In loving memory of Gary Charles Tucker
June 18, 1949 – July 19, 2024
Gary Charles Tucker of Encinitas, California died on July 19, 2024, surrounded by his wife and sons.
He fought a multi-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease only as Gary could – with fierce determination and an enduring sense of humor.
He left a hole in the world, but not in the memories of those who knew him.
Gary was born on June 18, 1949, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. His life in the fast lane began early as Gary developed a love of riding motorcycles in his teen years.
He remained a devoted rider throughout his life, enjoying long trips with friends up and down the California coast and an epic solo tour across Canada to Niagara Falls, down to Pennsylvania, through the Rockies and back home.
Gary studied business at Husson University in Maine, which opened the door to his career with The Southland Corporation in Phoenix, Arizona. It was there that he met the love of his life, Dody. Gary’s job brought them to Cardiff in 1977 and California became their forever home. They were married in 1978 and later welcomed two sons: Morgan and Niles.
Gary became the new kid in town in Encinitas when he bought the Moonlight Beach 7-Eleven in 1984 and ran the store until he sold it in 2008.
He was a fixture in the Encinitas business community and advocate for the growth and development of the city’s downtown.
In the last months of his life, Gary’s love of Encinitas, its beauty and community grew even stronger.
He enjoyed the peaceful easy feeling of daily walks to his downtown bank and regular breakfasts at The Encinitas Café, always pausing to take in the ocean view on his way down the hill to the Coast Highway.
You could recognize Gary from a mile away, with his well-groomed silver goatee, black Wayfarer glasses, signature fedora and smirk on his face.
Even when his memories were already gone, Gary never lost his desire to connect with people and make them laugh. You could often find him at the end of his driveway, smiling and laughing with neighbors and passersby. But, more than anything, Gary loved to take it easy at home with his wife and bull terrier Sparky.
Gary left an enduring legacy with his family and community, showing us all what it means to take it to the limit.
He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Irene Tucker of Wilkes-Barre. Gary is survived by his beloved wife Doris “Dody” Tucker of Encinitas, sons Morgan Tucker (Emily Tucker) of San Francisco, and Niles Tucker (Michelle Tucker) of Los Angeles, and grandchildren Phoebe Tucker and Evan Tucker.
Gary will soon join his mother and father at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Wilkes-Barre.
In lieu of flowers, Gary’s family requests that you listen to his favorite band, The Eagles and make a donation in his name to Hospice of the North Coast (https://hospicenorthcoast.org), who cared so well for him in his last days.
