Brian Graham Luyt

After a 7-month battle with pancreatic cancer, Brian Graham Luyt passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on September 25, 2018.

Brian was born June 30, 1945, in South Africa to Margaret Masson Luyt and Cicero Michael Luyt. The family immigrated to the United States when Brian was two years old and resided in Southern California where Brian graduated valedictorian from Narbonne High School in Lomita. He attended UCLA where he completed undergraduate studies in mathematics in 1967 followed by The University of California at Berkeley completing graduate studies in mathematics.

In 1971, he began work for Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in San Francisco as a systems engineer on a project developing California’s first Title XIX claims system, Medi-Cal. He was soon recruited and moved to Dallas to be part of EDS’ original software team, where he wrote several utilities that were used by systems engineers throughout the company and for years he supported EDS’ proprietary Online System (OLS) which ran in all EDS data centers. When EDS signed a number of Title XIX accounts, Brian worked nearly two years in California on the implementation team for five states. In the early 1980s, he implemented and supported EDS’ Medicare systems before moving from Dallas to Michigan in 1984 when General Motors purchased EDS. There he held several positions including Regional Manager of the Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac (BOC) data centers when he was asked to develop and expand the EDS Network (EDSNET). In 1991, he returned to Plano as President of EDS’ Field Services Division. Brian was a loyal employee at EDS for over 27 years retiring in 1999 as a well-respected leader and friend.

During his children’s younger years, Brian coached or helped coach soccer, baseball and basketball teams. When he retired from EDS, he dedicated his life to service in various volunteer organizations including the Jasper High School Band Boosters where he served as volunteer coordinator and president; the Plano Senior High School Quarterback Club where he helped sell booster merchandise and set up stadium pennants for game night; the CdLS Foundation where he served on the board for six years, ran an annual golf tournament, served on the Conference Planning Committee for over 15 years and twice was a local point person for the national conferences held in Dallas; and, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton where for a number of years he provided rides through the church’s Meals and Rides Ministry.

With retirement also came the opportunity for Brian to spend his free time doing what he loved: traveling, golfing, and spending time at Flathead Lake in Montana. He enjoyed traveling the world and had the opportunity to visit much of the U.S. as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Most of all, he loved being on “lake time” in Montana. Some of our most cherished memories have been made at the lake house where we spent many summers together. There he was able to be outdoors, work on household projects, play golf every day, spend time with family, and entertain company. He was the best boat driver for the water skiers and tubers, and he wasn’t afraid to jump in and try those things himself. He always remained young at heart and was never afraid to endure an epic wipeout.

Brian (a.k.a. Daddio/G-Pa) was a loving family man, a faithful friend, and a generous giver of his time, talents and resources. Brian shared his love for math with his children and grandchildren and was often known to bring mathematical concepts into conversations turning them into “learning opportunities.” He also loved card games and board games of all kinds and always looked forward to gatherings around the table to play. Friendly competition was the name of the game, even when it came to decorating Christmas cookies and Easter eggs. Detailed in his approach, he always gave the rest of us a run for our money. Without question, his beloved UCLA Bruins were always represented in any project.

As a sports enthusiast, Brian spent his free time watching sports of all kinds, especially football and golf. Along with his UCLA Bruins, the Dallas Cowboys held his allegiance. Many special memories have been made attending Cowboy games together through the years, and football-watching parties were common practice in his home. He would readily cheer for the alma maters of his children unless they were playing his cherished Bruins. In those cases, all bets were off, and it was every man for himself. In addition to football, golf has always held a special place in his heart. He loved watching the tournaments on TV, and he played regularly with his buddies, Bill, Sam, and Terry. Although he didn’t have the perfect game, he loved being on the course. He seemed to always be in competition with himself trying to better his driving distance, his putting accuracy, and his score. In fact, the last time he played, he hit a drive to establish his new personal record. What a sweet gift!

Music also played an important role in Brian’s life. He taught himself to play the guitar and enjoyed serenading the family in the living room at home or around a campfire at the lake in Montana. Sharing his love for folk songs and the “oldies but goodies,” left a lasting impression on his children.

Brian was predeceased by his parents and granddaughter, Faith Elizabeth Sorge.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Opitz; children, Lisa Dula (Tim), of Plano, Texas, Greg Luyt (Stephie), of Traverse City, Michigan, Amy Sorge (Matt), of Dallas, Texas, Katherine “Katie” Luyt, of Plano, Texas and Bradley Luyt, of Plano, Texas; grandchildren, Matthew and Kristin Dula, Grady, Emery and Theo Luyt; brother, Howard Luyt; Phyllis “Mom” Milburn and her sons Bill and Mark, who were like brothers to Brian, and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A Visitation will be held from 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at Allen Family Funeral Options.

There will be a Mass of the Resurrection at 11:30 A.M. on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2700 W. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, Texas.

Contributions to any of the following organizations that were important to Brian would be welcome:

The CdLS Foundation has been a source of support and information to the family for over 25 years because of his daughter, Katie. http://CdLSusa.org .

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network was most helpful to Brian when he was diagnosed by providing information on pancreatic cancer, treatments, and clinical trials being conducted in our area. http://PanCan.org .

Mary Crowley Cancer Research Center where Brian received his treatments conducts clinical trials for patients being treated for various types of cancers. It was a great, caring place, and the people were wonderful to Brian. http://MaryCrowley.org .

Of course, a gift in Brian’s name to any organization important to his friends would also be appreciated.

If it is your wish to send flowers, please contact Fleurs & Events, located within Allen Family Funeral Options, at phone 972-369-1845.