Daniel Tucker Obituary

Musarum Sacerdos-'a priest of the Muses'-Horace

I will always miss Dan at concerts, such as the Pilgrim Players, North Shore Choral Society etc. An adjunct of the latter was and is the North Shore Madrigal Singers and Dan used to sing with us sometimes, always a special occasion. He wrote a short piece for us which for years we used to end a concert.
I also knew Dan well when he was learning how to use a computer (that was many years ago .. he became much more accomplished than I ever did but perhaps I helped him start.)
He was also very entertaining on the radio for his book reviews.
A very nice, funny, friendly man and I'm happy with my memories of him.

I was pleased to meet Dan & Margaret when they visited Sea Cliff several years ago. My husband, Donald West, who is now deceased, would be a first cousin to Dan and we knew his father very well from his visits to the South. I know he was a very talented man and will be missed by his family and friends. My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Elizabeth West

It was such a pleasure getting reacquainted with Dan and Margaret on their visit to Fairhope a few years ago. He managed to keep us up-to-date on family members we had not seen in years. He was a talented man both in his job with the newspaper and certainly with his music.Our love and prayers to Margaret and family. He will surely be missed.

Bob & Gilda Nester (cousin)

Dan was a friend of mine from working at the Chicago's American/Chicago Today.
He had an office in the same suite I was in. He was an absolute delight!!!
He never told me about his music ability, never. After learning about all his great gifts, I have been in awe. I haven't seen Dan in over 40 years. He was the kindest and most loving person I can remember. Funny too!!

(I just wrote in this book and accidentally deleted it, so I will make this shorter to my disappointment.)

I had a dream about Dan last week! It was very vivid and seemed as yesterday. He was the same age as in 1969. I receive The Late Edition (a small paper for the people who worked at the American and Today then Tribune). Since 2008 I was going to get in touch with Dan to say hello, because of an article Marge Carroll wrote about him in that paper with his picture (white hair)--still handsome. It was and is on my desk as "to do" where I would see him each day. I waited too long.

After that dream I had a strange feeling and needed to check his site.
There it was, his obituary. He passed within one month of my dream. I find it to be such a coincidence or more.

My friend Karlene Diederich, who passed quite a while ago, would go to Dan's concerts of the music he composed, and she would tell me each time. I would have gone as well, but I didn't live in Chicago anymore.

He will be missed by everyone who knew him---even people that haven't talked with him in over 40 years, but left such a huge impression! I'm so happy to have dreamt about him, I was in such a good mood the next morning. He made everyone happy with his music and his wisdom!

May he rest in peace and I give my deepest sympathy to Margaret and family. Dan will be around us for a little while at least, certainly to make certain his family is fine. Also to say his goodbye's to those who think of him so much.

God be with you always, Dan Tucker! He is always with your family.

See ya, Suzanne

Dan was a wonderful inspiration to me, when I was a young immigrant in the 80's. His warmth and hospitality always flowed to make everyone around him feel included and belonging. The love that he and Margaret gave to my aunt Teresa and to my wife Diana and me has been unending and deeply appreciated.

Dan was a true gentleman and a model citizen. Knowing him helped me shape my life as an American, as he was an exemplary role model and a faithful friend.

Our love and prayers for Margaret and family!

Descansa en paz, Dan, en el Reino de los Cielos!

Dan Tucker was a wonderful friend to my parents Pat and Paul Messbarger and my sister Rachel. I remember warmly the occasions I came home to Chicago on a dinner party night with the Tuckers and Rattenbury's. The conversation was always smart, political, deeply ethical and the laughter uproarious. My heartfelt sympathy to the Tucker and Rattenbury families and the many friends suffering this great loss.
Rebecca Messbarger (St. Louis)

There are stars whose radiance is visible on earth though they have long been extinct.

There are people whose brilliance continues to light the world though they are no longer among the living.

Dan Tucker was an inspiration to the rest of us mortals. The experience of knowing him influenced me more than he'll ever know.

With heartfelt sympathy

It was a great privilege to have known Dan. In addition to being an exceptionally talented and brilliant man, he was a warm, kind, sweet and gentle soul -- a true gentleman!

My deepest sympathy to Margaret and family.

Dear Margaret,

A voice from your past, I was so sad to read of your husband's death. Please accept my deepest sympathy for you and your family's sorrow.
Nancy M. would update me on the "Tuckers" whenever I would see her.
I still remember the afternoon I spent at your home on Ridge, it was delightful and your father-in-law was the frosting on the cake.
Sincerely, Phyllis Paulo

I first met Dan while singing with the William Ferris Chorale. I then had the opportunity of doing a recording of "Many Moons" for him. I am so happy that last Christmas we got to work together one last time when the Michael Teolis Singers featured some of his songs. Dan's works were performed and we have some lovely photos of him and Margaret from that evening. That will be a wonderful remembrance for us.

