A Very Special Evening
By Dan Reiste

June 25, 1999
The following are excerpts from the tribute dinner in honor of Dr. Gene Lucas held on June 25th at the IBC annual convention in Richmond, Virginia. Over 80 IBC members and guests paid tribute to "Mr. Betta" himself for his lifetime of dedication to the IBC and the aquarium hobby. This event was planned for over a year by the tribute committee and was kept a secret from Dr. Lucas until he entered the room...

"Ladies and Gentlemen, may introduce Dr. Gene Lucas accompanied by IBC President Bob Dozier and his lovely wife India, and Mr. Dave Ford. Gene, this evening is our time to say thank you for all you have done and meant to IBC, and to each of us as a friend."

(Unbeknownst to Dr. Lucas, several of his family members were waiting off-stage and were ushered in....)

"And to help us do so, may I introduce Gene's daughter Cindee and son-in-law Mike Moyer, and his daughter Christee and son-in-law R.J. Lesch."

(After Gene greeted his family, an invocation was offered and he was asked to take a seat on stage.)

"I would like to thank Dave Ford and Christee Lesch for successfully ensuring that Gene was with us this evening. It was a real battle- as Bunny Lorbeicki can attest to; to make sure Gene came to this year's convention. I'd like to share with you my first memorable event with Gene, if you will permit me. To quote one of the Golden Girls from TV, Sophia Petrillo...Picture this. The year was 1973. A young, inquisitive Iowa farm boy seeking knowledge and wisdom from the Mohammed of the Betta world finds himself on a journey to tropical Florida. Unbeknownst to him, this trek to his first IBC convention in Miami was the beginning of an adventure that is to continue through the years even unto today. I was a freshman in high school and some how had finagled my parents into letting me venture off with a mad scientist to a ....fish.... convention. Gene and I set out that warm June day in his 1965 Pontiac Grand Prix with a newly overhauled engine. This was one of the last true tanks that Detroit built. We're not talking just boat, but battleship size; in vivid red none the less. The convention and Miami left lasting impression on me. One impression, which I did not share with my parents, was this mad scientist’s artistic ability at drawing robustly bosomed naked women in revealing poses. But perhaps the most memorable event of the trip was the return voyage. I had come to know a little better this mad scientist that everyone sought out at the convention. But he was still mysterious in many ways. The last night as we drove through Indiana, the winds had been pelting us with waves of rain and I had but barely managed to catch sleep on and off. I recall being suddenly awakened when the car came to an abrupt stop. I gazed over towards Gene, who was finishing off a bag of jelly beans, or corn doodles, I don't recall which, and was attempting to relight his cigar... a necessary prop while driving in Sherman. I inquired as to "what's up." His retort was simple; ”This is really neat". Before I knew what was happening, Gene had his camera out and was outside the car gazing at the rolling clouds and lightning bolts. The rain had all but subsided and timidly I stuck my head out and inquired, What are you looking at? The mad scientist puffed on his stogie and replied " These clouds are really neat. I think we're in the middle of a tornado" and he commenced snapping pictures as he rolled the cigar from side to side in his mouth. I crawled under the car wondering why mom and dad let me go on this trip.

“Gene, tonight we, your friends and family, are here to honor you and, each in their own way, to say thanks for your friendship, and to thank your family for sharing you with us over these many years. Your many years of unselfish service and commitment to the IBC, the aquarium hobby and related sciences has brought us much knowledge, entertainment, and just plain fun. The world is full of oysters, but you Gene, are a rare pearl. To attempt to list your achievements, your involvement and commitments, and many exploits would take hours. Perhaps it is best left to your peers who have sent us letters of commendation and their well wishes. They say it best..."

Years ago, Red Buttons did a comedy routine on television where he shed copious crocodile tears about all the people in history who never were given a dinner in their honor. He blubbered about such people as Benedict Arnold and Ghenghis Khan never having had a dinner. It was hilarious. Gene, there is no one more deserving of the honor being bestowed on you today. No one has done more to promote the Betta hobby. I think of you that way and so does everyone else here at this convention. Congratulations Gene, but I hope you won't rest on your laurels, or on anything else. You still have much to give to Betta nuts all over the world. Betta Regards. Walt and Barbara Maurus.

