Feb. 19, 1953 ~ May 20, 2024
Norman Forest Tucker, 71, passed peacefully from this life at his home in Bloomfield, New Mexico, on May 20, 2024, after a 12-year battle with stage 4 kidney cancer.
He was born in Laramie, Wyoming, on Feb. 19, 1953, growing up in many small towns in western Colorado, and Price, Utah, with a brief time in Rossville, Kansas, as his dad’s livelihood was road construction work.
The family eventually settled in Meeker, Colorado, in 1968 where Norman graduated from Meeker High School in 1971. As a high school student, he involved himself in everything including student council. It was a commitment to community service that stayed with him throughout his life. He especially loved competing in track and field, and cross-country, discovering he had a natural talent for long-distance running. As a senior, Norm competed in the Colorado Meet of the Champions in Denver where he ran a 5:07 mile. While he would go on to compete in many, many more track and cross-country meets (and more than likely ran faster times) that is the race that gave him the greatest pride throughout his life.
He attended Adams State College in Alamosa, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biology and physical education, eventually earning his master’s degree in both disciplines. While at Adams State, he trained and competed under the legendary Coach Joe Vigil. He was an All-American, in his prime considered a world-class distance runner who could compete on any track or course in the world and do well. For the rest of his life, Norm remained actively involved with his alma mater.
After graduation, he coached track and field for 14 years in Idaho and Colorado. During the summer months, he was involved as a leader with an outdoor adventure program for youth. His travels with the program took Norman across the United States, into Canada, and throughout Europe.
Norm eventually settled in Bloomfield, New Mexico, where he was an active member of the community. He is remembered for his many contributions to his community where he served on the board of several organizations, including San Juan Regional Medical Center, San Juan Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, Leadership San Juan, Encore, Echo Food Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Bloomfield Boys and Girls Club. Norman was recognized as Alumni of the Year by Leadership San Juan in 2007. He received the Public Servant of the Year Award from the Aztec Chamber of Commerce in 2005, and the Christine Donisthorpe Excellence in Leadership Award from the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce in 2015. Norman worked for the City of Bloomfield for 28 years as the Senior Center Director, then as the Community Service Director before retiring in 2017.
No matter his many accomplishments, Norm would readily agree that his greatest achievement was winning the heart of the love of his life, Tracy Rutter in 2002. With this union came two step-children, and eventually three grandchildren. He loved his newly-found family with every fiber of his being. The words “Dad” and “Papa Norm” were music to his ears. He cherished their presence in his life. Every day. Every hour. Every minute.
Norman is predeceased by his parents, Vern and Elizabeth (Foster) Tucker, and a brother, Gary. He is survived by his beloved wife, Tracy; his wonderful stepchildren, Adana (John) Mohler and Ian (Bryn) Rutter; and his three cherished grandchildren, Alexandria, Johnny, and Eleanor Mohler. He is also survived by a sister, Verleen Tucker of Steamboat Springs, and his two brothers, Paul and Keith Tucker of Grand Junction; two nephews, Roy (Christine) Brumback of Longmont and James Neil (Jennifer) Brumback of Firestone; one grandnephew, Dylan Brumback, and three grandnieces, Makenna, Skylar, and Faith Brumback.
When Norm was diagnosed with cancer, he told his family, “There is not going to be any grieving around here until it is time to grieve. I am not going to die.” No matter the grim prognosis given to him by his doctors at that time, he kept that promise to his family for 12 years.
Today we grieve. Our only condolence during this difficult time is knowing that Norm is now being held safely, with radiating warmth and perfect love, in the arms of the Holy Spirit.
The family would like to thank the many dear friends and relatives who supported him throughout this difficult journey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, or Adam’s State University. A private service will be held at a later date.
