Otto Tucker, CM ONL (October 4, 1923 – October 6, 2015) was a Newfoundland and Labrador heritage activist, storyteller, and educator. He was a recipient of the Order of Canada for his work in promoting and preserving Newfoundland and Labrador heritage and the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador for his efforts that have made significant contributions to both the educational and cultural sectors of the province.

. . . Otto Tucker . . .

Otto Tucker was born in Winterton, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada to John and Clara (née Pitcher) Tucker.[1] His father fished during the summer, and migrated to the New England states during the winter to work as a carpenter. He had one sister, Florence.[2] His mother was a Salvation Army officer who resigned from officership before her children were born, but encouraged them to pursue the faith. Tucker played cornet in the Salvation Army Corp’s brass band beginning at a very early age.[3]

Tucker married Ruby Perry of Botwood, Newfoundland and Labrador on Tuesday, July 12, 1955 at the Salvation Army Citadel in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.[4] They have two sons, William (Bill) and Craig.[5]

In 1942, after finishing grade 11, Tucker attended six weeks at the Summer School Teacher Training Program at Memorial College. Upon completion of this training program, he was awarded a Third Grade Teaching Certificate by the Newfoundland Department of Education.[6]

He graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1955.[2] He received a master’s degree in Education from the University of Alberta in 1963[7] and a doctorate in Education from the University of Toronto in 1967.[8] During his time at the University of Toronto, he organized the first Graduate Students Association in Education and was elected as president of the association.[9]

. . . Otto Tucker . . .

. . . Otto Tucker . . .