Dear Gene, What a treat for us, to write a letter in tribute to someone for whom we have so much respect and love! In all the ways that you and we have interacted over the years, we've covered a lot of IBC history together.... As the years went on, the four of us, Gene and Joann, Al and Sue, attended conventions faithfully. Then Al dropped out of the fish photography business, and eventually I quit breeding entirely. You lost Joann, and the hobby lost one of its brightest lights...We felt as though we'd always been best friends.... We had gone through so many years together, weathering the many political storms, seeing the golden breeders come and go.... Gene, in those 30 years since 1969 that we've been involved with IBC, you've probably done more to influence the Betta hobby, in more different directions, than anyone in any other aspect of the aquarium hobby. We just wanted you to know that we're proud to call you friend. Love. Al and Sue Liebetrau

Dear Gene, I bought my first Betta close to fifty years ago. A TFH drawing of the fish, and reference to this exotic place, Siam, where people actually had fish fighting contests, pulled at my imagination. I had to own the fish and be part of the legends that went with it. As my maturity and fish collection increased, I kept and bred Bettas on and off as I still do to this day. However my interest was not the show bench but in the fish itself, its' captive history it's natural history and its' place in the world of fishes and people. It was to be Gene Lucas who kept that interest alive. It was Gene who through his writings, lectures and phone calls helped teach me how to look at the Bettas and the other creatures that would fill my professional life as well as my leisure time. I followed his footsteps to the rain forests of Asia guided by his observations. What I learned and wanted to learn more about, took me far beyond Siam. I was to explore the rivers, the reefs, and the rain forests. I was to learn from, and marvel at the natural world; the world of Gene and the Betta. It was Gene who kept my eyes open, and I know he has enlightened you as well. He transcends being just another "Betta guy." I thank him for what he has done for the hobby, for a little fish from far off Siam, and for all the little boys and girls who are here, or wish they were here with him now. Best Wishes Gene! Marc Weiss

"We all know Gene first hand from his involvement in IBC and the aquarium hobby. However there is more to him than that. Gene is the father of three, Candee, Cindee, and Christee; He has four Grandsons, three Granddaughters, and two grand dogs. Gene Served in the Marine Corps in the Korean War and was married in 1948 to his high school sweetheart. Gene has been a member of, and in many cases served in official positions for the Kiwanis, Boy Scouts and Explorers, Audubon Society Sierra Club, Zero Population Growth, Aerospace Education Council, Iowa Science Fair, and International Science Fair. These and many other accomplishments and endeavors have not gone unnoticed. Gene with your permission may I read excerpts from several letters..."

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION AWARDED TO DR. GENE A. LUCAS PHD

For outstanding service to scientific communities worldwide and in appreciation for the dedication, commitment and hard work that has made possible many significant achievements including founder of the International Betta Congress, a long career as a genetical biologist at Drake University, a decorated Eagle Scout and Scout Troop Leader, former United States Marine, past Kiwanis president and contribution to several civil organizations. The City of Richmond is honored to be the host site for the annual International Betta Congress convention and joins the Congress in its tribute to this distinguished scientist and civic leader. Given this twenty-fourth day of June 1999. The Honorable Timothy Kane, Mayor of Richmond, Virginia

Dear Dr. Lucas, I write on the occasion of your tribute by the International Betta Congress to offer my heartiest congratulation and sincerest commendations. The dedication you have demonstrated to your work-and your hobby-during your long and impressive career serves as an example for all who strive to make a difference. Your outstanding reputation brings honor to the State of Iowa. On behalf of the citizens of Iowa, I thank you for your contributions to your academic field, the scientific community and our state and wish you all the best as you are honored by your colleagues and friends. Sincerely, Thomas J. Vilsack, Governor of the State of Iowa

