Trace lived most of his life in Roy, Utah.

To know Trace was to know someone who lived life entirely on his own terms. He was larger than life, outspoken, unforgettable, and fiercely independent. He had a rough exterior that could sometimes catch people off guard, but those who truly knew him understood that beneath it all was a generous heart and a loyalty that ran deep. He cared deeply for the people in his life and showed that love in ways that were uniquely his own.

Trace never met a stranger. Whether through his years in the bar business, his restaurant, or simply the way he lived his life, he built friendships that lasted decades. He had an incredible memory for faces and people, and if you crossed paths with him once, chances were he would remember you years later. He genuinely enjoyed people and loved making conversation that had a tendency of having a lasting effect.

Many knew Trace from his years working alongside his family at Lew Monico’s and later at The Toolbox, where he spent much of his career serving customers, making lifelong friends, and becoming part of the stories and memories of countless people throughout the community. He later carried on the family tradition by opening the Voodoo Lounge in Roy, where he continued the bar business legacy. He opened The Rib Rack as well, a barbecue restaurant that quickly developed a loyal following. Customers loved his cooking and frequently tried to bribe him for his sauce recipes, but those secret ingredients remained just that-secret. Much to the disappointment of former customers alike, Trace never gave them up.

Cooking was more than a profession for Trace–it was one of his greatest passions. Whether he was in a commercial kitchen, preparing a prime rib, or cooking for family and friends, he found joy in feeding people. Some of his happiest moments were spent preparing food and bringing people together and making sure no one left hungry.

Trace loved boating, pool parties, and entertaining. His home was always open, and if someone needed a place to stay, a meal to eat, or simply a place to belong, Trace usually found room for them. He was famous for gatherings that often became the stories everyone talked about for years afterward.

In his younger years, Trace enjoyed golfing. Family members still laugh about one particular outing when, according to the story everyone heard, he took a golf cart turn a little too sharply and his father, Lew, rolled right out. Whether that’s exactly how it happened or not, it’s the version the family continues to tell.

One of Trace’s most memorable stories came from his very first job while still in high school at John & Co., where he serviced portable toilets. As family legend tells it, one unfortunate day a porta-potty was lifted and dumped directly on top of him. He drove straight home, where his mother, Peg, met him in the yard and hosed him down before he was allowed anywhere near the house. Friends and family often joked that the incident may have sparked his lifelong obsession with cleanliness.

Throughout his life, Trace was meticulous about his appearance-always clean, well-groomed, and never allowing a hair to be out of place.

He attended and graduated from Roy High School. Anyone who knew Trace also knew about his beloved custom-painted green and silver Datsun 280Z. It was his pride and joy and remains one of the first things many of his high school friends remember when they think of him.

While he projected a tough image, Trace had a softer side that often surprised people. One of the best-kept secrets was his love for soap operas, especially The Young and the Restless. During day shifts at the bar, the television was often tuned in while he cooked, ensuring he never missed the latest drama.

Above all else, Trace loved his family and friends. He loved deeply, worked hard, laughed often, and lived boldly. He leaves behind countless memories and stories that will continue to be shared for generations.

Trace is survived by his children, Chace, Kevin, Austin, Ty, and Cassie; six grandchildren; his brother, Rod (Michelle) Lutz; and his sister, Teri (Lou) Maselli.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lew and Peg (Monico) Lutz, and his longtime partner, Afton Bare.

Although our hearts are heavy with his passing, we find comfort in knowing that Trace truly lived life to the fullest. His legacy lives on through the stories he created, the friendships he built, the meals he shared, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

In true Trace fashion, we imagine him now with a cold beer nearby, prepping a prime rib, sitting beside a pool, and sharing stories with those around him.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 19th, beginning at 12:00 p.m. followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m., located at Leavitt’s Mortuary & Aultorest Memorial Park, 836 36th Street, Ogden.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.leavittsmortuary.com