I met Dan through our wonderful mutual friend, Susan Power. Susan was a big supporter of Dan's gifts as not only as a friend but also as both writer & composer as well. I have a great photo Susan took at the Sulzbury Library with both Dan & Margaret when I played a recital that included the Piano Preludes of noted Native composer Louis Ballard; Dan was deeply interested in the works. Susan and I went to a concert that featured a premier of a choral work of his in the early 1990's at Quigley Seminary- it was a delight & a wonder.

For the past several years I have played a piano house recital at a good friend's house in Oak Park- last year both Dan & Margeret attended. Dan had such a broad grasp of the entire music literature and a solid, respectful understanding of Native peoples. This past weekend I was in Oak Park and prepared the Brahms Op. 119 Four Piano Pieces which I played Saturday afternoon. It went well, and I thought of both Dan & Margaret, since they were unable to attend. I recall that he had a fondness for the Bach fifth English Suite.

One thing I deeply treasure is that Dan I seen & met (as a child) my great-grandfather and told me of it. This is so profound, my great-grandfather passed on in 1930, and this living connection via Dan to past generations is so vital.

I know that Susan joins me in mourning his passing. I enjoyed a wonderful dinner on Taylor Street a couple of summers ago with both Dan & Margaret, discussing history, music,our own personal histories. My condolences to Margaret and family. Our lives have all been made greater & richer for having known Dan.

Tim Hays, New York City

How fortunate I was to have known this special man. Dan's memory will remain alive in my heart, and the hearts of so many.

It's been over 20 years and then some since I last saw Dan. He joined the choir at St. A's in Evanston. I remember his hearty voice, his passion for life, for the creative life. What a gift. But especially, I remember the twinkle in his eyes. May he and his family be at peace. Please accept my sympathy for your loss.
Nan(Nanette) Wolff

Many a meeting of the North Shore Musicians Club was graced by Dan's music and his presence. He will be much missed, but his compositions will live forever. Nona and Cal Claus

I have always grappled for words to define Dan Tucker, knowing that he could not be reduced to such inadequate descriptions as "brilliant genius" or "true Renaissance man." He was a giant of spirit and soul; an Irishman of the Irish; a musician of musicians; a writer of idosyncratically direct, even "folksy" skills; an insightful critic; a composer with a truly independent voice; the sort of person whose company invariably produced greatest pleasure; and an ever-authentic friend. He survived more crises than most of us will ever face before being toppled by this final illness. I will miss his friendship and humor, his presence at numerous concerts, his fellowship at musical and social events, and his idomitable spirit. Margaret, you were the source of tireless support and joy to Dan. We know you will feel his loss more deeply than all of us collectively. But we pledge our prayers and our loving care.

Our 'uncle' Dan - our father's cousin, was so beautifully elegant, genuine, smart, funny, good, artistic, accomplished, charming and warm, he always was someone we looked up to as THE way to be. He was timeless. Always with a good word, always with a good song. Always an ear for what is BEST in art. He is a Renaissance Man. In a parallel life, he might have run a school for boys, giving a whole generation know-how on how to be a man. Or all of us, what it is to lead a life of quality and grace.
We will miss you, Uncle Dan!!

It is so gratifying to have such a brilliant man in your family tree. I will always admire you.

I have known the Tucker's ever sense I can remember. I mostly remember Mr. Tucker sitting at the piano for hours with a cigar while Andy and I ran around the house. He was perhaps the most laid back man I have ever met. He always had a calming effect . Then there was Mom(Margaret)LOL totally opposite working, being a Mom ,running Andy and I every where. Great Memories Thank you Mr. Tucker and Family . My deepest Condolences

It's been more than three decades since Dan and I were in touch, but he was often in my peripatetic thoughts as a colleague, friend, and composer. The Tuckers were a legend in Chicago journalism, and my years among them memorable. Who will take up the family banner now that Dan is no longer a corporeal presence among us?. Requiescat in pace..

I can still remember when the Tuckers first moved to Evanston many years ago and I soon became friends with Andy and Ellen. I use to go over to their home back then and met their parents many times. I always felt welcome at their home due to the hospitality of their parents, Daniel and Margaret.
I am deeply saddened at this great loss and wish I could have known Daniel Tucker better than I had. He had many more accomplishments then I was aware of and was a true contributer to society and the arts.
My deepest condolences go out to his family and all who were close to him and may he always be remembered for his kindness, generosity and righteousness.

