The Rev. John C. "Mr. Tupperware" Gould passed away unexpectedly in his Chicago home Dec. 29, 2010; he was 54 years old.
Famous for his infectious, child-like enthusiasm for life and twisted sense of humor, Gould brought joy into the lives of everyone he metand some whom he didn't even know.
Gould was born Oct. 18, 1956, in Lamar, Mo., to Donaldean (O'Neal) and Edward Gould, who immediately knew they had a big bundle of excessive energy on their hands. At 7 years old, shortly after moving to Galesburg, Ill., John launched the G and J Restaurant, an at-home backyard restaurant featuring an eight-hole mini golf course, tetherball, rock band venue and seasonal ice rink. The five-year venture not only launched John's love of amusement parks, but was also his first in a long line of successful entrepreneurial endeavors. After graduating from Galesburg High School in 1975, where he was heavily involved with the Prairie Players, John earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and economics at Knox College in 1979.
With six years as top salesman and store manager for Pacific Stereo in St. Louis and Chicago, Gould became one of Chicago's top Tupperware salesmen. He quickly shot to fame as "Mr. Tupperware," with features in newspapers, magazines and on television covering an astounding 30-year career with the company. As the photographer for Gab magazine in the mid-'90s, Gould had everyone in Chicago snuggling up to him to get their picture in the publication. Gould also consulted on marketing and group sales with Nuns4Fun Entertainment, producers of Late Nite Catechism, Sunday School Cinema, Saints & Sinners, Mother Superior's Ho-Ho-Holy Night and Put the Nuns in Charge! Gould, who successfully beat HIV for more than 20 years, also loved his volunteer work for non-profit organizations including Stop AIDS Chicago, Vital Bridges and Felines, Inc. A civil-rights activist at heart, Gould was among the first three white men ever allowed into The Generator who didn't work there.
Gould loved life and everything about it, but his biggest passion was roller-coasters. As a dedicated 25-year member of American Coaster Enthusiasts, Gould traveled the globe to ride as many roller coasters as possible. These adventures combined all of Gould's favorite things: good friends, laughter, road trips and the thrill of getting the ultimate ride on every coaster possible.
Gould was well known for his famously twisted sense of humor. From taking a pair of dentures into Berlin and randomly setting them on the bar, to going into Manhole wearing a toupee (or sombrero) with a 1970s leisure suit (in the 1990s and not on Halloween), to making sure you woke up cuddling a prosthetic leg when you passed out on his couch, Gould loved to see others' reactions to his arbitrary antics. If you watch closely, you can spot Gould in the audience during uncountable episodes of Oprah and The Jerry Springer Show. In 2004, Gould acquired his divinity degree from a questionable online school, earning the title of "Reverend"he took great joy in telling people he could legally perform their wedding ceremonies.
Gould was preceded in death by both parents; his feline family members, Roger and Danny; and many good friends. John is survived by his partners-in-adventure Duncan, Cornflake, Baby Girl, Jennifer Peach, Julie Johnson, Alexis "Helen" Berry, Cathy Menendez, Randy "Darcie" Botkin, Jeanne Meldahl, Vicki Quade, Doug Allen Hochstedler, Martina Garza, Matt "Cousin" Dontje, Uncle James O'Neal, and others who will try to remember him the way he wantedwith fun and laughter.
Those wishing to honor Gould may make donations in his name to Vital Bridges and/or Felines, Inc. They are also strongly encouraged to drop a fake eyeball in a stranger's cocktail just to see the reaction.