Allan Tucker Kamin

1953 - 2023

When Writer and Creative Strategist, Tuck Kamin, was asked as a child what he wanted to be when he grew up, he said, "I wanted to be Alan Shepard the astronaut, then I wanted to be Sean Connery. But the creative side of life always tugged at my shirt."

Tuck was born to Morris and Carolyn Kamin, in Victoria, Texas on November 18, 1953. He was the youngest of three children, brothers Dan and "Buddy". He moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas where he received his Bachelor of Science in Advertising and raised his family. After almost a decade working in New York City, Tuck returned to Austin to co-create Kamin Kaiser Advertising, and later his firm, Potential Being, with clients that included USAA, Japan Airlines, Liberty Mutual, 3M Visual Systems, Texas Commerce Bank, First State Bank, Dell, Citibank, Sony, Smirnoff Vodka, KFC, Southwest Airlines, Pure Austin, and Whole Foods. His noteworthy awards include The Clio, National Advertising Award, and Film Festival Medal winner Life Communicators Award.

For Tuck, writing poetry was like oxygen, and he was always "writing and writing like mad." A published author and creator of Design Your Age (Charlton Bridge Press) and All My Fathers, featured on NPR. His travels took him to Jakarta and Japan to assist brands in telling their story and share his marketing expertise at public events. Tuck was a long-standing member of Austin Toastmasters, and regularly shared his new projects and ideas over a morning dip at Barton Springs or breakfast at Whole Foods. He wrote, "I'm absolutely positive in some type of afterlife I'll still be creating." He was always seeking adventure.

Tuck passed away on November 16, 2023, two days before his 70th birthday with his devoted wife, Cat, by his side. He adored his three daughters, Calder, Tilly, and Blythe, his son-in-law, Nam, and his grandson Nathan. He loved his stepson, Michael, and stepdaughter, Sarah, her husband Cameron, and their daughter Emily as if they were his own. A true visionary, Tuck Kamin was a compassionate friend and exemplified the importance of giving back to those in need and appreciating their creative passion.

A memorial service and celebration of life have yet to be determined. Memorial contributions may be sent to the YMCA of Central Texas. Tuck was a Friends of Barton Springs Polar Bear Club member. Please join us as we take a jump into The Springs in Tuck's memory at 9:45 AM on January 1.