Dr. Otto Tucker, a Salvationist from St. John’s Temple, Newfoundland and Labrador, was among the nearly 80 people named to the Order of Canada in July. Although he is a distinguished professor, he was appointed as a member of the Order primarily for his achievements in heritage research and his ongoing role as a lecturer in that field.

In his earlier years Dr. Tucker served with distinction as a Salvation Army officer. In several Newfoundland communities he simultaneously carried out the tasks of a corps officer, teacher and school principal. His eagerness to acquaint himself with local history left a lasting impression, especially on his students. His thirst for learning led to his becoming a graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, the University of Alberta and the University of Toronto.

Dr. Tucker spent three years in the Northwest Territories, where he served the people in the dual role of principal and community advisor. After teaching in Acadia University, the University of Toronto and Bishops’ University, Quebec, he was appointed to the faculty of education at Memorial University, where he served with distinction until his retirement in 1988.

Always a man of vision, Dr. Tucker founded the Wessex Society of Newfoundland, which promotes Newfoundland’s ties to the West Country of England. As leader of the provincial society, he has travelled to England to lecture to heritage groups, particularly in the West Country.

The Order of Canada will add to the many awards Dr. Tucker already holds. Among those awards are the Canada 125 Medal, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, the Heritage Award of Newfoundland and Labrador Historical Society, the English Silver Star of St. George and an honorary doctor of laws degree from Memorial University. In 2004, Dr. Tucker was named among the first nine recipients of the newly instituted Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The presentation of the Order of Canada to Dr. Tucker will take place in due course by Governer General Michaëlle Jean in Ottawa.