Erik Tucker

April 27, 1978 - July 5, 2023

With broken hearts we announce the death of our favorite, Erik Tucker, who, despite best efforts and medical intervention, lost a long battle with depression on July 5, 2023. Erik was born in Seattle, Washington on April 27, 1978. He graduated from Shorewood High School and attended Western Washington University, College of the Environment and graduated with a degree in Environmental Science. He was happiest outside, catching fish or explaining tide-pool biology to the nearest child on the beach. If you were lucky enough to spend time skiing the trees or kayak fishing with Erik, his joy was immediately contagious. Aside from being infectious, his fascination with nature was unmatched and he had an inexplicable superhuman connection to creatures of all shapes and sizes. Erik was also a remarkable teacher regarding all aspects of nature, and his greatest joy was introducing his nephews, cousins, and friends to the natural world. Erik was always up for any outdoor adventure. He lit the fire of our family, and kept it going with his laughter and strength, even when he was struggling himself. He was a regular giver of random perfectly chosen gifts, always selected carefully not so much for any calendar occasion, but more to show his deep understanding of the lucky recipient. We are lucky that he was also an artist. He leaves behind many drawings, sculptures and carvings reflecting his unique—his ancient—understanding of his place in the world. It might be said that Erik got cheated because he passed too young, but it’s really those who knew and loved him who got cheated. Erik left all he touched better. There was nothing more important to Erik than his family, his friends, and being “Uncle Bear” to his nephews and the children of his cousins and friends. We all relied on him for his contagious smile and generous spirit. Everyone in the world should be so lucky as to have an Uncle Bear. Erik is preceded in death by his grandparents: Gordon and June Spring; and James and Elisabeth Tucker, as well as his uncle, Gary Tucker. He is survived by his devoted parents Jim and Jan Tucker, his loving big brother and sister-in-law, Joe and KC Tucker, and his beloved nephews, Jimi and Lou Tucker. His big, loving family includes his cousins: Holly Hayes and Mike Wall, and their son, Bennett; Jonathan and Erin Hayes; Jennifer Tucker; Megan Tucker and Brian Olson, and their children Hank and Coral; Andy Tucker; Becky and Marty Sertich and their children, Peyton and Mia; Tucker Mixon and his children, Anna, Julia, Allie, and Maggie; Tim and Judy Mixon, and their children, Beth and T.C.; Katie and Danny Queenan, and their children, Ella and Nell; Todd Jacobson, and his daughter, Jessica; and his uncles and aunts: Jeff and Laurie Spring; George and Jill Hayes; Karen and Bud Mixon; John and Carolyn Tucker; and Richard Tucker. Erik is also survived by a sizeable extended family in Washington and Arkansas and his chosen family of countless loving friends. His family sincerely appreciates the loving support we have received during this painful time. We would very much love to collect any remembrances you might share—we are certain there are many more good stories about “Bear” that we would love to save. The family will have a private, green burial later this week. At a future date, we plan a larger celebration of his life for the many of you who couldn’t help but love him. In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials may be made to Conservation Northwest, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, or your favorite conservation organization or children’s hospital. Nothing Gold Can Stay, by Robert Frost Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay. Gratefully, The Tucker Family