Robert “Buster” Tucker passed away on July 30th, 2018, at the age of 70.
Buster was born on September 10th, 1947, in King City, Calif., to Roy and Betty Tucker, and lived on the Tucker family ranch until 1951. He grew up in San Ardo, enjoying The Mickey Mouse Club, the Boy Scouts (eventually earning the Eagle Scout badge), and small-town life in the Fifties.
Graduating from King City High School in 1965, he attended Hartnell Community College before entering the Franciscan Order at the Little Portion Friary in New York. From there, he transferred to San Francisco, becoming first the chaplain and then the phlebotomist of St. Luke’s Hospital.
Later, Buster moved to San Jose, becoming a counselor for patients with AIDS/HIV. He then transferred into the tuberculosis field, eventually becoming the administrator of the Santa Clara Health Department. After retiring in 2005, he returned to the family home in San Ardo, where he counted woodworking, miniatures, cooking, and gardening among his many hobbies.
Buster is survived by his younger sister, Peggy Tucker Parsons; his niece, Brynn K. Kennedy; and many cousins and close friends.
There will be a graveside memorial on Wednesday, August 8th, at 1:00 PM at the King City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the San Ardo branch of the Monterey County Free Libraries, or to the American Cancer Society.
