Chauncy Rucker

From  Jason–

My father, Chauncy Rucker, taught me to sail when I was little. He was very big, and we had a small sloop which he loved sailing. I came to love it too.

My dad passed away earlier this week. He didn’t just teach me to sail of course. He taught me by example how to be a father and a husband and a loving man in the world. He was exceptionally good at all those things.

I’m looking forward to joining my mom and brother in Connecticut in a couple weeks. Right now, it’s good to be remembering Chauncy here in Taha’a with Caitlin, Alma and Arlo. Yesterday, walking a few hours way up over the ridge from Haamene Bay to Patio, we looked through the dense green over the bay where Debonair lay at anchor, and on out over the aqua reef to the ocean.

The view from the ridge
Taha’a, Society Islands

Looking out from that high vantage point I felt lucky. It’s a feeling I’ve had a lot these days—the good luck to be here, the great good luck of my mom and dad loving and supporting me all my life, and the continuation of that good luck in having Caitlin and these kids loving me here now.

When my father first pushed me off to sail on Mansfield Hollow by myself, I felt independent for the first time I remember. Parents have to push their children toward independence, while at the same time supporting us with a constancy of love. I’ve found it can be a hard balance to achieve, and my mom and dad nailed it. Pushing off on this voyage, I carry that great love with me. I know how lucky I am to be Chauncy Rucker’s son.

32 thoughts on “Chauncy Rucker”

  2. … and, indeed, you are lucky! I will miss your dad and his silly antics. I was happy to be with him frequently in these past two years. Your parents’ love for one another was evident right up to the very end. Your mom has been a model caregiver and, now, it is time for her to take care of Nancy! I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks and send my love to your family.

  3. Jason – I remember meeting your Dad and Mom in NYC at your brother’s place. Remember Jesse bequeathed his wooden tricycle to Arlo? I was so struck by your wonderful parents’ presence – especially how much you guys all loved and respected one another and the positive vibe in your family. That was a fun get-together! Jesse and I are sending big hugs to you, Caitlin, Arlo, Alma, your Mom and brother. I’m sure Chauncey is glad to know that you guys are following your dreams fully and with open hearts! xxxxxxx Carol and Jesse

  4. Jason and the whole family – We are sending you love and our best thoughts in remembrance of Chauncy. He was always so full of life, fun, and adventure. An interesting and interested person who knew lots, but always wanted to learn more. He was so proud of you and Caitlin and his grandchildren, Arlo and Alma. He was so proud of your adventure and all that you had been able to accomplish. We are glad you’ll be able to be with your mother and Chris, but that will be quite a “hop, skip, and jump” from the Society Islands. Hope you have found a good anchorage for CJ and the kids while you are gone. We’ve been anxious about the impact of the hurricanes around Hawaii and the typhoon off the Philippines. Hopefully, calm waters and good anchorage while you are away.
    Lots of love to you, Chris, and Nancy.
    Susan, Fred, and the rest of the Zollers

  5. Sorry to hear about your dad. I remember meeting him when we were in high school. He sure did a good job raising his sons.

  6. So very glad to receive an email and so sorry for the reason for writing it. Best wishes Jason. I’m sorry for your loss. He sounds like a very special person.

  7. To the whole Rucker family: Our deepest regrets for the loss of this good man. We met at The Wooden Boat School in Brooklin ,ME and were friends ever since. Chauncy has crossed the bar, smooth sailing my friend.George and Judy Weinbrenner

  8. Jason and family,

    Bet your dad is so proud what you and your family are doing.
    Remember all the good times you had sailing with your dad.

  9. Jason and family – I’m so sorry to hear that Chauncy has passed. I only met him two or three times on Alma and I remember him fondly, a super character. Please forward my condolences to the rest of your family.

    You and your family are having a great adventure. Phyllis and I look forward hearing about your experiences, love reading the communications from your exceptional kids (and wife). We look forward to seeing you again when your trip of a lifetime is over.

    Cheers

  11. It is so tough losing a parent but you are so right that we carry their love and light through our whole life. You are blessed. Thinking of you and the family.

