WILLIAM HENRY TUCKER

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 672, 26 October 1933, Page 6

WILLIAM HENRY TUCKER

Following nine months of indifferent health Mr. William Henry Tucker, an old and irespected citizen of Rotorua, passed away suddenly at his re•sidence Eruera Street yesterday morning. Deceased was discharged from King Street Private Hospital last Monday and yesterday mlorning appeared to be in better health than for some time past, but was later discovered to be dead sitting on a chair in th'e sun. The late Mir. Tucker was born in Devonshire, England, on May 5, 1862 where he followed the occupation of farming. He left England at the time of the Boer W'ar with a consignment of horses for South Africa, and later came to the Dominion and with his family has resided in Rotorua for the last 31 years. In the early part of his residence he was exnployed by the Rotorua Town Board and his appointment was re-affirm^d when the Tourist Dep'artment took over control of the town in 1907. For some years prior to his retirement. from the department he was employed las a gardener in the kitchen garden in the Government Ground, sevaring his connection with the department on June 1, 1915. He was later gardemer at the Grand Hotel, but for the last three years has been living in retirement, although continuing in his hobby of .gardening. The deceased was very proud of his vegetable garden at his home and was a frequent exhibitor in this isection of the A. and P. shows, where he gained many prizes. Although a very quiet and unassumiing personality, the deceased gentleman made many friends during his long residence in Rotorua and has at all times held their respect. Of a retiring disposdtion, he took little part 'in the various laCtdvities of the town, but was one of the original members of the Rotorua Fire Brigade and for many years has been one of the few life members of the brigade. Deceased is survived by his widow, two sons (MJessirs W. D. Tucker and R. J. Tucker), two daughters (Mrs. C. H. 'Balsdon and Mlrs. W. Mlilner) and six grandchildren, all of whom are resident in Rotorua. One son, Thornas, was killed in the Great War, and a daughter predeceased 'him. The funeral, which will .take place this afternoon, will be provided with full Fir© Brigade honours, members of the brigade acting as pallbearers land conducting a special burial service at the graveside.