Thomas (Tucker) Lade Ettinger

Thomas (Tucker) Lade Ettinger

July 10, 1931 – May 8, 2018

 We are deeply saddened to announce Tucker's unexpected passing on May 8, 2018 at the St. Boniface Hospital after surgery complications. Judy and Fern were by his side.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Audrey; 2 young brothers James and Edward; parents Flora Mae and Thomas Ettinger; sisters, Elsie Brown and Ellen Allenach and recently his brother Gordon.

He is survived by his stepdaughter Judy, grandpets Spunky Monkey, Betty Boop, Chloe, Minou & Skunkeroo – his sister Madeline Keller of Lively, Ont. and sister-in-law Elaine (Gordon) Ettinger of Val Caron, Ont. as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.

Tucker was born in Ft. William, Ont. on July 10, 1931, the family moved to Geraldton, Ont. when he was 6 years old and he lived there until age 21 working in the mines and then to Elliott Lake and Labrador for mining jobs, then back to Geraldton where he worked driving a truck for Coca Cola until age 28 when he moved to Selkirk after he met Cliff Oliver in Geraldton, who was originally from Selkirk.

Tucker resided in Selkirk for the next 59 years after meeting and marrying the love of his life, Audrey Scramstad.

He worked odd jobs in Selkirk including on the lake for the Fisheries Conservation Dept. until he landed a full time job at the Manitoba Rolling Mill where he worked for the next 30 years until his retirement in 1992.

Tucker and Audrey loved to travel and visit relatives and friends from coast to coast in Canada and the US. Flying was not an option for Audrey but it didn't stop them from covering a lot of ground, Vegas, Arizona, Nashville, New Orleans just to name a few places they went to.

Tucker was active right up to the day before he went to the hospital after a fall. Even though he missed Audrey and his life was never the same without her, he continued to be an avid Selkirk Legion member for 45 years, and more recently became a member of the Legion's Over 60 Club. He liked to go to South Beach Casino and spend time with Judy and his and her friends. He was a long time member of The Selkirk Golf Course where he golfed twice a week up until 2 years ago when his COPD forced him to stop. He particularly enjoyed playing golf with his seniors foursome.

In his younger years he swam, played hockey and baseball. He also curled until a few years ago and won many awards, medals and trophies for his sports accomplishments. Tucker liked the Jets but his team always was the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Tucker touched many lives. He was strong, kind, caring and was liked by all. He was always there for Audrey and Judy and anyone else who needed him. He will be sadly missed by those left behind but those that have gone before him will be overjoyed to be reunited with him, especially Audrey and he with her.

Judy would like to thank her and Tucker's friends and family Pat, Fern, Sandra and Gerry, Doreen, Diane, and Lorne and Annie for being by her side with Tucker during his last 18 difficult days. She would also like to thank all those like Eileen, who have shown so much love and concern for Tucker and her throughout this trying time. Also special thanks to Tommy for all his kindness and the help he gave Tucker during his emergencies and with the house while he was in hospital, as well as these last 5 years since mom's been gone.

Respecting Tucker's wishes, cremation has taken place and in honour of Tucker's kind, caring, loving spirit a celebration of his life will take place on Tues. May 22, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel in Selkirk, MB, with a reception to follow in the Gilbart Reception Centre and a private interment will take place in the St. Clement's Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tucker's memory to the Selkirk and District Community Foundation, The Manitoba Lung Association or a charity of one's choice.

Condolences, pictures and videos can be left on Tucker's tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com.

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

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