Dear Dr. Lucas: I would like to join your colleagues in commending you for the years you have dedicated to the State of Iowa through your military service, scientific research, and civic participation. You are also to be commended for the nearly forty years you spent educating Iowa's youth as a biology professor at Drake University. Your selflessness deserves the highest degree of respect. I would like to take this opportunity to also applaud your contributions and Commitment to the aquarium sciences and the tropical fish hobby. Your genetics research and breeding of Bettas has brought pleasure to many people. It is an honor to have the opportunity to congratulate you, and thank you, for your service to the United States and the State of Iowa as you are recognized in the International Betta Congress. You are an excellent role model for today's youth. Once again, congratulations, and I send my best wishes for you and your family in the future. Keep up the good work! Sincerely, Charles E. Grassley, United States Senator (from Iowa)

Dear Dr. Lucas: I am pleased to have this opportunity to express my gratitude to you, for your years of service to Iowa and the scientific community. It is wonderful that the International Betta Congress has seen appropriate to host a tribute dinner in your honor tonight. For more than 35 years, you have been a valuable component in the education of Iowa's young men and women, both at Drake University and at Iowa State University. These students have benefited greatly from your experience and dedication to the art of science. The scientific community finds itself richer because of your efforts. Your work in genetics and biology has served and will continue to serve science well. In addition to your numerous educational endeavors, you have contributed extensively to the library of documents upon which today's scientists rely. As you know, this contribution is vital to future scientific advancements. Therefore, it is with pleasure that I commend you for your years of dedication on this, your honorary evening. On behalf of Iowa and the scientific community, I thank you for all that you have done. Sincerely, Greg Ganske, Member of Congress (from Iowa)

Dear Gene: It is my understanding that you are soon to be honored on a special occasion. Since I can't be with you at the event, I want to use this means to extend my personal thanks and commendation to you. Saying thank you seems so inadequate for the many years of service and commitment you gave to Drake University, the State of Iowa, and the aquarium hobby. Because of your role as an educator and mentor to scores of young adults, and your services in the armed forces and civic organizations, you most certainly deserve the recognition you receive. Thank you, also, Gene, for your loyalty and support of the Drake University Athletic program in which you have participated. I have always looked forward to seeing you at the Drake Women's basketball games in Des Moines and sharing the excitement. Gene, you are to be highly congratulated for your dedication to the tropical fish and aquarium hobby in which you have been so intensively engaged. Those involved in the hobby are grateful to you for the scientific value that you have brought them, and for the generous fascinating way that you share your knowledge--in a way only you can. Again, congratulations and best wishes for many more years of successes. Sincerely Bob Ray (former Governor of Iowa and President Pro-tem Drake University)

"Gene and I know share similar opinions and interests in many areas. However there is one area that try as I might, I have been unable to influence him to see the - right - way. I've introduced him to President Bush. I even secured his visit to the Oval office. But alas, politically, we are at opposite ends of the ideological spectrum, I at the - right - end and him, well, way too far to the other. I recall Joanne saying, at the end of one of our common, ideological debates with Gene, that's why we never vote, we just cancel each other out. Joanne, bless your heart, I could always count on you to support me and to see things the - right - way. So Gene, I want to give you something quite bright to vividly impress upon you the significance of the - right - political attitude. This is an official Rush Limbaugh - No bounds - tie. Whenever you go to vote, please.... wear this and perhaps it will move you to vote the - right - way."

(Then on behalf of the Mid-Atlantic Organized Betta Breeders, IBC President Bob Dozier presented Gene with a U.S. flag that had been flown in his honor over the U.S. Capital and over the Iwo Jima Marine Memorial in Arlington Cemetery.)

"Gene, does that make you a Marine Biologist? One of Gene's life long aquarist friends from Iowa, Larry Arnold, has penned a song in honor of Gene. Christee if you please..."

(Gene's daughter Christee led the audience in a sing-along to the score of the "Ballad of the Green Berets"...)

In the lab, Gene's working late; another fish has met its fate. Gene sacrificed its little life to investigate its iridocytes.

