Obituary of Walter Harold Tucker

Walter Harold “Dutch” Tucker, 95

November 9, 1922 - July 7, 2018

Dutch was born to parents Charles and Mary Tucker on a snowy night in Nampa, Idaho. His early influences were his Swedish grandparents Erik and Christina Anderson, his Aunt Agnes and Uncle Walter, and his older brother Bob. He grew up during the tough times of the Depression on a farm along the Boise River, west of Caldwell. He never missed a day of high school where he lettered in football and track, and was well known for his laugh.

After graduating from Caldwell High School he enrolled in the Army Air Force and served as a link trainer during WW II, teaching pilots to navigate by instrument. After the war, he went to school to learn the refrigeration trade at a time when the industry was expanding.  He worked many years for Voight Refrigeration in Nampa, and also ran businesses in Sparks Nevada, Payette Idaho, and Caldwell Idaho. 

But it was the years of teaching Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning at Boise State University that he was most proud of. He was given a classroom and an empty shop, and built the program from nothing. He retired from BSU in 1987.  He was among the best of the best, both for technical ability and the way he was with people.  

He had a love of animals, nature, the Treasure Valley, and the great state of Idaho. He was a tree planter, a squirrel feeder, and a grower of gardens. He enjoyed time in the mountains hunting and cutting firewood.  In his later years he enjoyed travelling, reading, family gatherings, and his beloved pug dogs Rosie and Louie.  He was an avid fan of the BSU Broncos football team.

He married Donna Scott in 1952 and together they raised 6 children, all of them attending both Caldwell High School and Boise State University. We cherish the memories of time spent out at the farm, where we learned the value of hard work. Dutch also taught by example to be honest, generous, and kind; to be happy; and to love your kids unconditionally. Family was everything to him and he was always there for us.

He is survived by 6 children: Scott Tucker of Sacramento California; John Tucker of Cascade Idaho; Jane Allen of Meridian Idaho; David Tucker of Caldwell Idaho; Holly Harris of Walla Walla Washington; and Chris Tucker of Buhl, Idaho. He was also very much loved by his 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, as well as many others who knew him as Grandpa Dutch.

Graveside service will be at Canyon Hill Cemetery on July 16 at 11:00, with a reception to follow out at the Tucker farm on the end of Pond Lane.