand children. All of them within 15 minutes of our home, so I’m sure I’ll seem them over here all summer with the swimming pool. Just activities revolving around our grandkids and our kids,” Lutes said.

Looking back over his years at the Kent School District, the thing Lutes said he’s going to miss the most is the relationships he made.

“The wins, the championships our teams’ had, all that kind of stuff was fun, but it’s not as important as people and relationships,” Lutes said.

King County Councilmembers Reagan Dunn, Dave Upthegrove and Pete Von Reichbauer declared a day in honor of Lutes, according to the county press release.

“Our schools and communities are so much better off with dedicated public servants like Dave Lutes,” Upthegrove stated in the press release. “We wish him the best in his retirement and thank him for the legacy he leaves with all the kids he impacted over his 42 years of service in the Kent School District.”

“Those who have known Dave know him to be a man with a true heart for the game and the student athletes he served,” Reagan Dunn stated in the press release. “I’ve appreciated working with him throout his many years with the Kent School District and I wish him well on his next chapter of life.”