Henry McGuckin Jr.

1930 - 2016

Henry E. McGuckin, Jr.

1930-2016

Henry "Hank" McGuckin, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 17, 2016, with his devoted wife of 63 years, Jacqueline "Jackie" McGuckin, at his side. Hank was born into a family of labor organizers in Lolita, CA on Jan. 10, 1930, and grew up in Oakland, CA. He was drafted during the Korean War, but through an army error deployed to La Rochelle, France, where he met Jackie, a French clerk for the American army. Returning to the States, Hank was soon joined by Jackie, and they married in 1953. Their daughter Nadia was born in 1955, and their son Eric in 1958. Hank earned a Doctorate at Stanford University while also pursuing a career as a singer. He was selected for the Merola program of the San Francisco Opera in 1959, and soon earned small solo roles. A committed husband and father, he ultimately chose the academic path in order to spend more time with his young family, and taught Speech Communications at San Francisco State University for 33 years. He and his family lived in San Bruno, CA, and traveled widely in the United States and abroad. During this time Hank developed Type I diabetes, from which he suffered for the remainder of his life. During the tumultuous 1960's, he continued the activism of his family in the anti-war movement and the San Francisco State strike of 1969. He also edited and wrote the forward for his father's book, Memoirs of a Wobbly, an account of organizing for the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). In the 1970's and 1980's Hank preformed many professional roles and lead parts in numerous musicals, particularly at Woodminster Amphitheater in the Oakland hills. After his retirement, he and his wife moved to Santa Rosa where he taught and advised online for the New School in New York City, became an accomplished gourmet cook, and was an avid runner. Despite decades of diabetes, to the amazement of his doctors, Hank spent several months each year skiing at Tahoe, generously hosting family and friends into his 80's. At long last, the ravages of this illness finally limited his activities, and he died painlessly at home with Jackie at his side. He is survived by his loving wife Jacqueline McGuckin, his adored children Nadia and Eric McGuckin, and his grandchildren Justin Storer and Iris McGuckin. A celebration of life will be announced in coming months; for further details, contact mcguckin@sonoma.edu. Those wishing to mark his memory are encouraged to donate in his name to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).