A LA DOUCE MÉMOIRE DE David R. Tucker
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of David after a courageous and valiant battle with small cell lung cancer. Dave passed away peacefully at home, in his “great room”, on March 4th, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. He was 75 years old.
Born in Ottawa, he was the spirited son of the late William J. Tucker and the late Irene Broom. He was the much loved husband of Marie (née Groulx) for over 52 years and the loving father of James (Donna Yost-Carr), Christina (Jason Burke), and Lisa (Philippe Duford). He was the amazing “Papa Dave” to Leia, Tucker, Maya, Brody, Autumn, Sophie and Elliott.
David will be missed by his siblings Wayne (the late Mary), Brenda Watts (Al) and Cynthia (Harry Kern). He was immediately embraced by his in-laws, Lise Daley (the late Al), Monique Poulin (the late Claude), Jean-Pierre Groulx (Diane) and Françoise Gray (Ken). David also leaves behind many wonderful nephews and nieces, and a Rolodex full of friends.
A retired staff sergeant of the U.S. Marine Corps, a young David began his career in the innovative world of computing. In 1986, David started his own company – Secure Technologies International to which he devoted over 30 years of hard work.
Described as a one of a kind and larger than life personality, David was a great man with a real zest for life. A legend in the true sense of the word. Always quick with a one-liner, he was a charismatic and generous guy with the biggest of hearts. Although he had travelled all over the world, Dave was at his happiest with a glass of red wine, good food, and in the company of family and close friends. In the end, Dave would proudly say that he had had a great life.
Now we just have to live life the way that he would want us to: work hard, play hard, dream big, be a great friend and hold your family close.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Scott Laurie and his wonderful team at the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, as well as Adam, his “wheelchair guy”.
We are also extremely grateful for the compassionate care given by the Soins Palliatifs Orléans: Dr. D. Vincent, Dr. M. Rioux and Dr. C. Machan.
To David’s very special angels who cared for him during his final days with such grace and compassion: Judi P., Colleen B. and Vicki D., there are truly no words that can convey our eternal gratitude.
The family will receive relatives and friends at Heritage Funeral Complex, 1250 Trim Rd., Orleans, on Thursday, March 10th, 2022 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Friday, March 11th, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held in the Heritage Chapel on Friday, March 11th, 2022 at 11 a.m.
The ceremony may be viewed live or on replay by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0KcTf7DLI0
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation or to the Ottawa Mission would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be shared at: www.heritagefh.ca
We are so sorry for your loss Marie and family. David was always a close friend and will be truly missed by us all. We shared many great times over many years. He truly was a one of a kind a lot of great laughs and stories over a glass of wine. There are so many great memories. Here’s to you Dave you will never be forgotten.
In life we sometimes encounter a friend who is special and unique. Dave Tucker was one of those people to me. Always upbeat, always with a story and always kind. I hadn’t seen Dave in many years yet when I phoned him a few weeks back we talked as though we were never apart. Truly the sign of a good friend. I will never forget you old friend!!
We remember Dave as very friendly, outgoing, and generous. Our time together came during our years with Gloucester Ringette and we cherish those memories. It was lovely surprise to meet up with Dave and Marie while on a Caribbean cruise. Our sincere condolences to Marie and the family.
Randy and Deen Dudding
Still in Mexico I was really looking forward to catching up with Dave. Now I’ll just have to wait until it’s my turn. He was a real friend, one of the guys and great family man all rolled into one. I will miss lunch at the Tratorria, I will miss his wit and I will miss the kind person he was. Dave rest in peace.
Our condolences to Marie and the family on the loss of Dave. We remember many good times with Dave and will raise a glass of red to his memory. I gentleman who will be missed by many.
Marie, Jamie, Christina, Lisa & families
I am so sorry for your loss and would like to offer condolences to you on the passing of Dave. Our children played sports together throughout the 80’s and well into the 90’s and I have such fond memories of the time we spent together. Dave was a wonderful friend, always with a story and a laugh………..I can hear him now.
Prayers and thoughts for you at this difficult time.
I had the honour of knowing Dave as a devoted family man and grandpa who was always on the sidelines, in the audience and supporting from the stands. My sincerest condolences to a wonderful family xo
To the Tucker Family. Big Dave was loved by the Connolly family. So many great memories of your Dad. He had the biggest heart and was always so kind and welcoming. He made you feel like one of his own children when you were there.
Praying for tour family in this sad time, fill your hearts with his booming voice and huge smile!
Sending Condolences.
