Thomas Tucker

Thomas Solomon Tucker, DMD, passed away on Aug. 13, 2016, from complications related to a recent surgery. Tom was born Aug. 23, 1950, in Tillamook, Ore., to Wayne and Vi Tucker. He graduated from Gold Beach High School in 1968, from Southern Oregon University in 1972 with a bachelors degree and in 1973 with a masters degree, and from University of Oregon School of Dentistry in 1978. Tom married his college sweetheart, Chris, on August 20, 1972. Throughout their married life, they lived in Portland, Ore.; Columbia, SC; Frankfurt, Germany; Klamath Falls, Ore.; and most recently, Bend, Ore. Tom and Chris raised their two sons, Tyler and Zach, in Klamath Falls, where they owned and operated a private dental practice from 1982 until his retirement from general dentistry in 2015. In addition to his practice, Tom served actively in the U.S. Army as a captain from 1974 until 1982 and in the Air National Guard as a colonel from 1990 until 2006. He received numerous commendations and promotions while serving in both branches of service. Tom also held positions in many community and professional organizations including Trustee of the Oregon Dental Association, Delegate of the Oregon Dental Association House of Delegates, a member of the Dental Foundation of Oregon Board of Directors, Dental Division Fundraising Chair for the United Way, Klamath Falls City Schools Board Member and he was coach for several of his children's youth sport teams. Most recently, Tom served on the Advantage Dental Board of Managers, the Cascade Health Alliance Board of Governance, the Dental Foundation of Oregon Board of Directors and as a Trustee for the Oregon Dental Association. Tom was a part of the Advantage Community since 1999, serving on many committees and as a Board Member until he transitioned to CEO in 2015. Tom had a positive, professional impact on those around him. He was a devoted family man, an avid fly fisherman, luxury car enthusiast, wine connoisseur and gifted outdoorsman. He also enjoyed traveling the world, cheering on the Portland Trail Blazers, skiing with his wife and, most recently, spending time at his dream property at Rocky Point. Tom is survived by his wife, Chris; son, Tyler; wife, Theresa and their daughter, Teagan (2) Tucker of Klamath Falls; son, Zach, wife Jana, and their son, Kash (2) Tucker of San Jose; sister, Tami and husband Alan Zanuzoski of Newberg, Oregon; Aunt Jean and husband Don Damrow of Klamath Falls; Aunt Arlene and husband Norm Rife of Prineville, Ore.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, at Klamath Christian Church located at 6100 Church Hill Dr, Klamath Falls, OR 97603. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Advantage Smiles for Kids (ASK) via online at secure.advantagesmilesforkids.org or by mail at 442 SW Umatilla Avenue, Ste. 200, Redmond, OR 97756.