Also known as "Rob"
24 July 1948 – 14 June 2023
Also known as "Rob"
24 July 1948 – 14 June 2023
TUCKER, Rob (Robert John) MNZM:
Peacefully in the safe care of Hospice Taranaki, New Plymouth, Rob ended his long battle with cancer. Beloved husband and soulmate of Bonnie. Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Mikee and Stephanie, Jaclyn and Ash and the late Philly. Cherished grandad of Theo and Vinnie; and Charlie, Cate and Harry. Dearly loved brother and brother-in-law of Jim and Lin Tucker and loved uncle of Kirk Tucker and Debbie Sinclair.
In preference to flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice Taranaki.
Messages to the Tucker Family may be left here on Rob’s tribute page.
A service to celebrate Rob’s life will be held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel, 174 Lemon Street, New Plymouth on Monday 19 June 2023 at 2pm.
For those unable to attend, Rob’s funeral will be livestreamed here on his tribute page.

Funeral service held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel
Sending love to you Bonnie & family. Rob was an incredible man, we feel very fortunate to have known him, to have had him share some of his stories and to be photographed by him, wonderful memories of our young children captured in Robs beloved Taranaki that we will treasure always x
It would seem to be universally agreed that Rob Tucker was, indeed, a truly one off. His enthusiasm for just about everything was highly infectious and our friendship as young photographers working for rival newspapers in Hertfordshire in 1972 resulted in this Pom heading downunder to check out the hype. Sure Rob had kissed the Blarney Stone along the way but he certainly wasn't wrong about Aotearoa and my time in Auckland working for the Herald was the best of times. I have him to thank for that and the many life long friendships that came about from those happy times last century! His enthusiasm for his chosen profession, his life experiences, his much loved family amd the people he met along the way never diminished. A life well lived and much deserved recognition at the end of it. What an achievement! RIP Buddy. And well done Bonnie, Jim, Michael, Jaclyn and Theo you did him proud.
So glad I managed to stay awake long enough to watch Rob's lovely farewell which started UK time at 3am. Wonderful words from Bonnie, Jim, Michael and Jaclyn who I haven't seen since 1980 when they were probably 3 and 4 year-olds on my first trip back home after leaving NZ in 1976. So grateful I was able to join Roscoe, Landy, Dave when we visited Bonnie and Rob's home in 2021. He was so proud of you both and seeing you speak yesterday I can see why. Rob's work and guidance to so many young photographers is a wonderful legacy only topped by his positive attitude and irrepressible energy to all things and people that he cared for. RIP Mate.
To the Tucker family, I'm very sorry to hear about Rob. He was an immense fighter to the end and an incredible man. May angels lead you into Paradise, Robbie. Rest easy, Will J
What a wonderful man who gave so much through his remarkable pictures and stories. The world was so lucky to have him. Sending lots of love to his beautiful family. X
I only met Rob a couple of times, but it’s seems irrelevant, because his unconditional kindness, warmth, selflessness, sparkling charm, and generosity of spirit, were shared no matter if you met once, or spent a lifetime together. My most tangible memory of Rob, was during the time of Jac & Ash’s wedding, and tragically, Philly’s sudden and unforeseen fatal accident. Despite his own shock and pain, of losing his daughter, Rob opened his heart and home, to everyone; wedding guests (international and local), family and friends. I was in awe of Rob at that time. I could not have imagined his pain, and his ability to lead his family, community and those of us who attended the wedding, from near and far. He was extraordinarily calm, resilient, selfless, and brave. He demonstrated a tribal like courage, I have rarely seen. In awe of the whole family. Rob’s heart, head and spirit were, and always will be bright, hopeful, authentic, generous, kind, courageous and loving. Thank you for enabling us from afar, to ‘attend’ Rob’s service: what a blessing technology is at this time.
I've just watched the beautiful memorial to Rob and wanted to thank everybody involved for such a moving and appropriately funny tribute to this remarkable man. He was a very important part of my early life and I remain in awe of his achievements. Today I'm in awe of his family. Your speeches were so powerful. So beautifully made. He would have been incredibly proud of you all. I send love and Aroha from Melbourne and thank you for enabling me to be part of this special day. Denise xxxx
