(Editor's Note: Des Moines resident Luke Gullberg was found dead on Mount Hood on Dec. 12. The search for two other missing climbers was called off Wednesday and they are presumed dead, also. Gullberg's close friend, Peter C.H. Livingston, wrote the following tribute.)

Family and friends of Luke Gullberg share a bond of grief today as they mourn the tragic loss of someone very dear.

Luke's body was found early Saturday morning, Dec. 12th, 10,500 feet up in icy terrain on Mount Hood. Luke was a lifetime resident of Des Moines and was only 26 years old.

Along with climbers Anthony Vietti, 24, of Longview, and Katie Nolan, 29, of Portland at approximately 1a.m. Friday morning, Luke ascended the mountain for what should have been less than a 24-hour climb.

An experienced climber and avid hiker, Luke reportedly died of hypothermia. The details of what happened that led to the tragedy are still unknown, but what is certain is that the Des Moines community has lost a truly great citizen on that mountain.

Luke grew up in Des Moines where he attended Des Moines Gospel Chapel throughout his lifetime, and attended Mount Rainier High School and Highline Community College. Luke excelled in school, focusing on English and creative writing and had several works published during his time at Highline.

He went on to graduate from Central Washington University. Luke was considering a career in teaching.

Having known Luke and his family since childhood, he was a person who enriched the lives of those around him. Luke made everyone feel important, loved and valuable, regardless of circumstance or merit. He was a lover of people, of God, of the outdoors, and a person that genuinely cared about everyone in his life.

Many splash flowery compliments about lost loved ones after tragic events, but one would be hard pressed to find a person that would not truly attest to what an inspirational person he was.

Over the course of these trying days for family and friends, more than a handful of people have called Luke the best friend they had, and those individuals meant it.

Luke had a way of bringing people together, including everyone, and recognizing that it's not the differences in people's lives that matter, it's what we have in common.

For Luke, that meant hosting casual movie nights, organizing soccer teams, taking videos and pictures of events, leading church youth events, or his beloved activity - hiking.

He was famous among his friends for his themed parties, which always had his creativity splashed throughout. From his glow stick dance parties, to beer exchanges, to even a superhero themed gathering, Luke was someone that would bring people together.

Luke's strength, even in challenging times, can be an inspiration to us all. During his mother's heartbreaking battle with cancer that claimed her life two years ago, Karen Gullberg found comfort in the son that would not leave her side.

Following his mother's death, Luke displayed a perseverance that struck even the casual observer. He continued to encourage and cherish friendships, even at a trying point in his life.

After his death, many have wondered what led to the tragedy on the frigid mountaintop over the weekend. Those who knew him have theories as to what happened, but there is a common thread that runs throughout; that Luke was risking his life to save the other climbers.

He always put others before himself, and this situation may be no different.

He was, and will always be in the minds and hearts of those who knew him, a treasure. Cut short in the prime of his vibrant life, Luke's legacy will continue long after he has passed: loving son, brother, uncle, boyfriend and friend.

Keep climbing Luke...