(Chorus) Betta Splendens from Thailand, the fighting fish of old Siam. Males that flare at other males and try to rip each other’s tails. Gene jails his fish in gallon jars; he feeds them shrimp, not caviar. He makes them flare to look their best. Soon they'll meet this mad prof's test. Mitosis this and meiosis that, their chromosomes are all old hat. Alleles and dominants abound. None are safe from this Betta hound. (Chorus repeated)

We can say this mad prof's wish, means a sad fate for our favorite fish. He cuts them up in little snips, then scopes their scales and naughty bits. Gene travels wide and travels far, to judge small fish in tiny jars. He wrote the rules that others use. Ichthyologica his only muse. (Chorus repeated)

Old steel-framed tanks and Mason jars, he's dropped them all and has the scars. Drinking glasses, fishponds and more, he's even bred them on the floor. (Chorus repeated)

He paints our fish in multi hues, in pen and ink and pastels, too. You may own a work of art, from this most famous Betta fart. Monthly columns he has penned, Logorrhea without end. When Father Time old Gene does smote, then we will say, "That's all he wrote."

"In 1948 Gene enrolled as an art major at Drake University. This was between stints as a reservist in the Marine Corps. In 1951 he transferred to Journalism, switched to biology and studied guppies and graduated in 1954. In 1959 he received his masters in biology and obtained his teaching certification. Gene Lucas received his doctorate in Genetics in 1968 from Iowa State University. He originally set out to get his degree in native fisheries management. However a professor of genetics who was working with mice and pigeons eventually sponsored him. From Mice and pigeons to guppies and eventually to Bettas was the path he would eventually take. Gene, your friends at Drake asked us to give you this plaque as a token of their thanks."

(Gene's former colleagues in the Biology department at Drake University submitted a plaque, which was presented to Gene.)

"Gene, you have been highly involved in the production of the Iowa Science fair and in bringing the world of science to the students and youth of today."

Dear Gene: On behalf of the last 42 years of state science fairs in Iowa, the present Board of Directors of the Iowa State Science and Technology Fair wishes to salute and honor you for your dedicated years to the science education of Iowa youth. We join with the International Betta Congress in celebrating your long, illustrious career as a biological science educator. We especially note your long association with the regional, state and international science fairs, more recently as Chair, Board of Directors of the Hawkeye State Science Fair and senior member of the Board when this state fair moved to the Iowa State University campus in 1997. We know that we speak for past, present and future teachers, parents and students when we say, "Thank you, Dr. Lucas for your support and friendship! You have made a positive difference in science education in Iowa. Most Sincerely yours, For the Board of Directors, Iowa State University.

(Next Mr. John Gaughan shared some of his comical insights and observations of Gene.)

"As a master of the written word, Gene has provided us with knowledge and shared with us his exploits of the Betta hobby. Additionally, Gene has contributed articles to Better Homes and Gardens. Besides his contributions to FLARE!, the historic "Betta Breeders Newsletter," and Aquarium Illustrated Magazine, Gene wrote the "Bettaphile" column for two years for TFH, He authored "Know Your Bettas" for Pet Library, which was re-released in 1996 by TFH."

(A plaque from Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications was read and presented to Dr. Lucas...)

We wish that we could be as eloquent in praise of Gene Lucas as he has been in writing about Bettas over the years. But it is difficult to distill into words the essence of the contributions he has made, and the truly admirable style in which he has made them. The very breadth of those contributions are overwhelming, and trying to outline them here would only guarantee that we'd be bound to miss many of the. Nor can we accurately express gene's goodness and his integrity as a person purely in terms of accomplishment. The accomplishments, massive as they are, add up to far less than his total impact on the aquarium hobby and the Betta world. That is because his fairness and farsightedness, like his honesty and lack of pretense, show not only in his writings but also in his personal dealings with the thousands of hobbyists he has come into contact with. We at TFH have been impressed by the total reliability, combined with genuine friendliness, that Gene possesses in full measure. Trustworthy and kindly may not be words much in vogue these days, but they are entirely apt in describing Gene. Our best wishes to him and to everyone in IBC in your celebration of a true giant in the aquarium field. It is entirely fitting that a university faculty member should be recognized as one of the most dedicated, unselfish, and effective educators the hobby has seen. Sincerely yours," Glen Axelrod, President and CEO and Neal Pronek, Managing Editor, Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications.

"In 1978 he began writing Bettas and More for Freshwater and Marine Aquarium Magazine for which he has written over 250 articles as of this year."