Jodi
Kathleen and I first met Dave and Marie in 1978 and quickly developed a life long friendship that still endures. Dave has always been one of my very dearest and best friends. Even when distance separated us because of work we always maintained contact and when we got together again it was like we had never been apart. Dave always lived life to the fullest and was such a fun guy to be around. We have shared so many drinks and good bottles of wine and great dinners over the years and we will always cherish those memories. It was such a sad day when he phoned me to share his medical diagnosis. He told me he was not going down without a fight and that has been the case. We last saw Dave in September when we visited Ottawa and were treated to dinner by Dave and Marie along with our other close friends. Dave and I maintained telephone contact until his final days and he never once indicated « poor me ». He accepted his fate the way he lived his life. That’s Dave. Rest in peace my friend.
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Oh Marie this is awful. For last 3 months I text him and phoned him with no answer. We have been struggling with barb having an uncurable cancer. This morning I just got my hip replaced so in bed for at least a few weeks. I will follow his ceremony online. This is heart braking. He was a close but far away friend. Ohh I will mis him
RIP Dave; I remember your smile, your constant glee at life, your dogged chasing of leads and opportunities, your fondness of being around your friends and associates at ISM and your obvious delight in sharing a laugh,
It’s with great sadness that Karen, Dot and I learned of Dave’s passing. He was my first boss back in 1980 at Canada Systems Group (CSG). Dave was a natural salesman and I learned so much from him. He drove his sales team hard but was always fun to be around and always had our backs. Despite living miles apart over the last thirty years Dave and I always stayed in touch. He was a true friend. Our condolences go out to Marie and the entire Tucker family. We have lost a kind, generous soul with a big heart and an even bigger personality. Rest In Peace big Dave.
Chère Marie et les enfants,
Sincères condoléances à vous tous! Mes prières sont pour vous dans un moment si difficile.
Marcelle Duford
I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing. My deepest sympathies on your family’s loss.
I worked with David many years ago at Canada Systems Group (CSG) and have many fond memories of him.
We knew Dave very briefly but he and Marie were wonderful folks. We enjoyed their company on a Rhine River cruise and we also met with them at their southern home in Florida. Dave was a kind soul and very thoughtful. Marie was just as lovely as ever. We will miss Dave very much and our prayers and condolences go out to their entire family. We love you Marie!!!
Jim and Elizabeth Brink
Will truly miss you Dave, my deepest condolences to Marie and family
My sincere condolences to Marie and the family.
Dave was such a giving man.
I will miss his humor and great conversations.
Rest in peace my friend.
It was very sad to hear of Dave’s passing. I have always been grateful for Dave’s guidance and encouragement when he convinced me to take a sales role within the Ottawa office of Canada Systems Group. David guided me through my first few sales ‘deals’ that ultimately changed my entire career track. He was a great guy, with tremendous energy and a real salesman’s salesman.
Marie and family, our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time…
Another angel in the family…
Marie I’m so sorry to to hear that Dave passet away Estelle and I are saden with this news please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family OUR prayers are with you and your family Estelle and Herbie
Marie and family – Gigi and I are very sad for your loss. I met Dave when I started working at HETRA in 1994. He was a great mentor and friend, providing advice and counsel as I moved up thru management. He was bigger than life and treated me like family. We stayed in touch after I left and was always willing respond to my calls or emails. He will definitely be missed. Our prayers to Marie and the Tucker family.
We are sorry for your loss. David was such a great person, He will live on in our memories forever. Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope.
Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Our heartfelt condolences.
I feel blessed to have had a wonderful relationship with Dave both professionally and personally. Over the past year I have had a few calls with Dave and his attitude was always so encouraging. As I learned this week, the “Big Guy” is now at rest. My deepest condolences to his entire family…and thank you Dave for many wonderful memories.
We were deeply saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. We have known him here at Trattoria Caffe Italia for over thirty years. So many memories of the Thursday lunch crowd. Dave had so many stories and was a pleasure to know. He had such a big heart. Our deepest condolences to the Tucker family. He was a special person and will be remembered. RIP Dave. From Pat and Dominic Carrozza, Connie Bellissimo, and the Trattoria Caffe Italia staff.
Dear Marie, James, Christina, Lisa and family,
My sincere condolences to everyone. I remember (during my university years) Dave and Marie taking good care of me during out-of-town ringette tournaments – paying for meals and hotel rooms – I’ve never forgotten that and truly appreciated their generosity and kindness. I am very sorry for your loss. RIP Dave.
Chris ❤
Marie and family,
Our sincere condolences in the passing of Dave. We have many good memories from our days of hanging around the hockey rinks. May your memories give you peace in the future.
Rick & Ellen Atwill
It is with a heavy heart that I receive this message of David’s passing. I always felt uplifted with David’s visit every winter here in Florida! I will pass on this message to our Chaplain and as a personal friend and representative of the Marine Corp League Detachment #1058 in Pompano Beach Florida, which David was a member we will send this sad news ahead! “For the Gates of Heaven are Guarded by United States Marines” and this loyal Senior Non Commissioned Officer of our beloved Marine Corps will be welcomed!!
