G. Donald Kucera's Obituary
G Donald Kucera died on June 17, 2022, in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 89.
Helga Teiwes, partner and good friend of Don's for 27 years, traveled together to many locations in the North America and Europe. Both loving nature, arts and culture.
Don participated in many organizations over the years. He has received numerous recognitions for his involvement and accomplishments. Working with the Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society, AAHS, An Affiliate of the Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona; Audubon Society; Sierra Club; Arizona State Parks; a VIP with the National Parks Services; the Amerind Foundation; Arizona Native Plants Society; the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; Tucson Presidio Trust for Historic Preservation, involved with the La Gente del Presidio (Spanish Colonial Living History Program at the Tucson Art Museum and Historic Block); a member of the Governors Archaeological Advisory Commission; The Nature Conservatory; Mearns Wildlife Society; CEDO; and extensively with the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail and Anza Expedition.
In the 1970's he authored a column in the Tucson Daily Citizen - Perspective. Previously working with Bendix and Northup, including the Snark Missile Project, Don retired with a long career coating lens/mirrors for a variety of telescopes in the Optical department of NOAO, Kitt Peak in Tucson. One of the many tasks at NOAO was working on the Voyager Project. Voyager 1 is currently in the constellation of Ophiucus.
Some of Don's other interests included leather working, stained glass, bead work, jewelry crafting, photography, radio, rockets, carving (wooden spoons, tools & fetishes, etc.), pen & ink drawing, painting, hiking, and camping. He loved the Hawaiian Islands, sailing, and cooking. His pleasure in music was extensive; folk music, Zydeco, Mexican Wahlla, mariachi, native music in the Americas and Europe. He had a collection of musical instruments, ocarina, kilembe, maracas, accordion, shekere, native hand drums and others.
Don's family: mother, Elsie Kucera; father, George Kucera; two brothers, Philip Kucera (wife Judy Kucera), Jimmy Kucera, (wife Bobbi Kucera); Don had three children with his former wife, Florence Hansen; Deborah Kucera-Scott, Marie Liddle and Heidi Bohlin; Grandchildren, Jeremy Kucera, Ryan Liddle, Melissa Liddle, James Bohlin, and Jonathan Bohlin; several Great-Grandchildren, nieces and a nephew.
Don's death was predeceased by George Kucera (1965), Elise Kucera (1981), Marie Liddle (2014), and Jimmy Kucera (2019)
"From the North to the South, Ebudæ into Khartoum
From the deep sea of Clouds to the island of the moon
Carry me on the waves to the lands I've never been
Carry me on the waves to the lands I've never seen
We can sail, we can sail with the Orinoco Flow
We can sail, we can sail
(Sail away, sail away, sail away)"
Enya - Orinoco Flow
lyrics by Roma Ryan
1988 EMI Music Publishing Ltd
Don requested not to have a funeral or memorial service. A commencement gathering will be held at a future date, for family, friends and colleagues. Those who would like to attend please contact, Debbie Kucera-Scott at [email protected] or Heidi Bohlin at [email protected]
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