Tucker, Henry, BVSc 1917
HENRY TUCKER B.V.Sc
Henry Tucker, known to his friends as Ray, was killed in a car accident on 11 November.
Ray graduated from Melbourne University in Veterinary Science in 1917 before he was 20 years old and the same year found him in Europe as a Captain in the Australian Army Veterinary Corps. As well as qualifying in Veterinary Science Ray also held Pharmacy qualifications and he practised both professions at Box Hill, Burwood and Stawell.
He married in 1925 and spent nearly 10 years in Foster, South Gippsland, before returning to the family home in Grosvenor Street, St Kilda.
The Second World War found him again in the Australian Army Veterinary Corps and on return he worked at the Dogs Home and Animal Hospital until 1947 when he was appointed Quarantine Veterinary Officer in the Department of Agriculture, Victoria. His period of office was extended from the usual 65 years retiring age, for almost another 3 years and he finished duty in the Department on the 5 February 1965.
Ray was a man of many interests and his service included the Veterinary Board of Victoria, Pharmacy Board of Victoria, Stock Medicines Board of Victoria and Membership of the Royal Hospital Society, the National Trust, the United Services Institute, the Returned Servicemen's League, the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Cat Protection Society and the Freemasons Hospital.
He was active in retirement in human affairs and he had a deeply personal commitment with his work with blind people. His death at the age of 79 years occurred late at night on his way home from visiting a person in need.
Ray was a man of gentleness of spirit who inspired affection in all he met.
Our sympathy goes out to his family in their great loss.
Maribyrnong, Victoria, Australia. 1943-44. Dental treatment being rendered by Captain H. Tucker (left) at No. 3 Australian Veterinary Hospital. Image courtesy of Australian War Memorial
Maribyrnong, Victoria, Australia. 1943-44. Captain H. Tucker (right) and Corporal Williams dispensing medicine in the pharmacy of No. 3 Australian Veterianry Hospital. Image courtesy of Australian War Memorial