David, Semper Fidelis and God’s speed!
I am so sorry for your loss. Dave was a like a second father to Danick and I.
I am so sorry for your loss. Dave was a second father to Dan and I.
Dave was like a second father to both of us. Big heart he had. We are very sorry for your lost.
Marie and family, our most sincere condolences. We wish all the necessary courage needed to overcome your grief. You are in our prayers.
My heartfelt condolences to all of Dave’s family on his passing. I was lucky to know Dave during a critical time in my life when I was figuring things out. He asked good and important questions – he was an astute observer who cared genuinely about the well-being of others. I will remember his mentorship for the rest of my days. May he rest in peace..
After an early retirement from a large hi-teck company;
I was fortunate enough to meet Dave through K.K. a mutual friend.
With many common Ottawa South aquaintenances and a working
relationship with his brother Wayne, Dave on a hunch (as was his nature)
offered me a position with his family firm Secure Technologies Inc..
Working alongside his beautiful,dedicated and competent hockey playing daughters
Christine and Lisa and with a friendly and efficient office staff and seasoned technicians
I enjoyed several rewarding and often advenurous years of employment.
Many thanks to the entire Tucker family and organization for this rewarding opportunity.
My heartfelt condolences to Dave’s family and employees at Secure Technologies
on the loss of this personal and inspirational leader.
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Marie: Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to you and your wonderful family during this difficult time. Stay strong!
George & Dorothy Spracklin
Dave and I spent many happy days at the rinks when our son and Jamie played together. I did not know Dave was ill and very surprised to know. Our special condolences to Marie and the family for a tremendous loss. There aren’t many folks like Dave-big heart and always willing to help. Rest in peace young fella, you will be forever remembered.
Dear Marie and family. It was with deep sadness that we heard of Dave’s passing. Many years ago Dave came into our lives as an acquaintance, he quickly became a friend and then a family friend. His energy and positive approach to life was infectious and we always enjoyed our time together.
Dave was one of the most generous people we have ever met. He made time for people and was always concerned about their trials and tribulations, yet during his illness he never complained nor focussed on his own problems.
I have many fond memories of meals at “the Cafe” where we would share food and drink while solving the world’s problems. We will truly miss him.
Please accept the deepest sympathies from our family to your family.
Dave was a great man and he was our friend.
Marie,
Sinceres condoleances a toi et a ta famille en ces temps si difficiles. Prends bien soin de toi et je vous garde tous dans mes prieres.
Dear Marie and Family. We are saddened by the news of Dave’s passing. His lovely obituary said it all and his larger-than-life presence will be missed by so many. He had such a kind and generous nature and I am grateful for the number of times he would call out of the blue just to catch me up on news and ask about my family and then very proudly brag about his. At this devasting time, please know that our thoughts and prayers go out to you and trust that all the great memories will give you some comfort.
Richard and Barbara Berry
Dearest Marie, Christina, Jason, Tucker, Brody, Autumn, Bear, and Family,
Our hearts were touched when we heard the news. Sorrow, yes, but deep down filled our hearts with warmth and never to be forgotten memories of all the wonderful times spent in the presence of David. May his strength, guidance, unconditional love continue to burn in your hearts until such time that you meet again.
Our thoughts are truly with you all during this emotional time.
May his memory keep you strong.
In times of weakness, please know we are always here when you need anything.
Deepest condolences,
Lee-Anne, Tim, Chad, Matthew and Bandit
A fond farewell to a friend and neighbour. A significant loss for the community. Thinking of you all.
Dearest Marie and Family.
We are so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing, which saddened Ron and I. He was our fun-loving, and kind friend! We have such wonderful memories of our time in Ottawa, so many years ago. You and Dave were the glue that kept our little group together!! Always generous with your hearts, welcoming our family, as well as many other families, to your beautiful home, Hockey was what brought us all together, but you and Dave were the ones who brought us together as a fabulous group of friends! Dave was always happy to host parties/dinners in your home, and you were always a good sport to go along with it, and did most of the work:) Whether we were at a dance, on a party boat, or at a BBQ by the pool, there was ALWAYS lots of laughter!! We missed that the minute we left Ottawa. Rest In Peace Dear Dave!!
We love you, Marie and send our very deepest sympathy to you and your wonderful family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs and Kisses, Ron and Sharon
So sad to hear about the passing of Dave. I worked for Dave for a few years but was a friend for many more. We only got together once or twice a year since we retired but it was always a pleasure.
Many of us will have different memories of Dave; these are some of mine.
For me Dave was first a family man; he always had stories about his children and grandchildren. (Sometimes they would go on a bit.)
Dave was hardworking and very successful. At the same time, he also found joy in your success.
Dave was always remarkably thoughtful and helped you think things through. I found Dave always provided great advice.
