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The F Stops Here

John Tuck formerly worked as a mental health worker with Child Protective Services. He was active with the local Democratic Committee, stumped for Leon Panetta in Panetta's earliest races and served two tours with the Peace Corps. Tuck also was a member of KUSP's now-defunct farce group, the Chump Change Players. John Tuck Make no mistake--John Tuck's bon voyage will be quite the celebration. Famed for his "Quarter of July" parties in the '70s and '80s, Tuck figures, "We'd need a parade that goes nowhere," adding that he would also expect a flag--"symbolic of absolutely nothing"--to be raised. Although the former mental health worker was active in many political and community arenas, most folks still remember Tuck as one of this burg's favorite bon vivants. Tuck says he expects yuks at the Day of Reckoning. He envisions a line of people filing up to the stage--the back of a flatbed truck--to make goodbye speeches, but quickly cut off after two sentences. The Master of Ceremonies for this would have to be Bruce Bratton or Sandy Lydon, Tuck insists. It's only fitting that one of the Cabrillo Music Festival's founding board members would want music--lots of music--at his going away party. "Warmth would play, with John Thompson on the congas," says Tuck, then adds with a smirk: "That is, if I go before them." The raconteur wants at least one sentimental touch for music--he'd like to have Oscar Peterson's "Ode to Freedom" played. Although he doesn't have a clue as to what's waiting on the other side, Tuck is hoping it's an adventure. "But my gut says it's nothing," he shrugs. "I don't think there's heaven or hell, but if there is, I'd pick hell. Isn't that where Mark Twain went?" Next photo [ Metro Santa Cruz | MetroActive Central | Archives ]