Lloyd "Tuck" Tucker

Now and then it is necessary to take a moment, pause, and reflect when significant events happen in our lives. Here is a little story about a life that produced and positively affected other lives. I write this not to garner sympathy but to acknowledge, honor, and perhaps in some small way, positively improve our own lives and our society.

In my 40’s and selected for a position in Tucson, through a quirk, I came to know my Aunt Mary and my divorced/deceased father’s extended family. They have become a wonderful and very meaningful part of my life.

Yesterday, I learned of my uncle’s passing. He was the last of the family elders. ‘Tuck’, Lloyd Tucker, 93, was the loving patriarch, protector, provider, and role model to his wife, two daughters, and one son, along with the grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Tuck helped me to envision a father that I never knew.

Impacted by the Great Depression, then WWII, he served as a B17 bomber flight engineer while his wife, Aunt Mary, was a genuine ‘Rosie the Riveter’. She helped build bombers in then podunk, San Antonio, TX. They epitomized the often quoted, ‘Greatest Generation’ as written about by Tom Brokaw. They helped mature this country, a vibrant, progressive, and accepting society, and to place America on the global stage.

Never wealthy or accomplished in a worldly manner, his strength of character, sense of values, and many admirable personal qualities, enabled him to successfully rear his three children and become that much loved grandfather to their extended families. All the while, loving and caring for his life-long wife through to her final years of declining health.

I like to think it is not too late for us to reach back or reconnect with family or elders and observe and learn lessons from this passing generation. Maybe we can assess how they have lived their lives and worked to positively mold their offspring. We might even be able to still internalize those ‘antique’ abilities and improve our now fragmenting society.

We will miss you,Tuck! Thanks for being there for us and for showing us the way.Tom McCord