Farewell to a Friend & More Culebra Photos

Friend to many, two and four legged on Culebra, Tuck Meacham passed away in Florida recently. Tuck's life could have made a blockbuster adventure movie, but he just wasn't that kind of guy. From travels hither and yon, getting airborne a variety of ways, to winter and water sports of all kinds, to cuddling creatures who found themselves lucky enough to end up near him, there really isn't any way to label him, no handy niche to fit him into. Gruff and sweet, tough and gentle, he was just Tuck, and our world will be a less interesting place without him in it. 

This family written obituary tells just some of the details. You might find out a few things you didn't know, or maybe be inspired to up your own life game. 

Thomas Owen Meacham Jr. born October 16, 1939 in Plainfield NJ, died June 25, 2017 at the age of 77 at Hospice House of Citrus County, Lecanto, Florida.  He was surrounded by his wife, Susan Ventura and siblings Margaret Meacham Smith and her husband Karl, Eugene Meacham, Sheila Meacham Dunn and Michael Meacham.  Dozens of nephews, nieces and cousins living across the United States and in Europe survive him as does Tom’s countless friends and partners.  Family members who predeceased Tom are his parents Thomas Owen and Margaret Rossi Meacham and brother Sean (Nip).  

Tuck, Tucker or Tom, all names by which he was known, was a communicant of the Catholic Church.  He grew up at Sycamore Farm in Shrewsbury, NJ.  He attended school in Red Bank, NJ; graduated Delbarton High School in Morristown, N.J. and after receiving his BS at Villanova University, worked for the specialist firm Walters Peck on the New York Stock Exchange.   He left Wall Street to follow his heart and entrepreneurial drive to develop property in the Caribbean, Virgin Islands and Central America that included Ship Wreck Landing, Coral Bay, St. John, USVI; Honeymoon Beach Restaurant and Bar, Water Island, USVI; Posada La Hamaca Guest House, Culebra, Puerto Rico; and an extensive land development in Costa Rica. 

Tom held a special love for animals and was instrumental in the creation of an animal rescue service in Culebra which saw hundreds of rescued dogs and cats into good responsible homes. 

The greatest thrill and joy throughout Tom’s life were the numerous aeronautic activities in which he engaged: Hang gliding, paragliding, skydiving and parachuting.  He attained expertise in the practice of his many passions that included fly-fishing, springboard diving, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and skiing. Tom traveled extensively throughout the United States that included a year long journey through Alaska and Canada.

Easily shortlisted for ‘The World’s Most Interesting Man’, Tom was kind and absurdly generous, bound only by his rules, funny and stern, fierce, loyal, and brave; like a lion or a knight.  Husband, brother, friend, benefactor, adventurer, storyteller, inventor, entrepreneur.  Family and friends valued his life and mourn the loss.  Service celebrating Tom’s life to be announced. 

Those wishing to honor Tom in a way that will continuously give, may choose one of the organizations that help so many:

Hospice of Citrus and Nature Coast,

PO Box 641270, Beverley Hills, FL 34464 (hospiceofcitrus.org)

Friends of Culebra Animals, Inc.,

P.O. Box 527, Culebra, PR 00775 (http://www.friendsofculebraanimals.org) 

We'll miss you, Tuck. And love you, Sue.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Most of these photos are pretty recent. A few are ones I just really like that I haven't seen for awhile. Maybe you will like them too.

So many of the flowering trees are going crazy with blooms this year. 

Every year, these yolas and their forms go deeper into the bush.
I don't know their story, but I'd like to know.

The mangoes are almost all gone around the island.
It was a bumper crop year.

Just a couple of birds having a sundowner chat

Full moon tomorrow night!

Another view of another view

I can get drunk on the colors of blossoms

Ornamental pineapple

 And now the oldies.

Sometimes I really regret that I forgot to be a geologist.
And sometimes, the mystery is the best part.

Can you count how many rocks of ages are in this photo?

Trying to catch a wave

What in the world is there that ultimately really matters? Our family and the friends who make up our family, the momentary beauty that surrounds us, caring about creatures great and small. Stripped away from our electronics, politics, titles or lack of same, we're all on this ride together for some pretty simple reasons. Okay, back to your regularly scheduled programming!

Have a see the sights Saturday. Do something a little smart ass. For Tuck.