Dear Friends and Family of Dan Tucker,



I am deeply sorry to hear the news about Dan. Please accept my condolences and my prayers. I will be with you in spirit during the Wake and Funeral services.

Thank you Dan for your talent and your beautiful music.



Much love

Dan dearest friend,
You embodied joie de vivre. You were an inspiration to so many of us --always gracious, humble, and hilarious.
I didn't know they made men like you until I met you. You were truly a unique gentleman.

I am grateful for all the many dinners and parties and times we sat at the piano together and played and sang-- and the times we just chatted and your eyes twinkled before you made your inimitable, witty comment.
Dan, I know you're looking over us all now--especially Margaret.
Margaret, my heart goes out to you.

Much love,

Anastasia Royal

To meet Dan Tucker is to love Dan Tucker. I first met him years ago at a musical party at my sister, Anastasia's home. He, of course, played, sang and added his unforgettable charming glow to the festivities. He was always so pleasant, and kind, easy to talk to and fun. I knew he was someone I was lucky to know. The world has lost someone extraordinary.
I can feel his long-armed hug from the last time I ran across him and Margaret doing errands. A tall man filled to the brim with music, wit, intelligence, culture, and grace.
He will be missed by so many. And I know he will always be remembered with love.
My deepest sympathies to Margaret and his family and friends. He was easy to love, grievous to lose.

A lovely man. A generous colleague. A delightful friend. A terrific composer. I, like so many others, will miss him very much!!

Lita Grier - Chicago

Thank you for being such a big part of our youth. Play on the music in heaven. We will miss you here. I Thank you for the gift of Ellen and Andy. They have meant so much to my life. We're with you mom! Love you.

We all honor and celebrate our late great Uncle Dan Tucker. May he rest in peace surrounded by a Heavenly choir.
Bernadette (O'Reilly) Haderlein
(North Hollywood, CA.)

I have been numbered among members of Dan’s extended-ed-ed family since my college days, when his amazing parents, Nell and Friar Tuck, welcomed us at parties, both planned and impromptu, in their Rogers Park home -- which could have served as a set for Kauffman’s “You Can’t Take It With You.” There individuality and creativity were celebrated. It was not unusual for members of Loyola’s Curtain Guild to be discovered asleep on any morning after a late rehearsal, knowing they would be welcomed by hosts who never locked their front door.

Indeed, the Tuckers, O’Reillys and Rattenburys have been a leitmotif in my life: Nell’s humming as I washed her long, grey tresses with dry shampoo before her passing; wakes and funerals; invitations to concerts and operas; chance meetings at Music of the Baroque, His Majestie’s Clarkes, et al.; Margaret’s adventurous welcoming of the unexpected; Dan’s insightful book reviews, witty verses for WFMT’s pledge drives -- and his remembering, whenever I visited, that Ravel’s La Valse was a favorite of mine – and playing it every time. So it went.

In Friar Tuck’s pamphlet, “What’s Good About Astrology,”
of those born March 21 – April 19, he writes:
“People born under the sign of the Ram are said to be strong-willed and to work hard at collecting things they prize – even in the face of danger – like the sleepless dragon which guarded the Golden Fleece of the Ram of the Greeks.”
Dan wisely prized and collected the intangible gifts of the Spirit and the Arts. His bonhomie reflected genuine interest in and respect for others.

On the passing of a fellow newspaperman who had been a classics professor, Friar Tuck wrote new lyrics to Danny Boy, which are certainly fitting for the passing of his own boy Dan:

“Your voice is hushed, but still we hear it ringing,
Your eyes are closed, but still we see them smile,
As seabirds o’er new-travelled waters winging,
Fly back from some horizon-hidden isle.

We shall remember, though it waken sorrow;
We shall enshrine the name whereon we grieve;
And every friendship that is ours tomorrow
Shall make more dear the memories that you leave.”
(Thanks for the memories, Dan.)

I mourn the death of a talented, generous, and enlightened man. My deepest sympathy to Maragert and his family.

