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Bob Tucker Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Bob Tucker
Jon Steele Bulkley
March 1, 2023
I will never forget the first day when I met Coach Bob Tucker, It was a sunny day on the Wooster campus and I was walking to Lowry Center for lunch; before a planned workout at the weight room. I had my weight belt on my shoulder, head down, looked up and Coach politely cut me off and said " you look like a football player, my name is Bob Tucker - I am the incoming coach" - looked me in the eye and shook my hand. I will never forget that day or moment - it is vivid!. I equally remember the day coach invited me with a few teammates to his home for lunch ( remember admiring photos of the Rose Bowl framed on the walls of his home) meeting Mrs. Tucker and being welcomed so warmly (It meant volumes at 19rs old being so far from home). So proud to have known him and played for him; a game that I have loved since grade school in Massachusetts. From that day walking across campus as a freshman, to offensive Co-Captain my senior year. I will never forget you Coach or our experiences together - as you lead us into battle over years, across state lines in the Midwest....I continue to instill the message to my family, friends, work colleagues and all around me in life - when met with life's challenges - to simply "Find a Way" !!!
My Eternal Best,
Jon Steele Bulkley
(Buck #33) ' 87
Your Offensive Captain
Rob Hefley
March 15, 2017
When I was 17 in years old in 1972, Coach Tucker came to our farm house in extreme southeast Kansas to recruit me at Wichita State. My high school coach liked him immediately and we all loaded up and went to Mickey Mantle's Motel and Restaurant to eat. Mantle had some of his Golden Gloves and memorabilia there and we had a hard time pulling him away from looking at it. I went and played at Wichita. There were several Ohio coaches and players on our team. I liked them all but Coach Tucker was special. He stood out. He really kept an eye out for me and although I did nothing really to deserve it he treated me like I was special. I have been around coaches and athletes my entire career now but can honestly say Coach Tucker was the most genuinely kind and committed coach I have been around. I am shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. RIP coach you were loved and admired by all.
Caroyn McIntosh
March 13, 2017
So sorry to hear about Bob. I wish I could have come to the funeral.
Craig Lombardi
March 10, 2017
To the Tucker Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Coach Tucker was a great man with high integrity and honor. We experienced many ups and downs, but never felt so proud of the day he led the "Fighting Scots" to the most improbable win vs. Mt Union 17-15 1986. Coach believed in his men and taught us to believe in ourselves. We had some really funny moments as well. Who could ever forget our dress code for away games. To this day I tell the boys that I coach to dress well, no need to look like "Hogan's goats!" Pure Coach Tuck and his legacy will live on.
He was a teacher, father figure, disciplinarian and most importantly someone that we held in high regard and respect. He will forever have a lasting impression on all he came in contact with and one that will be surely missed.
I still have stacks of letters from the summer before the season of 86,87 and 88. Hand written notes that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I will forever hold my time with Coach Tuck as some of my most precious moments in my life. I can only hope to someday have an impact on others as Coach Tucker had on us.
Please accept my condolences. I am so proud to call him my ball coach forever.
God Bless to the Tucker family and RIP Coach, you will be missed.
Craig " Vinnie" Lombardi
Todd Reigle
March 10, 2017
Lynn,
Sorry to hear about Bob's passing. My family just meet you and Bob (sat with you) at the WUMC pancake dinner a couple of weeks ago. Our condolences to you and the family.
March 10, 2017
From all of us at Global Education Fund, we send our heartfelt sympathies to our wonderful colleague Michelle on the loss of her beloved father and to all the Tucker family. We hope that the many memories from over the years give you some comfort now and into the future. Sincerely, Kathy, Hanna and the Global Education Fund Board of Trustees
Jim Turner
March 10, 2017
Dear Lynn & Family,
I was so sorry to learn of Bob's passing. I have many fond memories of Friar Tuck, both on and off the grid iron, at Wooster. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Jim
March 9, 2017
Tuck
You were loved by so many. Adored by those who knew you well. Respected by all.
There are people who walk into our lives and continue through without ever leaving a mark or impression. That is the complete opposite of the man you were.
That darkness of earthly pain and death is replaced with the joy and freedom of new eternal life.
God Bless
Mary and Fred Stolly
Sarasota FL
Tish Barncord (Hensley)
March 8, 2017
To Mrs. Tucker and Family,
My brother, sister, and myself grew up hearing the name "Tuck" an awful lot. My dad, Dale Hensley helped to recruit football players for Ohio State and really enjoyed the friendship he had with Coach and respected Coach greatly. When we were growing up, we remember our parents taking us to your house in Worthington. I am certain he assisted in getting us tickets to many OSU football games. Coach's military appreciation and outreach from The Ohio State Football Program is speaks volumes about the respect he had for the people that serve and protect our nation. So very many memories of all the phone calls he and my dad had over the years, the traveling around to scout potential recruits, and the conversations about the OSU game that had been played on Saturday. A few years ago, my dad passed away. As the funeral service was about to begin, a family member informed me Coach was there and he visited with our family. Coach was serious and very clear in a message he wanted to make sure we understood. He said he was in attendance and representing Ohio State University Football. I am certain that made my dad very proud. A couple of years ago I took my youngest son and my mom to Columbus for a game. I reached out to Coach Tucker out of nowhere, and he showed us around, gave us some tours and he and my mom spent some time visiting and reminiscing a bit. How nice that was of him. I will be forever grateful as my youngest had not yet experienced what we did growing up.
On behalf of our entire family, Coach Tucker will truly be missed by so many people.
