Jake Edward Euker, 50, died Friday, Aug. 3, 2012, of complications from pneumonia. The world will be less bright with the loss of this poet, film critic, music lover, trivia buff, expert bridge player, art history lecturer, and freelance editor and writer.

He was born Jan. 31, 1962, in Hutchinson, Kan., and graduated from Goddard High School and attended the University of Kansas. Jake's love and respect for creativity and knowledge led him down many paths. As a teenager he fell in love with film; as an adult he called upon that knowledge and became a frequent and popular film critic for the website Rotten Tomatoes. His interest also led to an annual film series he programmed for the Wichita Center for the Arts.

A lover of music, he was an early fan of local band, The Embarrassment. With a keen ability to recognize young talent, he produced concerts featuring little-known groups in a very small local bar. For many of those bands, this exposure was a big step toward a wider audience. Jake was a meticulous editor, giving others' work the same care and attention he gave to his own poetry. In the hospital he wrote a note because he was unable to speak. He dozed for a brief period, and then awakened to edit his own message. This was quintessential Jake, striving for perfection to the very end.

He is survived by: parents, Norma and Wayne Euker of Hutchinson; siblings, Tom Euker of Hutchinson, Valerie Garcia and husband Orlando of Colorado Springs, Steve Euker and wife Carolyn of Seattle, Wash.; nieces, Madaline Garcia, Kayla Euker; and nephew, Sam Garcia. Jake was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012, at Elliott Mortuary, with Reverend Jim Rhaesa officiating. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. to service time Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to Boys and Girls Club or donor's choice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Please visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a condolence for Jake's family.