Obituary: Donald R. Tuohy

Donald R. Tuohy passed away at his home on August 10, 2012 surrounded by his family. He was born in San Francisco CA to John Edward Tuohy and Gladys Ayersman on February 15, 1926. He is survived by his wife, Lila W. Tuohy; son, Terence R. Tuohy of Carson City; daughters, Tanya M. Emmart (Scott) of Boise, ID and Jennifer A. Choy (Quint) of Redding CA. He was a grandfather to six grandchildren: Theresa Tuohy, Tristan Tuohy, Alex Emmart, Rachael Emmart, Jaeden Choy and Sarrie Choy.

He served in the Army Air Corp during WWII as a tail gunner on a B-24 bomber. A mid-air collision with another plane flying in formation during a training mission in Pueblo, CO caused the crew to speedily exit the doomed plane when the captain was able to stabilize the plane for a few moments. This earned him membership in the Caterpillar Club as well as other military honors.

After the war, Donald attended San Francisco State College where he earned his BA degree and his MA at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. His education did not stop there as he continued his studies for his Doctorate degree.

In 1999, after 40 years of digging into Nevada's past, he retired from the Nevada State Museum. His career in archaeology covered several states from Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Colorado, Hawaii, Mexico and Baja California. His greatest love was Great Basin Archaeology and he published many papers on the subject.

He was an active member in the Sagebrush Studebaker Drivers Club and participated in many caravan road trips with the group. At one time he was the proud owner of five Studebakers and drove them all.

Camping with his children in his Volkswagen bus was enjoyable and adventurous as they headed out down the coast of California into Mexico. Saturday chores were always rewarded with ice cream.

We are going to miss story nights at the dinner table, spontaneous songs and his exceptional sense of humor. We love you and miss you.

Services will be held Friday, August 17th at 1:00pm, Walton's Chapel of the Valley 1281 N. Roop Street, Carson City. 775-882-4965