Donald L. Tucker

Long time Atascadero resident, Donald L. Tucker, "Coach Tucker" died Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010, at the hospital surrounded by family. Don was born in July 1927 in Norco, Southern California to Alicia and Dr. Ivan Tucker. He attended Manual Arts High School, joined the U.S. Marine Corps out of high school and returned on leave to marry his high school sweetheart, Lucille Carolyn Kean. Following his tour of duty in World War II, he attended and played football for the University of Southern California, but was then reactivated into the Marine Corps for the Korean War. Following the Korean War, he moved his family to San Luis Obispo and earned his teaching credential, Master''s and administrative degrees from Cal Poly. Don and Lucille had been married for 65 years and were the proud parents of three children, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, including Tucker Hawkins, recently born to grandson Erik and his wife, Stephanie Hawkins. No grandchild could have had a prouder, more positive, loving grandfather. The legacy of his love, pride and support will fortify them forever. From 1957 until 1990, he was an extremely dedicated and beloved teacher and coach at Atascadero High School. His focus was on his students and to many, he was a father figure and role model. He had high expectations and gave his students and athletes the support they needed to reach their goals. He was always a team player and made sure respect was the name of the game. In 2007, Coach Tucker was honored as an inductee into the inaugural Atascadero Greyhound Athletic Hall of Fame. He served as a wrestling coach (record 153-12-1), football coach, Athletic Director and also coached baseball, golf and track. One of his greatest joys revolved around the relationships he developed with his students and his athletes. Many of his graduate students brought their families to visit him and Lucy at their home, and possibly took in a round of golf - another of Coach Tucker''s passions. Not many knew he also loved music and could play the harmonica beautifully, as well as the organ, guitar and clarinet. In addition, he enjoyed literature, camping and fishing. He never lost his curiosity or his love of learning. Don''s personal life centered on his greatest love - his family, including the animals he and Lucille adopted and the ones who adopted them. With his contagious smile, twinkling blue eyes and fun loving nature. he exemplified his monikers of kindness, loyalty, honesty and dedication. He was extremely supportive and could be found at baptisms, weddings (many times as the best man), graduations and sporting events, and in times of need he was known for coming quickly to the rescue. Don is survived by his children and their spouses David and Teree Urquhart of Sonora, Calif., Susan Thornton of Fresno, Calif., Dr. Larry and Diane Tucker of Orem, Utah; brothers Stephen and wife, Carol Gregory of Arizona and Gil and wife, Barbara Tucker of Fullerton, Calif.; He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Thomas Kean, of Las Vegas, Nev.; grandchildren and their spouses Melissa Urquhart, Ryan and Reynani Hawkins, Erik and Stephanie Hawkins, Nathan Tucker, Jared and Kristen Tucker, Bryson Tucker, Jeffrey and Mallory Tucker and Alyson and Brady Hansen; as well as six great-grandchildren; and beloved nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by many family members, including his wife, Lucille; parents, Alice and stepfather, David Woolman; father, Dr. Ivan Tucker; brother, Clyde Tucker; son-in-law, Kenneth Thornton; and niece, Judy George. A private family service was held at Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home and burial took place at Atascadero Pine Mountain Cemetery. It would sincerely be appreciated if memorial donations were made in Don''s name to: North County Humane Society, 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero, CA 93453; or H.A.R.T., Homeless Animal Rescue Team, 1500 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428.

Published in San Luis Obispo Tribune on February 20, 2011