One of life's biggest personalities sadly taken from us too soon. Rob was a photographer I contracted to do many coorporate jobs for me back in the 90s, covering rugby, yachting, annual meetings and many other fun gigs. Through that he became a friend and we were privileged when he agreed to photograph our wedding. Every year as we celebrate our anniversary (25 this year), and look at our photographs, which we love, we always joke that Rob made a better sports photographer then a wedding photographer. It was a lways a delight working with Rob, and no job was ever too big or small - he loved them all, and delivered fabulous results. The void you will leave will be vast dear Rob. It was an honour to be able to share your farewell today. Fondest condolences to all the family and friends.
Thinking of all the fun times we had with Rob as kids and as teenagers. Always up for a laugh and an adventure, always positive and with a smile. Reunited with Philly. Sending much love to Mikee, Jacs, Bonnie and your families. Georgie x
We got to know Rob along with the other Tuckers, Jim and Lin, way back in 2000 when we lived in New Plymouth. I remember him always smiling, softly spoken and just being a lovely, positive person to be around. Our thoughts are with Bonnie and the other Tuckers today. What a legacy he leaves. He will certainly be missed.
We were first introduced to Rob by Ray Taylor (my cousin) when we visited NZ from England in 2008.He was delighted to know we came from St Albans where he had worked for a period on the local newspaper the‘Herts Advertiser’ in his youth. He took us on a tour of Taranaki to places we would never have seen or known about. His enthusiasm and pride of his beloved homeland shone out as he showed us around. His sense of fun his wonderful smile and generous heart came across from the first meeting. This started a friendship which we developed on subsequent visits to NZ and later we were able to have him stay with us and rekindle his memories of St Albans. We send dear Bonnie and family our love and most sincere sympathy at the loss of this truly lovely man and the only comfort is he is free from any more suffering.God bless you dear Rob we are so proud to have been able to call you a friend.Love Margaret and George xx
At rest and free from pain at last Rob. farewell old friend, you leave a loss that far transcends your family and friends. we send our love and Aroha to Bonnie and whanau and to Jim and Lyn. Two gongs for two brothers an amazing achievement! Jack would have been so proud! Gordon and Kath Brown
My old confederate and friend Rob Tucker finally moved on to his next incarnation this morning. He didn’t want to go, passionately did not I believe. Despite that he continued with same old humour, courage and raw enthusiasm that drove him throughout his 75 years. We had our “set to’s” but we always came back. His life was always busy but in the last few months it seemed to get busier than ever so I left him alone. He went into a coma and said he awoke to several people discussing his funeral arrangements. He was highly amused by that. He sent me a text. “I need to see you Hancock”! I went to see him and got to utter Mark Twain’s immortal words “Rumours of your demise have been vastly over exaggerated”. We had some more laughs and told me he was still reading books. He loved language on a par with pictures but most all he loved a laugh. I’ll miss laughing with him…..not so many laugh as they age and even fewer laugh in the face of death itself. Salute to you Tucker an absolute one off! Pics were from Byron almost 5 years ago.
To Bonnie and family’s . Love and prayers at this sad time .
From having had a business card flung into a basket at Okahu Bay Comm Games opening 1990 to 2023 - Laughter, adventures and many a rum to meeting Bonnie and great visits - always with stories - so many stories ! We will miss you dear friend - sad but pleased your battle is over - "The Parting Glass " says it all Daryl, Di & boys
Thanks for being our best man and a great buddy for my Rob. So many memories. So much fun and laughter over 50 years.Go well RT.
Go well, Bro. Hell, I'm going to miss watching rugby on telly with you. You photo'd the game at Twickenham, Sydney, Eden Park and everywhere in between. Yet you never lost your passion for a decent game. JT
Rob was a man on a mission to photograph his birthplace, Taranaki. He had travelled and worked around the world so he knew the value of this special part of it. He and Bonnie were a dream team, very hospitable and great to watch a big rugby game with. They loved their assorted grandchildren and travelled frequently to Australia and USA to visit. We will miss you Rob.

Funeral service held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel

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