John William Lucas McCue

July 5, 1941-July 24, 2017

John William Lucas McCue of Albany, California died at home surrounded by his family on July 24 after a yearlong battle with mesothelioma. He was born on July 5, 1941 in Springfield, Missouri to George Robert McCue and Pearl Lucas McCue. He grew up in Maplewood and Kirkwood, Missouri where he attended Kirkwood High School. After serving in the Navy for four years he attended San Francisco City College, San Francisco State University, and San Jose State University where he received his MA degree in media technology.

This was to be the backbone of his career at California State University in Hayward, but was only a part of the skill set he drew upon in the creative life he enjoyed. He was a Renaissance man. He loved to take an old neglected space and make it beautiful, so he rebuilt and renovated many a house as well as rooms at the Buddhist Temple of Alameda where he was an active member on the board. He spent free time painting, sketching, writing poetry and short stories, and writing and playing music. He spent countless hours making videos for friends and relatives without asking for anything in return. His documentary, “Our Second Home” was his final masterpiece. He taught ballroom dance for over 20 years patiently encouraging beginning dancers. John always used his talents to give and support those around him, sharing his vast knowledge wherever it was needed. He was loved by many of us in his lifetime because of his giving nature.

John is survived by his wife and soul mate of almost 10 years, Amy Tomine; his son Derek Havel, Derek’s wife, Bayarmaa and their two sons Christian and Tristan; his daughter Noelle Dexter; his sister Mary Pat Holmes; his brother Allen Kevin McCue; his sister Elizabeth Lucas McCue; and his last remaining aunt Virginia Hutchinson who turned 99 the day after John’s death.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents as well as his brother Thomas Somerville McCue.

A memorial service will be held at the Buddhist Temple of Alameda, 2325 Pacific Ave., Alameda, at 2 pm on Sunday, August 13.