Passed peacefully away at St. Clare's Mercy Hospital ICU at exactly 5pm on Thursday, August 7, 2026 with his children at his side - just four days after his 88th birthday.

Leaving to mourn his son, Robert (ex-spouse Karla Biron) of Sydney, Nova Scotia, daughter Rhonda Neary (Scott) of St. John's, his grandson Avery Tuck (partner Anna Richey) and granddaughter Raine Tuck (partner Greg Colbourne) of Sydney Nova Scotia.

Also leaving to mourn, his brothers; Melvin Tuck (wife Doris) of Hants Harbour, Harvey Tuck (wife Delores) of Springdale, and his sister-in-law Mary Taylor of St. Anthony and many nephews and nieces - all of whom he adored.

Dad was predeceased by his ex-wife, Helen (Spurrell) Tuck in 2023, his sisters; Ella Faulkner (husband Clifford) of Ontario, and Mavis Hindy (husband Melvin) of Hants Harbour.

Born in Hants Harbour, Trinity Bay on August 3, 1938 to Frederick and Minnie (Short), dad was fiercely proud of his home 'up in cove'.  We have so many wonderful memories of spending our weekends and summers fishing at Pitmans Pond, boat trips around King's Head Cove, visiting the lighthouse at Custards Head (Rhonda's favorite!) and picking cherries off the trees next to the 'shack' as dad always referred to it.

At the young age of 18, dad decided that a life of fishing wasn't for him and he set off to St. John's to enlist in the Royal Canadian Navy.  He traveled extensively during his 20 year naval career sharing stories of his life at sea and ports of call.  During this time, he spent most on destroyers (HMCS Crusader, HMCS St. Laurent, HMCS Cape Scott, HMCS Saguenay, HMCS Algonquin) and held the record for the fastest time dismantling and reassembling a Mark VII torpedo. He was an instructor at HMCS Stadacona prior to retiring In 1977 as Petty Officer 1st Class.

Wanting to be closer to his parents, dad relocated from Halifax back to St. John's. Dad joined the Canadian Coast Guard Emergencies division and from there joined East Coast Spill Response (ESRI) as Operations Superintendent. This chapter of his career brought him to oversee the Exxon Valdez oil spill cleanup operations in 1989 and coordinate various emergency spill response exercises involving local fishermen.

Dad spent the last 19 years living in WinterHolme Manor in Winterton, Trinity Bay.

Rob and Rhonda cannot express their gratitude enough for the care, patience and endless humour from each of the staff - you are all part of our family. Dad loved and cherished every one of you. We would also like to thank the nurses and doctors of the 6th floor (East and West) of St. Clare's Hospital and the incredibly compassionate care of the nursing staff of the ICU - especially Nurse Grace.

Committal service at The New Salvation Army Cemetery, Meade Road, Hants Harbour on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 2pm. Bring umbrellas just in case!

Flowers gratefully accepted and donations can be made in dad's memory to The Salvation Army, The Royal Canadian Legion, or a charity of your choice.

Dad loved his 'word search' puzzles - think of him the next time you do one!