(A plaque from Freshwater and Marine Aquarium Magazine was presented and a letter from Don Dewey, Editor was read...)

When I first talked to Gene about writing a monthly column for FAMA he was already widely known in the aquarium hobby. That was in 1977 and he had already authored the book KNOW YOUR BETTAS published by Pet Library. He was also the former editor of a monthly column entitled BETTAPHILE and was currently writing a regular column entitled BETTA GENETICS in FLARE! As a professor of biology at Drake University he had already authored and co-authored numerous articles and papers for such publications as GENETICS, The Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science, plus articles for the hobbyist which appeared in popular magazines such as Tropical Fish Hobbyist and Aquarium Illustrated. Whether he is gently leading a newcomer through the proper steps for keeping, breeding, and showing Bettas, or explaining the complexities of Betta genetics, he has a genuine talent for getting his ideas across to his audience. Over the years numerous readers have commented that they had never considered Bettas as anything more than those fish in the little jars at the aquarium store - that is until Gene explained it to them. For all of us at FAMA I would like to say it has always been a pleasure to work with Gene Lucas. I believe that the measure of a person's worth is not only what he contributes to his fellow man, but what kind of person he really is. On both counts, Gene is a wealthy man. It has been an honor to work with him during the past 21 years - I know that you will join me in looking forward to what Gene has to say in the years to come. Whatever it may be, we will all learn from it. Gene, this simple plaque cannot begin to express our appreciation for what you have contributed to the hobby. I am sure that l of our readers would join me in thanking you for sharing your expertise with us. I am only sorry that I could not be there in person to share your evening with you. In all honesty, I was afraid you might retaliate for some of your past misadventures in California! And you can explain that remark if you care to. Congratulations Gene." Don Dewey, Editor, FAMA.

"The plaque reads "Presented to Gene A. Lucas, Ph.D., In grateful appreciation for twenty-one years as a Contributing Editor and author of the column Bettas...and More"

(Steve Van Camp then praised Gene for his many years of service to the aquarium hobby through his ongoing support of aquarium societies and hobbyist functions. Steve presented a plaque from the Federation of American Aquarium Societies (FAAS). Steve also read a letter from the International Anabantoid Association.)

(Gifts were then presented by the chapters of IBC and our guests from Japan as a token of their appreciation for what Gene has done for their organizations.)

"You may have noticed the additional chair on the stage. This chair may have looked empty tonight but in our hearts we know it is not. For here we have reserved a point of focus with our deepest admiration and respect, and love. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of Gene Lucas and one of the greatest blessings that he shared with us was his wife Joann. Somehow, we know that Joann has been with us this evening to share this most memorable of evenings. And we could not imagine not giving her a place of honor tonight. They say that behind every great man there is a great woman, and when we reflect about what Dr. Gene Lucas has meant to IBC and the aquarium hobby, we can also appreciate what Joann Lucas, the first lady of IBC meant to all of us. At her passing, Raul Fernandez and I concurred that an award in her honor should be established. The Joann Lucas Memorial Award is sponsored by the Betta Association of the Southeast, and was first presented here in Richmond in 1997. We always hear about the top breeders and all the individuals directly participating in IBC. We all do it because we enjoy the hobby and love Bettas. But not all of our spouses necessarily share our feelings. And still, many of them are begrudgingly drug into this insanity of ours. They are the unsung heroes, working tirelessly behind the scenes, away from the spotlight. Yet, without their support, many of our accomplishments would not have been possible. This year's winner embodies the spirit of Joann Lucas' untiring support of her husband. The people who nominated her described our recipient as a real trooper. She has been a tremendous help, not just at the local level in her own chapter, but also in her support of other clubs, and at every convention she and her husband have attended. She has also been a true asset for him when he travels, which can't be easy, caring for two young children and untold scores of Bettas. It is a privilege to award this year's Joann Lucas Memorial Award to Dianna Torres."

The 1999 convention chairs, Ken and Judy Muller then presented the official tribute award, an etched glass sphere in marble statuary, along with their accolades.)