I will always miss you and love you dad...you were the best dad a family could have...and now you can rest peacfully and join the rest of the family in heaven and entertain them for eternity and keep them all smiling like you did for us down here.

papa/dan you were a great papa and you were very talented and smart and something i thought of you that was amazing is you spoke 10 diffrent languges not even Albert Einstein couldnt do that i love you alot and hope you like you knew home in heaven. love jessica/granddaughter

Dan and Margaret are long and old friends of ours going back to the St. A's choir. We now live in Houston. We will certainly miss the opportunity to see Dan, especially with the Mortensens, Vroeghs and Curleys, when we visit Chicago, as we do from time to time. We've always had lots of fun with Margaret and Dan. Margaret, all of you and Dan will remain in our prayers.
Kitty and Eddie Keigher

As a child I remember my grandmother, Bess Devine Jewell, talking about Ernest Tucker and how fond she was of the whole family. The family tree goes back to James O'Reilly who had a daughter, Ellen who married Frank Devine. Ellen and Frank were my Great Grandparents.

While I never met Daniel, I did enjoy occasional visits with Daniel's brother Ernest and his wife, Margaret Humes Tucker when they visited us in California.

My deepest sympathy to the whole family.

DAN...A friend of a friend...John Iron... I have been hearing so many postive things about Dan Tucker, from his writing, his composing and many other things that I feel like I always knew him... Saddened by your loss.... Paul Bone , Vidalia , Ga..

I knew Daniel Tucker as a composer and as a very warm personality. The first time I met him was when I first moved to Chicago. He hosted a house concert and made all of us performing and playing our music feel very welcome.

All my best wishes to his family and he will be missed by so many of us in Chicago.

- Patricia Morehead

Dear Margaret and family,

I offer my condolences. I will alway's remember Dan's wonderful humor
and graciousness.

Marge Ryan

A great loss, one of our leading local lights, composer and Chicago Tribune editor, a devoted family man and a warm friend and acquaintance to many. Possessing many talents, he spoke several languages and played several musical instruments.

Along with many others, I will miss him always. My best regards and wishes go out to his family.

Dan was many things; a skilled writer
and poet, with a great knowledge of the hard realities of politics contrasting with a starry eyed, often tender view of people and their qualities. He was a rare combination of realist and romantic. He spoke five languages and could crack jokes and recite poems in all five. He was a delightful and witty man full of kindness, gentility with an endless supply of great stories from his life and travels. But most of all he was a composer of genius who I believe ranks in the pantheon of first rate American composers. I firmly believe that the passage of time will confirm this view. There is work still to be done to get his music known on a larger scale in the wide world. I hope to be of help to his family to get his music more often performed and recorded and I hope other of his friends will help in this task. For one, it would be a wonderful thing to get a full recording by a first rate ensemble of his opera "Many Moons" which many consider his masterpiece.

I feel so fortunate to have met and shared some wonderful moments with Dan and Margaret. Dan was so openly appreciative of my music and encouraged me to forge on, and I thank him for his interest and graciousness. He is one of the "greats" in my book!
My condolences to Margaret and his larger family.

There are so many wonderful memories of Dan over the years -- his sense of humor, kindness, his wonderful way with words... a concert of his songs where Bill Browning choose me at the last minute to turn pages... the second performances of his opera "Many Moons." What a guy!

Dear Margaret, You and our family have my sincere sympathy. Your many happy memories of this very dear man will help you through.

He was one of the wisest, kindest and most graceful people that I have ever known and I--and the audience at WGN Radio on which he often appeared--will feel deeply the loss of his presence.

My deepest condolences to Margaret and all of Dan's family. What a wonderful man. I feel privileged to have known him and honored to have made music with him. I will miss him.

I am deeply grieved to learn about Dan. He was a brilliant man, a brilliant mind, an always stimulating and special mind and man. I feel a great sense of personal loss, but I think the loss goes much further, to thousands who read what he did for the Tribune and yes, for me, who knows some of the music he composed. I'll always remember his wry humor and his -- yes -- genius. He was good to me, and I was gratified to think that he treated me as worthy of his respect. That is surely how I thought of him for starters -- plus, for me, I was an admirer.

Dan, it was a privilege encountering you and working with you. Joy to you as you continue your journey.

Dan the bard and minstrel lives on in our hearts and memories. 'Twas our delight to know him.

We are all so lucky to have experienced Dan's marvelous personal warmth, great wit, and professional artistry. I am grateful for his boundless enthusiasm and for our many fun times together. I look forward to keeping his wonderful self alive through his music. My love and deepest condolences to Margaret and family.

Dear Uncle Dan
You composed life in all you did, and as a watcher and a listener. Even mastered 'this machine', so more of the world could see and hear your work.
If you hadn't been there as a guide, I would not have had the same path. I will miss you, so.

Dan was a true gentleman, true friend, great chess partner & the world's greatest music critic - we shall miss him deeply!!

The angelic choir has gained a wonderful bass today. They will be having great fun too! We love you Dan and miss you deeply already.