Respectfully,
The Hensley Family:
Laura Hensley
Tish (Hensley) Barncord
Dan Hensley
Shawn (Hensley) Yager
Keith Beckett
March 8, 2017
Dearest Lynn and Tucker Family
My thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to each of you. While you and the world have lost a very great man, heaven has gained a new angel. When you look at the sky and see the stars remember this: "Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." (C. Brown). I have so many memories of your dad/husband during his years at Wooster. Tuck was the man! I still can hear him shouting "Hey B-Man". I also will never forget his passion, work ethic, and commitment. When sadness is around you remember the words of Mother Teresa "Death is nothing else but going home to God, the bond of love will be unbroken for all eternity. RIP Tuck you touched so many lives and will always be in our hearts. Dearest Tucker's, may the Lord give you strength in this moment of significant sadness. With love and sympathy,
Keith Beckett
March 8, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Tucker family. Coach Tucker was a great man and a great coach I am so saddened to here of his passing. The last time I heard his voice was when he first went back to Ohio State under Jim Tressel. I called his office to congratulate him and left a voicemail. He called me back later that day, but I had gotten up from my desk at work. He left me a nice message to thank me for the call and that he was real busy.
I will always cherish the many memories of my college football experience when I played for Coach Tucker '85,'86,'87.
God bless you Coach and may you rest in peace.
Jon Bulkley
College of Wooster
Fighting Scot
"Find a Way"
Daleen Dotson
March 8, 2017
Diana and Lynn, So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Hugs.
Amy Champion
March 8, 2017
R.I.P. and condolences to all I have heard great things about him but never met him.
Sandusky legends, Gene Kidwell and Bob Tucker
Todd Alles
March 8, 2017
Lynn, Dianna, Michelle and Scott, I pray that you all know what Coach Tuck meant to me and how devastated I am to have him leave us. My time as his assistant in operations at Ohio State taught me about serving others, watching his dedication to Steve Snapp. He taught me to pay attention to detail and understand what is important. He prepared me for my role of Director of Football Operations at Alabama and eventually to assume his duties at Ohio State. He loved the Buckeyes, America and the military, dedicating so much time to their cause. Our time last winter, playing golf in Florida and our legendary breakfast meetings with Dave Adolph and Jim Heacock are permanently etched in my heart. I consider Tuck a friend, and friends help us to be our best selves, shape our character, influence our attitudes, values and challenge us. I am a better man for having had that precious time with Coach Tuck. I will miss him terribly. Please know that his legacy will live on through the hundreds of men and women he touched.
Mike Tomczak
March 8, 2017
Coach Tuck my man, you were amazing in so many ways. One of my favorite people, Buckeye, Coach , Mentor and friend. Love you man! Lynn & family, continuous prayers and wonderful reflections of the man they called "TUCK"
Ray Harman
March 8, 2017
On of my favorite stories is about a road trip to Penn St. with buddies thanks to tickets from Bob. I could tell one of my friends was anxious all day tailgating about not having tickets in hand.
When we got the tickets at the Will Call, I laughed and told him there was never a doubt in my mind as I knew Bob had probably checked on tickets 3 times that day.
I called Bob when we got home to thank him for the amazing tickets and the great time we had. His response was, "I am glad you had fun, I had checked on the tickets 3 times."
Thanks for your kindness and generosity and so many great memories. We will miss you.
Diana (Dink) (Askren) French
March 8, 2017
I attended school with Bob in Sandusky, Ohio. He was a good guy then and I was always proud to hear of his achievements. One of my best memories of the kind of person he was came in junior high when a group of us were ice skating in a sheltered area of Sandusky Bay. Someone went through the ice and Bob immediately responded by getting a long piece of wood, lying down on the ice and stretching across so the person could grab the wood and be pulled to safety. I was awed that he knew exactly what to do and did it so quickly. I am sorry that he is gone. You have my sincere sympathy for your loss.
Joyce Petrek
March 7, 2017
Lynn & Diana, you are in my thoughts during this very difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family as you grieve the loss of your husband and father; a man who impacted so many lives.
Fred and Bernie Pagac
March 7, 2017
Our love and prayers go out to Lynn, Diana, Michelle and Scott. Bob was loved by many. He has inspired many with his positive attitude and encouragement. We hope you find peace in all the memories you have of him.
Love, Fred and Bernie Pagac and family.
Joel Weaver
March 7, 2017
Dear Lynn and family,
I was stunned to hear of "Friar's" sudden passing. When he was a junior at the College of Wooster, he along with Dale and Bruce Vandersall recruited me in my freshman year to join their fraternity, Phi Sigma Alpha, otherwise known as sixth section. He was a campus leader, a wonderful friend and great role model. I followed his career at every stop along the way and frequently said "hi" as we passed each other in the Columbus airport on OSU business.
I always knew that he would be extremely successful working with young people and making a difference in their lives.
When Bruce V. was recently diagnosed with advanced cancer and was dying, Bob went immediately to his side to be there to support him and his family. What a true friend he was! Perhaps Dale and Bruce pulled some strings in heaven to get Bob to join them earlier than expected. The next OSU-Minnesota game should be interesting for Bob and Bruce with Dale as the referee.
It is remarkable to realize that Bob will be missed by literally hundreds if not thousands of people whose lives he touched, and it is reassuring that all of them will carry with them some of Bob's philosophy and principles of life.
Joel M. Weaver
OSU Emeritus Professor
Deonna Maiden
March 7, 2017
My thoughts & prayers are with Bob's family - he was a very kind man who will be greatly missed. I hope all the wonderful memories of Bob will help to ease the sorrow of such a sudden loss.
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