Tributes paid to long-standing Spalding Guardian and Lincolnshire Free Press sports editor Ray Tucker

A man who ensured that South Holland’s sporting achievements were properly celebrated has passed away at the age of 86.

Ray Tucker was well-known for his dedication to grass roots sports and Spalding United during his long tenure as the Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian sports editor.

Mr Tucker, who passed away on April 14, had fallen into journalism by accident but made a lasting impression during a 34-year career with the papers.

Born and bred in Pinchbeck, Mr Tucker had initially had his sights set on a different career.

His son David said: “After school, he did a City and Guilds qualification in cabinet making which was his main love - working with wood.”

Mr Tucker served his National Service with the RAF as a policeman in the Cornwall area before returning home and working with a local authority for a short while.

David added: “He was always a big sports fan and someone at the paper asked if he fancied working as a sports reporter and that’s how he ended up doing it.

“He always wanted to represent the local sports scene with local people.”

After joining the paper in 1969, Mr Tucker became the sports editor in 1976 and remained with the titles under his retirement in 2003 at the age of 65.

Mr Tucker was a big fan of Spalding United, playing a big role with the club after his retirement, but was also played cricket, bowls and golf.

He married his wife Jen in 1964 and the couple two children, David and Sarah. Mr Tucker also leaves behind two grandchildren, Harry and Chloe, along with a great-granddaughter, Daisy.

A big man in presence and ability

Only a small handful of people have left an indelible mark on journalism in South Lincolnshire - Ray Tucker is among them, writes Nigel Chapman.

It's partly due to the length of service he gave to the sports department of the Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian - 34 years is an achievement rarely replicated nowadays in any field of work.

But, for me, it's the way he conducted himself which sets him apart. His work ethic was as big and strong as his stature.

With Ray, the reader could rely on his reporting being fair, balanced and accurate. And that's not easy to constantly maintain.

His deep ties with and affection for Spalding United meant that at 3pm on a Saturday and on many midweek nights his loyalties were tested. For home games, there he would be at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field, either in the PA box up a rickety set of steps at the back of the stand or, more latterly, on the tight, wooden press bench with a flickering light. There in a working capacity but quietly urging on the Tulips.

For away games, he'd be in work on a Saturday morning until the last moment before it was time to travel.

His official neutrality was always clear to see in the match report - if the Tulips had been poor, he would say so. It was reporting without fear or favour.

A lovely example occurred a couple of years after I had succeeded Ray as sports editor. The then manager Dick Creasey phoned me one Tuesday morning when the Lincolnshire Free Press had hit the newstands and tore into me for what he felt was a way too critical match report. It had actually been sent in by Ray, who was the club's press officer.

Anyone who knows the Tulips' fortunes about 20 to 30 years ago is aware it was a pretty dark period in the club's history. However, Ray's dedication and support - both on the field and off it - were unshakeable.

Far from taking the opportunity to walk away and concentrate purely on writing about the tough times, he stepped up to do even more behind the scenes and keep the club afloat.

Within a couple of months of starting at the Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian as an unqualified trainee in 1998, I was made Ray's deputy. It was a one-man sports desk so I would sit in for him during his annual leave. I don't recall ever having to cover him for any periods of illness.

Ray kept his stats, records and scoresheets for a large number of sports neatly in A4 pocket folders in his desk drawer. You could go straight to what was needed and have trust in it being correct.

He was a strong believer in showcasing as many sports as possible. Football, cricket and bowls were his passions and strongest suits but any minority sport with a good tale to tell could be found dominating the back page.

Ray had such a smooth-running operation that filling in for him, even as a rookie reporter, was not a chore or overwhelming.

He made the job seem effortless. You would hear him on the phone to any number of sports contacts who would just ring in for a chat throughout the week. Never would you hear him trying to curtail the call because of a desire to get on.

When I succeeded Ray upon his retirement, it was something of a thankless task. I couldn't hope to get anywhere near the knowledge and level of esteem in which he was held.

It was only when I was doing the job week in, week out - and particularly during the very, very wet summer of 2007 (with little sport taking place and Rihanna's apt hit Umbrella dominating the chart) - that I began to appreciate just how much work he got through quietly and efficiently without ever needing or wanting to lean on anybody else.

A big man in presence and ability.

Rest in peace, Ray.