    Kaye

  12. Jason, Caitlin, Arlo and Alma,
    So very sorry to hear about Chauncy. Reaching across thousands of miles to give you all big hugs and kisses. I had the pleasure of meeting Chauncy a few times over the years and know what wonderful parents he and Nancy have been. Nancy-if you are reading this, we are sending you our sympathy during this tough time. May you all be comforted by the many wonderful memories. Please know the Ruport family are keeping you all in our prayers. We love you.

    1. Thanks Andrea & company. We’re all glad to be together again on Debonair in Papeete. It’s hard to think of how close to the end of our year we are, but we’re really looking forward to seeing you guys again. Jason

  14. Dear Jason,
    What a beautiful tribute to your dad. You are the living proof of what a good man he was. I wish we had a chance to meet him. Sending you, Caitlin, Arlo & Alma and your mom our warmest thoughts. Wishes for more beautiful sailing to the 4 of you, and a beautiful voyage to you Chauncy Rucker.

    Chaleureusement,
    Ingrid, Phil and Lee-John

  15. We sons lament the passing of our parents. I so wished I could have kept my Dad as my friend to ask him the questions that come up most days. However, I can only smile and remember those days when he would answer! Still asking, just not hearing the answer. My best to you Jason and the whole family. Love, Harald

  16. We all send our heartfelt condolences to all of you on the loss of your dad. His love and kindness shows in you,Jason! Hold on to those great memories of him. He lives on in your heart! Love Cindy and family.

  17. Beautiful picture of you and your Dad, Jason
    Your words of your Dad and your family are so well written too, sending our love and hugs, Dennis and Tammy

  18. Jason,
    So sorry to hear about your dad passing, his love will always be with you.
    Lots of hugs and love to you and your family.
    -Ali and CJ

  21. A beautifully written tribute to your father. My condolences , he will be with you forever. You and Caitlin continue what he, your mom taught you by being the best parents your children could wish for.

  22. So sorry to hear about your loss, Jason. Such a beautiful tribute that you wrote about him. Condolences to your whole family. ~Sue

  23. So sorry to hear about dad’s and grandfather passing. Never had the pleasure of meeting him, but do know you Jason and you must be “a chip off of the old block!”

  24. Jason;
    So sorry for the loss of your father. Surely one of the hardest challenges we encounter in life. Thank you for your words. Boy, you really know how to get me all teared up! Love you, Cap.

  25. Fathers can be like the rocks and wind to their sailor sons. Rocks can be a bit overwhelming when encountered in a storm but hold an anchor to keep you safe. The wind he provides to your back can take you off a dangerous lee shore.
    Thinking about you,
    Ted Lyman

  26. Hi Jason,
    So sorry to hear about your Dad. Glad you have such wonderful memories and your loved ones around you at this time.

    Kira

  27. With Deepest Sympathy we’re very sorry for your loss but heartened by your memories of your father.

  28. A 45-year friendship, filled with special memories and laughter, for which we are most grateful. How fortunate the McCarthy Family was to have moved into Rockridge, with the Rucker Family as neighbors! Your Dad will be dearly missed, but will always be remembered with a smile, for the happiness he brought to our lives. Much love to all.
    Walt and Elaine

  29. Hello Ruckers! We miss you lots. We love reading your blogs and wish we were there with you. Alameda and the taquerias here miss you too. Gavin is rowing with the OAKLAND strokes, Cohen is climbing and working hard at O’Dowd, Ruby is taking Karate, Rex is playing trumpet, Andrea is playing tennis and Matt is dreaming of BBQs on San Jose St and burritos at Crown Beach. We share your pain Jason but know Chauncey is in a better place. You inspire us! Can’t wait to see you all!

  30. Jason – What a wonderful remembrance of your dad! He will always hold a special place in our hearts. It was wonderful ‘meeting’ you again at his memorial service, as 3rd cousins (or whatever we are to each other!) tend to do. Having your mom check in on Emily during her tenure at UConn is so appreciated and I know she appreciates the cookies. Now that I have found your site, I will continue to check in as this sailing is a bit foreign to this Illinois girl!

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