From the golf course to the classroom, Craig Lunte was a man who could tackle a challenge and make it look easy, said his good friend and colleague Brian Laird.

“He was happiest on a cold Irish golf course with a 50-mile-an-hour wind and a slight drizzle,” Laird said. “That would get him going the most, the sheer challenge of it.”

Craig Lunte

Lunte, 57, a longtime professor in Kansas University’s Department of Chemistry, died Monday at his home in Lawrence, the university said in a release.

On the forefront of development, calibration and the pharmaceutical application of microdialysis sampling, Lunte was internationally known for his contributions to the field.

Since his death, condolences have poured in from around the world, Laird said.

“One of the things that always impressed me was his ability to be such an excellent leader within the department while having an internationally known research group and effort that was incredibly productive and successful,” Laird said. “He made it look easy.”

Lunte came to KU in 1987 as an assistant professor of chemistry, the release said. In 1993 he was awarded tenure and the title of associate professor. In 1997 he was named a full professor.

“He had a real passion for the graduate students,” Laird said. “I think that’s what really drove him, to graduate successful students. He was an incredible mentor, showing them what they needed to know and helping them get out the door, get a job and be successful.”

Aside from his work, Lunte was a family man, generous to a fault, Laird said.

Lunte’s wife, Susan Lunte, is also a professor in the department. Despite working in close proximity with one another for years, the couple made it work “without ripping each other’s heads off,” Laird said with a laugh.

“He was a fantastic father, with two daughters who learned an incredible amount from him,” Laird added. “He was an inspiration to them, I know.”

One thing among many Lunte’s family, friends and colleagues won’t forget is his annual Fourth of July parties, Laird explained.

Lunte would spend an entire week preparing for the holiday, making sure all the food, drinks and activities were ready.

“He was a h*ll of a cook,” Laird said. “And he really looked forward to those parties.”

Several of Lunte’s honors from his time at KU include the Self Graduate Fellowship Program Mentor Achievement Award, the John C. Wright Graduate Mentor Award and the Dolph Simons Award in Biomedical Sciences.

A memorial service for Lunte will take place at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy., at 10 a.m. Friday.