I know this a great loss for Marie and the rest of Dave’s family and my thoughts are with them.
Like many, I will miss him.
SVP. Accepter nos condoleances Marie et ta famille. Dave avait le cœur tatouer d’amour
Pour sa famille et ses amis. Merci Marie pour les
Beaux moments que j’ai eu a vous servir lors de vos fonctions divers. . Dave etait toujours prêt
À faire quoi que ce soit pour nous accommodé.
Je n’oublierai jamais ses beaux moments Marie
Repose en paix Dave .
Guy Desjardins
To the Tucker clan and extended family.
I was a big fan of Mr. Tucker growing up. Dave always treated us, youthful nincompoops, with respect, spoke to us and treated us like adults. He was the 1st adult that I remember doing that. He somehow demanded and got respect at the same time as seemingly wanting to hang out with us and be pals. I was simultaneously impressed and scared of him. It was exciting to lose 10 bucks to him in a game of pool. I once asked him about his business and how he made money (I must have had 3 Molson Canadians in me at the time) He simply smiled and said ‘ Adam, I like you but that’s none of your F-ing business. »
RIP Dave Tucker- Legend
Adam Falardeau
Marie
Our deepest condolences during this very difficult time. Dave will always be in our hearts. We will never forget his generosity and the fun times we shared here and in Florida. Mike and and I will be thinking of him on our next visit to the Tiki Bar in Florida and will definitely enjoy a few glasses of wine for him. Mike and I are here for you if you need anything. We want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to see him one last time before he passed. We will never forget it. Remembering the great times you shared together may help you today and for years to come.
Lisa, , Christina and Jamie
We know the loss of a parent is very difficult and Mike and I share your grief. Our deepest condolences to all of you. Remembering the good times you shared with him my help you today and for years to come.
Mr Tucker, My birthday friend with the big heart. When I think of people who made a positive impact on my life, I always think of Dave Tucker. So generous, genuine, and supportive, with a great sense of humour and a whole lot of style. Always a sparkle in his eye and a kind word. Hard working and accomplished, devoted to his family, generous and caring with his friends. Every time we speak of Mr. T, which is often, we always smile and remember the many good times including a trip to the USA for shopping, sixteen year old me driving his brand new red corvette, and some legendary dinners in little Italy. My heart goes out to lovely Marie and Jamie, Christina, Lisa, and their families. Thank you for your support and kindness Mr Tucker, you set a wonderful example and I am so grateful.
I was very sad to read that David had passed away. He and Wayne were childhood friends growing up on Bellwood Avenue in Ottawa South in the 1940’s and 50’s.
My brother, Peter Reynolds, chummed with Wayne and, David and I , a couple of years younger, were good friends. One of my fondest memories is all the kids on the street gathering after dinner to play hide and seek. The street was very dark and quiet with lots of green space in which to hide. Only a couple of people on the street owned cars at the time. In any event, come 9:00 p.m., or so, you would start to hear this Mother or that Mother yelling out the window for their child to come home. It was a good time and a great place to grow up.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Tucker family at this time.
Betsey (Reynolds) Birrell
It was with deep sorrow Marine Corps League #1058 Detachment leaned of David’s passing.
We looked forward each winter to see his smiling face at our meetings. David will be
sorely missed. On behalf of the #1058-Detachment you have our most sincere condolences.
Frank Cunningham
Chaplin, MCL #1058 Detachment.
Dear Marie, Christina, Jamie and Lisa and all the family,
We are so sorry for your profound loss. Dave was larger than life, a real legend, and we truly enjoyed every moment spent with him as a neighbour and a friend. He’s was always ready for some fun and his zest for life was always present and filled the room. Our thoughts are with you as cherish his life, hold tight to his memory and celebrate the wonderful man that he was.
Rest in Peace Big Dave!
xoxo Much love, Alli, Sean and Ty
My sincere condolences to you and your family Marie. Wishing you all courage and blessings.
I had the privilege to work closely with Dave for many years making sure the STI team members would support his vision and inspirations. Dave was the ultimate people person and maintained his leadership and ambassador role which was always delivered with great skills. A true salesman at work. Dave always worked hard. He was very generous man and a good friend. Since the first days in his basement on Explorer Lane where we started, we never looked back. He made sure the success would follow for many years. A true leader and mentor. It is with sadness that I hear of his passing. May angels guide his soul. My condolences to family and friends.
Jean
I was saddened to learn of Dave’s passing. My sincerest condolences to you and your children Marie, and to the rest of your large family. I have only fun joyous memories of you and Dave being a generous and somewhat raucous couple that everyone wanted to be around. I hope your wonderful fella and my special guy meet up soon to enjoy each others company and reminisce about how great it all really was.
Ellen Beausoleil
Heartfelt sympathies to the Tucker and Burke families. Love, The Yeomans Family.