Two great newspaper strips — Terry and the Pirates and Steve Canyon — were created, written and drawn by the late Milton Caniff. Mr. Caniff had assistance with the drawing part of the job from men like Dick Rockwell and Ray Bailey…but one of his most valuable aides never put pencil or pen to the illustration board. That was Wilhelmina "Willie" Tuck, who functioned for decades, beginning in 1939, as his office manager, cook, messenger, and all-around protector. Sometimes called "The Sweetheart of Palm Springs" after Caniff moved his home and office there — she was a splendid hostess for all who visited the great cartoonist.
Sad to report, she passed away November 11 at the age of 84. According to Shel Dorf, who worked as Caniff's last letterer, "She was a key member of the Caniff operation, keeping him on deadline, getting his strips to the syndicate. She was crucial to all that and well-loved by anyone who met her."