Robert passed away at home peacefully, with his family by his side on June 28, 2022.
Survived by his eldest daughter Andree Koke-Flanagan (Seamus) of High River Alberta, granddaughter Sommer Kelly (Patrick), great-grandsons Bentley and Brett of Calgary, Alberta. His brother Edward (Teddy) Tucker of Temperance, Michigan, cousins and many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his daughter Roberta Denise Chiasson, mother Lillian Tucker, father William Thomas, sister Doreen Perrier and brothers James Walter Tucker and Thomas Ronald Tucker all from Thunder Bay, Ontario.
His proudest moments in life were; fathering his two daughters, Andree and Roberta. The birth of his granddaughter Sommer and his two great-grandsons Bentley and Brett.
As a youngin’ he collected anything metal, copper or aluminum. He had a keen sense of making money. He worked odd jobs to go to the movies, buy candy and shoot dice.
Robert served in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Army Reserves.
He worked on the Great Lakes from 1958 until his retirement in 1993. From 1952 to 1957 he was a CPR apprentice machinist and went on to become an expert in steam and diesel engines. In his first position he was hired on as a fireman and worked up to chief marine engineer. In the sixties he wrote his 1st, 2nd and 3rd motor ticket classes. He sailed on the S.S. Vandoc, D.C. Everest and was Chief Engineer on the Tiffan and George N. Carlton. His final 10 years were spent as Chief Engineer on the Canadian Coast Guard Nokomis.
Robert was an avid collector. He loved collecting coins, records, stamps etc. He started collecting coins as a little boy and accumulated an impressive portfolio throughout the decades. He was an Elks curler and skip for decades, entering many international Bon Spiels. Robert was a life long Toronto Maple Leafs fan. He loved to sing, cook and write poetry. His favourite poet was Robert Service. And his party piece was reciting The Cremation of Sam Magee any chance he could.
Robert was hooked on the game of snooker at age 8. He went on to play his entire life. He spent endless hours practicing and mentoring others in the sport. His best game happened at 80 years of age… acquiring 137 points. It was a very proud moment of his life.
Among his friends, he was the guy they’d say…”Ask Tucker, he knows”. He loved to challenge anyone with riddles. He was passionate about completing his daily crossword puzzle in the newspaper and never missed a day.
Robert was a B.P.O.E. Elks member since 1970 (over 50 years). He served as Exalted Ruler for the Thunder Bay branch, Pee Wee hockey time keeper, A.N.A.F. member since 1977, blood donor for decades and a lifelong supporter of the Canadian War Amps.
Robert had many treasured friends throughout the years. If you were lucky to be one, you were lucky enough.
Special thanks to Dr. Sarah Facca, Dr. Acedillo, Dr. Amhalhal, Dr. Andrew Migay, NP Aparna Nagar, all the nursing staff, especially Chris Flinders of St. Elizabeth’s and the staff at Northwest Community Care. To the VON, especially Rose for all the support along the way, Dad appreciated you all very much.
Friends wishing to pay their respects and join the family for a Celebration of Life for Robert Tucker, please come to the Army, Navy and Airforce Veterans Club, 610 Simpson Street, on Friday, July 8, 2022 between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Kidney Foundation or the Canadian War Amps.
