Dale Gordon Tuckey

Aged 81, died unexpectedly, but peacefully on Friday, November 15, 2024.  Known for his rich and sonorous voice, along with his deep desire to help and learn from others, he always found ways to inspire and encourage those around him to do and be their best.

Born in Tecumseh, Michigan, on April 14, 1943, Dale was the oldest child of parents, Maurice and Mary Tuckey.  Always a strong and independent thinker, he grew into the role of a quiet, but strong leader participating in student government and athletics.  After graduating from Tecumseh High School in 1961, he found his way to Eastern Michigan University to study broadcasting and media production.  There, he met his future wife, Annette Forbes, and they began a loving relationship that lasted nearly 60 years.

Dale interrupted his studies and life as a newlywed to proudly serve his country in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969, during which time he continued to hone several of his passions: woodworking, photography, public address, and audio/video production.  All of these became central to the remainder of his professional and personal life.  After completing his military service, he went on to complete a Bachelor's degree in Speech and History, as well as a Master's degree in Educational Broadcasting Media at Eastern Michigan University.

Completing his education allowed Dale to focus on his young and growing family, moving them to Jackson, Michigan, where they built their lives together.  He found his professional home at the Jackson County Intermediate School District, where he served as the Assistant Director for the Regional Educational Media Center (REMC) from 1972 through his retirement in 2001.  He cared deeply for the important work of education in his community, and was a strong advocate for the development of special education programs and services in Jackson and Hillsdale counties.  Lending his strong, clear voice to many millage campaigns, radio spots, and tape-slide programs from the 1970s through the 1990s, he helped improve the lives of countless families.  He was one of a small group of civic leaders who successfully led the "All-American City" campaign for Jackson in 1986, helping promote community engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation.  He regularly donated time in service to community organizations such as the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, serving as a long-time judge on WKAR's QuizBusters, and being Northwest High School's "Voice of the Marching Mounties" for nearly twenty years.

A proud father of four children, Dale and his wife, Annette, raised their family in a house filled with thoughtfulness, generosity, and caring.  Dale was a voice of reason, a sharp wit, a devoted advocate, and a helpful hand to countless people.  He demonstrated his love through words and deeds, finding ways to contribute to his community with a warm smile.  His belief in the power of education and his deep sense of honor and duty have shaped the lives of many.  In this way, though he will be dearly missed, his voice will echo through generations.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice Archie Tuckey and Mary Florence (Viles) Tuckey Caldwell; his brother, Terry; as well as Annette Therese (Forbes) Tuckey, his wife of 57 years.  He is survived by his brother, Ronald (Linda) Tuckey; his sister, Debra (Mike) Cleghorn; his daughter, Jennifer (Brad) Tuckey-Bastion; his son, Christopher (Venisei) Tuckey; his son, Steven (Alana) Tuckey; his son, Matthew (Amanda) Tuckey; his grandchildren, Mitchel (Summer) Bastion, Elizabeth (Maximillian) Richardson, Emily Tuckey, Maureen (Luke) Orange, Xaneveya Davidson, Adam Tuckey, Portteia Davidson, Alexander Tuckey, Eric Tuckey, Vivian Tuckey; and his great-grandchildren, Adora Bastion and Luka Parker.

The family will receive friends and loved ones at Desnoyer Funeral Home for visitations on Sunday, November 24, 2024 from 3PM to 5PM, and on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 10AM to 11AM, with a funeral service to follow with Fr. Robert Pienta officiating.  According to his wishes, cremation and interment at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh, Michigan will be held at a later date.

Contributions in honor of Dale to the Jackson County Genealogical Society (https://jcgsmi.org/) would be appreciated.