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“Nothing but heaven itself is better than a friend who is really a friend.” — Plautus
Today I’m remembering the completed life of Tucker McHugh.
I dedicate this post to his wife, Mimi, the McHugh family and my beloved brothers of the Seattle Prep class of 1967.
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To paraphrase the thought of Kevin Miller, no one was more emblematic of Seattle Prep than Tucker McHugh. His ebullient laugh WAS the soundtrack to our high school years.
Tucker forever reminded us no matter how dark things become there is always light, love and goodness around us if we choose to see it.
Tucker possessed a particular kind of light — the light of devoted, unwaverving, uncompromising, eternal friendship.
The McHughs are a storied, pioneering family who did much to build the spirit and character of Seattle.
Indeed, Tucker’s grandfather, T.S. McHugh, donated the land on which Seattle Prep was built.
His aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, have carried on that benevolent spirit. Tucker himself lived a life choc-o-block full of achievement.
But perhaps his greatest achievement was in how he lived his faith. His was a life anchored in love to his beloved Mimi and children and his devotion to his Catholic faith.
If there was a graduate who embodied the mission of Seattle Prep — Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam — for the greater glory of God — it was Tucker McHugh.
It’s been said a true friend is “the first person who comes in when the whole world has gone out.”
Such a friend was Tucker:
- When my young nephew Tim had just left the Jesuit seminary and was struggling with what to do with his life, Tucker offered him a job on the spot.
- When my brother Kevin was trying to figure out how to mount his play, A Rose for Danny, Tucker stepped up to help him build a plan.
- When Marsha and I returned to Seattle after 37 years in Chicago, Tucker and Mimi were among the first to extend their hands in friendship.
Perhaps Tucker’s ability to bring light to darkness is best illustrated in this letter written by Brian Losh, another Seattle Prep ‘67 classmate:
It was Christmas Eve 1978. I had returned from Christmas Eve dinner. I had put my son Casey (6) and daughter Andrea (3) to bed. I was sitting alone in the living room looking at the Christmas tree. It was my darkest hour, the lowest point in my life. Just five months before, my wife Therese was killed by a drunk driver.
At 11 pm the phone began to ring. Wondering who it was, I answered. It was Tucker McHugh calling to say, “Brian, we are thinking of you and want to wish you a Merry Christmas.” It was a simple and heartfelt message of concern at a much needed time. I thanked Tucker and we hung up.
Tucker was not my best friend and I didn’t see him with any regularity. He was my friend and Seattle Prep classmate. This beautiful act of kindness helped me to not be afraid to seek out somebody who needs some hope at a hard time in their life. I will be forever grateful for Tucker’s call. I’m not sure if Tucker even remembers this five-minute conversation, but I will never forget it.
I’m quite certain no one with whom Brian has shared that story has ever forgotten it.
So in a time when we’re so divided and swimming in a sea of selfishness it’s good to be reminded there have been deep and loving people who have walked amongst us.
Tucker McHugh lived his life as a candle in a time of darkness.
“
Just a thought…
Pat
TO ENJOY THE VIDEO IN TODAY’S POST, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK ABOVE IN YOUR EMAIL, OR click here.
The music selected is in remembrance of the blessing Tucker was to so many.
We shall never forget you, dear friend.