Joe Tupin
Joe Tupin died September 8, 2024 in Davis, California.
In the words of the great Willy Nelson, Joe was a “walking contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction.” His tales of growing up in Comanche, Texas, were legend and ranged from working at his dad’s gas station, to an unfortunate incident involving chewing tobacco and roller-skating, to the Boy Scout Jamboree. His potential was recognized early in life when the local newspaper featured an article about Joe’s Spanish class presentation entitled “The Past, Present, and Future of the Toothpick.”
Highlights of his days at the University of Texas, Austin, include being selected as the “Best Boy” by the Fathers’ Club; staging a fake raid of the local brothel compelling clients to escape by leaping out the windows; getting “promoted” to flag bearer instead of clarinet player in the university band; and meeting his future wife, Betty Thompson.
After completing his undergraduate degree at UT Austin, Joe pursued a medical degree at UT Galveston followed by training in psychiatry at UCSF and the National Institute of Health.
Dr. Tupin began his first faculty job at UC Davis in 1969 excited to be at “a new school with new ideas,” and eager to update the medical school curriculum. He went on to become the Director of Research in the Department of Psychiatry, and later, he became Assistant Dean and Associate Dean in the School of Medicine. He accomplished groundbreaking research on the beneficial effects of lithium and succeeded in getting the first FDA approval for its use. In 1975, Dr. Tupin rose to become Chair of the Psychiatry Department, and later parlayed his skills into becoming Chair of the Quality of Care Committee and Medical Director for the UC Davis hospital, a role he would retain until his retirement in 1992.
In a lifetime of accomplishments, one of Joe’s proudest moments was when he was conferred a named professorship by UC Davis Health. He felt that all of his hard work was recognized and rewarded. As he said many times, “I may not be the smartest, but I work the hardest.”
Joe was bright, serious and a “go-getter,” but he was also charming, funny, patient and willing to be silly. Several Davis residents remember seeing him “fishing” with son John in the local drainage ditch on Covell. And many witnesses will attest to his ten-minute, interactive conversation at daughter Rebecca’s sorority house that consisted of only two words: “Oh” and “Wow.” When son Paul cut holes in the doors of Joe’s Mercedes for new speakers, Joe focused on the improved sound system, not the destruction.
Joe had two great loves in his lifetime: Betty Thompson and Ruth Kinsella. He and Betty were married for 53 years, raised three children, and shared many adventures together. Ruth was his constant companion over the last seven years of his life.
In addition to UC Davis Health, Joe was an avid supporter of the Aggie Football team, the Mondavi Center and the Davis Democrats. Until his death, Joe enjoyed good company, fine wine, and music well-played. He is survived by Ruth; children Paul, Rebecca and John; and grandchildren Heather, Andrew, Maddie, Emma, Ashley, Faith and Hailey.
Mary Martha Hewes Tupper
Mary Martha Hewes Tupper, born October 30, 1921, died peacefully July 14, 2024.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she grew up there, and in San Diego and Colorado. She attended San Diego State, joined the Alpha Phi Sorority and met the love of her life, C. John Tupper. She worked at Consolidated Aircraft Corporation for money for school, supporting the WWII war effort with drawings of the B-24 bomber. Mary and John married in 1942 and moved for John to attend medical school at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. Mary supported them by working as a draftsman at HDR Engineering. In the late 1940s they moved to University of Michigan for John’s internship, residency, and employment. Daughter Libby and son John were born there.
In 1966 came the move to University of California, Davis for John to found the School of Medicine. Mary’s parents, John’s mother, and John’s sister Grace Blossom (Licursi) and family lived in Sacramento, creating a strong circle of family. Mary was active in the local art scene, helped found the Davis Pence Gallery, and became a docent and board member for the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento. She continued to paint in her own studio, and collected works of local artists. She had personal friendships with well-known artists Wayne Thiebaud, Gregory Kondos, and Larry Welden, to name a few.
Meanwhile, John’s medical career included his participation in the California Medical Association and American Medical Association, serving as president of both organizations. He traveled the world as their representative, with Mary by his side.
John Tupper passed away suddenly in 1998. Heartbroken, but resilient and independent, Mary had many friendships at El Macero, Niners Golf, bridge groups, dinner and luncheon get-togethers. She was active tending her garden. She lived independently in her home until shortly after her 100th birthday. A broken hip in 2021 led to a move into a lovely apartment at the University Retirement Community. She developed deep friendships with many people there.
Mary is survived by daughter Libby and son-in-law Tom Smith, son John and daughter-in-law Heather, grandchildren Stephenie Carlson (Dennis), Lucas Taber (Jobie), Lena Tupper Orello (Ray), Francie Tupper, and Auggie Tupper. Step-grandchildren Kris (Franca), Jenny, and Jason (Shannon) Smith were welcomed in and much beloved by her. Great-grandchildren include Cassie, Sweden, and Finn Carlson; Sydney, Mallory, and Nate Taber, Stella, Leo, Dylan, Wyatt, and Maddy Smith.
The family planned a private graveside service and a celebration of life luncheon. Donations are welcomed in lieu of flowers to the University Retirement Community Employee Scholarship Fund (assists staff members who wish to further their education) or to the UC Davis Geriatrics Program Fund. Checks for University Retirement Scholarship can be made out to URC, with a note that it is for the Scholarship Fund and mailed to 1515 Shasta Dr., Davis CA 95616. For UC Davis, payable to UC Davis Foundation, noting “UC Davis Geriatrics in memory of Mary H Tupper,” and mailed to: Health Sciences, P.O. Box 160186, Sacramento, CA 95816.
Excerpted from Sacramento Bee
