Lloyd Ludtke
Lloyd Ludtke was born in White Center, Seattle on January 7, 1937. His life story is deeply intertwined with the logging community of Deming, Washington. His early years were spent in Port Angeles and at around 4 years old his family– mother- Anita, father Fred, and brothers- Abner, Clarion and Fred Junior, settled at the Saint Paul logging camp on Mosquito Lake Road on the outskirts of Deming. It was here that his lifelong connection to the logging industry began. His first school was at the Bell Creek School and then as an eight year old the Ludtke family moved to Bellingham and Lloyd attended Geneva Elementary school. At the age of 12, he started working for his brother Abner in his truck shop as a “clean up boy”, an early introduction to a career that would define much of his life.
As he grew older, he began checking water in batteries and brake fluid in the hydraulic systems on the G.I. trucks that Abner used for hauling logs in those days.
During his junior high and high school years, Lloyd juggled various jobs alongside his logging work, a testament to his strong work ethic. Lloyd graduated from Bellingham High School in 1954.
He joined the Air National Guard at 16, and later served four years in the Air Force, receiving an honorable discharge in 1959. Upon returning home, he married his beloved Kay Roberson in November 1959 and began driving logging trucks in 1960.
In 1963, Lloyd attended the inaugural Deming Log Show, an event that would become a cherished tradition. He has since missed only one or two shows, evidence of his dedication and passion for the organization.
After several years of driving logging trucks, Lloyd transitioned to the dump truck business, forming Pacific Dump Trucks, Inc. and continuing to work with his brother Abner. In 1984, following Abner’s retirement, Lloyd and Kay purchased both companies, which became Ludtke Pacific Trucking Inc. Under his leadership, Ludtke Pacific Trucking has become the longest-standing advertising sponsor of the Deming Log Show. He also became heavily involved with the Washington Dump Truck Association, serving as president twice, and later as president of the Washington Trucking Association.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lloyd’s greatest joy has been his family. Lloyd believes that his closeness to God and the belief that HE has a plan for us all has accounted for his successes in all aspects of his life.
He and Kay were blessed with three children: Lance (partner Michelle), Lex (wife Leah), and Elizabeth (husband Jon). Through them, he has a thriving legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Alyssa and Mitchel (wife Mikal, great-granddaughter Marley) through Lance; Alexa (husband Bernt, great-grandson Bode, great-granddaughter Romy), Max (wife Nicole, great-grandson Cruz, great-granddaughter Isla, and great-grandson Jack) through Lex; and Samantha, Sydney, and Courtney through Elizabeth.
After 50 years of marriage, Lloyd faced the heartbreaking loss of Kay in 2011. He embraced a new chapter of life, traveling the country in his motorhome. He now spends his winters in Palm Desert, California, sharing his life with LaDonna George.
Lloyd Ludtke’s life is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the enduring power of family and community. He is a true “Bull of the Woods,” a respected figure in the Deming Log Show and a pillar of his community.
“When the road looks rough ahead, remember the ‘Man upstairs’ and the word HOPE. Hang onto both and ‘tough it out’.” – John Wayne
“I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please.”
— John Wayne