"Gene, As this evening comes to a close, we have but one last honor to you. In this extremely fast paced society of ours of computers, microwaves, E-mail, and fast food restaurants, some things tend to become more and more impersonal. And as our world becomes more and more complex, so do our lives. And because of it, many times we also take much for granted. It isn't until we slow down and reflect on them that we can see what got us where we are. And tonight is one of those nights where we look at the future by examining the past. Tonight we paid tribute to a man who blazed the trail for IBC so we could be in Richmond some 30 years later. Seldom has someone meant so much to a club and hobby as Dr. Gene Lucas has meant to IBC and Betta enthusiasts around the world. Simply stated, without Gene's love affair with this fighting fish from Siam, There would not be an International Betta Congress, as we know it. His hard work and dedication has enabled thousands of hobbyist, just like us around the world to enjoy our hobby at a level never before possible. That was his vision. And we thank him for it. There have been many individuals out of the hundreds and thousands of members who have joined IBC at one time or another who have stood out either as breeders, leaders, or in dedication of service. And of course IBC recognizes those individuals with very prestigious awards such as Betta person of the year and the fellow of the Congress. However Gene's involvement and influence transcend the boundaries of the club. The books he has written plus his monthly liturgies featured in FAMA make him probably the most recognize figure in the Betta world if not the entire aquarium hobby. Of course, it would take a very long time to list all if Gene's contributions. But one of his most remarkable characteristics has been his dedication, stamina, and durability if you will. Even after retiring from his position at Drake University, he is still very involved with Bettas as a hobby, visiting different cities and countries, and still attracting hobbyists wherever he goes. Gene, what more can be said. Probably much, but this night will pass. We will all pass. But we will not allow you to be forgotten. Tonight, the tribute committee is initiating what we hope, and respectfully request to be formally adopted by IBC. What we wish to present next, we hope will be the first in many, though select, and carefully considered awards. This award has not been conceived lightly, or without a great deal of contemplation and foresight. As our ultimate honor to Dr. Lucas, tonight we wish to inaugurate the Dr. Gene A. Lucas Congressional award of merit. We are suggesting that the purpose of this award is to recognize those individuals for their efforts and outstanding contributions, who have remained committed, not only to the IBC, but also to the Betta hobby in general over a great period of time. People who best exemplified the same unselfish drive and tireless performance that has characterized Mr. Betta, Dr. Gene Lucas himself for so many years."

"It has been a privilege to have known our first recipients for almost 20 years. This dynamic duo became members of IBC in the early 70's. They have formed numerous, very successful chapters, spreading the word wherever they have gone, from the Midwest to the Atlantic coast."

"They have edited and published a Betta publication which has withstood the test of time, as well as chairing or being of primary assistance in the hosting of three or four conventions, or more."

"They are two of the most senior and definitely two of the most experienced certified judges in IBC. And without a doubt have hosted more sanctioned shows in the history of IBC than anyone else."

"They have both been on the judging board several times and have served on various other committees as well, including revision of the IBC judging standards."

"Besides their involvement in the administrative aspects, they were for many years, a common fixture among the top ten breeders winning many class championships, both at the local and national levels. Perhaps one of their most amazing accomplishments was how they got other clubs started, and people involved. They were the backbone of an entire district for many years."

"They have carried bowls and equipment to just about every corner of the country. They have always been very generous with their time and their livestock, and always more than willing to lend a helping hand. They travel to shows and help newcomers pick out and class entries, and even bring their fish to the shows for them. Truly, people helping people, and loving Bettas."

"Therefore, it is with great respect and admiration for Dr. Gene Lucas, for the International Betta Congress, and for Paul and Aurelia Ogles, that we present to them this first Dr. Gene A. Lucas Congressional Award of Merit."

(The award was presented to Paul Ogles by Dr. Lucas followed by brief remarks from Paul and Gene; and dinner was served.)

I wish that I could include transcripts of all that the speakers had to offer. But as you can't see, I've had to edit this transcript extensively, and I'm sure Tom has also worked it over once or twice. Perhaps others will have written their commentaries on the proceedings for all to share. Several videotapes were made of the evening and copies may be available in the near future. I would like to express my special thanks to Bunny Lorbiecki, Raul Fernandez, Dave Ford, and Christee Lesch for their assistance; without which this dinner would not have been possible.