Dennis Tucker

Dennis Tucker of Port Orchard,Washington passed away on August 23, 2000 at Harrison Memorial Hospital in Bremerton, Washington at the age of 62. Born on September 26, 1937 in Hoquiam, Washington, Dennis was a northwest native who believed in the most basic fundamentals of life: God, Country, Family and Honesty. These values sculpted Dennis into being a good citizen, husband, father and Marine.In 1957, Dennis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his time in the Marines, he found himself in the Far East, serving his country and eventually meeting the woman of his dreams. In 1964, Dennis married Tomiko Inafuku in Okinawa, Japan and became a father to her daughter, Yoko. Shortly thereafter, he would become the father to his only son, Darrell.In 1966, Dennis was Honorably Discharged from the Marines Corps ath the rank of Sergeant. He settled near his family in Lebanon, Oregon where he took a job with the local pulp and paper company, and joined the local post of the American Legion. In 1970, Dennis and Tomiko were blessed with their second child together, a daughter named Cindy.On Memorial Day 1972 Dennis was visiting friends following his participation with the local Memorial Day services, when a neighbor was rendered unconscious due to an allergic reaction to a bee sting. Quick to react, Dennis administered CPR and the neighbor was revived. When presented with the Good Smaritan award, all he could do was praise the Marine Corps for providing him with the necessary first aid training to allow him to be of assistance.In 1980, Dennis was transferred to Port Angeles, Washington due to closures within the pulp and paper company. Once settled in his new job, he decided he wanted to volunteer his services withinthe community. In 1981, Dennis joined Clallam County Fire Districk #4, from Joyce, Washington. He obtained certification as a Fire Responder, Firefighter Trianing Instructor, and soon, was promoted to Captain within the department.In 1994, Dennis was widowed by thr passing of his wife Tomiko. Not to let their dream die, he retired in 1996, bought a motorhome, and set out to see the country. He traveled to the Southeast and also made the trip up the Al-Can highway.Diagnosed with cancer in 1999, Dennis would not allow that to stop him with his travels. He took a train from Seattle to the East Coast and visited such sites as the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC and Mount Vernon. During the same trip, Dennis' primary objective was to participate in a Maple festival during the sap run. Not only did he participate, he became the person of interest to the local community, and was able to touch the hearts of the community.Of the utmost importance to Dennis was his family. From the time his children were born, until his passing, it was his job to be strong for his children. As with everthing else in his life, Dennis was a huge success at taking care of his children.Dennis is survived by his parents, Robert and Elsie Tucker of Lebanon, Oregon; son Darrel of Port Orchard, Washington; daughters Cindy Taraghi of North Lauderdale, Florida and Yoko Ashimine of Okinawa, Japan; grandsons Hoku and Sho Ashimine of Okinawa, Japan; and three brothers and five sisters.A Vigil Service will be held Friday, August 25, 2000 at 7:00pm at Rill Chapel in Port Orchard. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, August 26, 2000 at 9:00 am at St. Gabriel Catholic church in Port Orchard with burial following at Sunset Lane Cemetery in Port Orchard.