Clyde William Tucker

CORVALLIS - Clyde William Tucker, 83, went to be with his savior, Jesus Christ, on the morning of January 1, 2023, surrounded by family and friends at his home in Corvallis, Montana. Clyde was born on February 9, 1939, to Ferd Tucker and June (Gibson) Tucker in Missoula, Montana. He was raised in Victor, Montana at the homestead at Tucker’s Crossing and attended Victor schools graduating from Victor High School as salutatorian of his class in 1957. During that time, Clyde participated in track, football, and basketball. After high school, Clyde went on to attend college at Montana State University (U of M), getting a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education with an emphasis in math in 1961. While attending the university, he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity creating a lot of fun memories that his family would later learn about. In the fall of 1959, Clyde met the love of his life, Penny Arthur, a junior at Missoula County High School. Upon graduation, Clyde accepted his first teaching position in Chinook, Montana. Clyde and Penny got married in October of that same year. They lived in Chinook for two years where Clyde taught and coached in both the middle and high schools. While in Chinook, they celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Darcy. In 1963, they moved to Arlee, Montana where Clyde taught mathematics and was the head football, track, and basketball coach. Their second child, Craig, was born in the fall of 1964, followed by the birth of their second daughter, Clydine, fourteen months later. In 1967, Clyde accepted a position in Belt, Montana where he continued to teach and coach, making many life-long family friends while there. In the summer of 1970, Bob Schall and Hugh Grenair, both from Arlee, traveled to Belt to ask Clyde if he would consider returning to Arlee to coach and teach. Clyde accepted their invitation and remained in Arlee for 49 years. In the winter of 1975, Clyde and Penny celebrated the birth of their second son, Tyson, a bonus sibling for each of their older children. While in Arlee, Clyde experienced many successful coaching seasons in basketball, football, and track. His love for coaching was very apparent, as was his love for the people and students within the Arlee community. In 1981, the Arlee Warriors won the state football championship, a memorable celebration for Clyde and his players. He was named “Coach of the Year” by his colleagues that same year. Clyde went on to coach many successful teams in basketball and track, as well, winning the boys state track title in 1993, winning the “Coach of the Year” title again. Having accomplished many winning seasons throughout his coaching career, Clyde was nominated and inducted into the Montana Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1992. During Clyde’s coaching profession, he coached in five East-West Shrine Games and several Class C and B All-Star games. In 2003, Clyde retired from teaching and coaching, but came out of retirement to coach basketball for two more years in 2008 – 2010, coaching his team to the state tournament in 2010.

In addition to teaching and coaching, Clyde loved spending time with his family on their ten-acre farm, fishing in the surrounding rivers and streams, hiking in the Mission Mountain range and Bob Marshall Wilderness, hunting, collecting firewood, and the annual Christmas tree hunt that was never a loss for adventure. Clyde also spent countless hours woodworking constructing various pieces of furniture for family members, including beds for his grandchildren, remodeling the kitchen cabinets in their home, crafting kitchen tables, end tables, and nightstands, as well as making multiple coat trees and paper towel holders for each of his children’s’ families. When Clyde had spare time, he enjoyed taking an occasional motorcycle ride through the Jocko Canyon or anywhere else friends were willing to venture. Over the years, the family loved their time together making memories with family and friends, each memory cherished for a lifetime.

Clyde was preceded in death by his parents; sister Barbara Steadman; and niece Renee Howell.

Clyde is survived by his wife Penny of 62 years, his children Darcy (Bert) Jensen of Ephrata, Washington, Craig (Yvonne) Tucker of Choteau, Montana, Clydine (Greg) Norell of Kennewick, Washington, and Tyson (Jennifer) Tucker of Corvallis, Montana; eight grandchildren Nathan Jensen, Brittany (Jensen) Brown, Blake Jensen, Kyla (Norell) Castilleja, Natalie Norell, and Chase, Reese, and Brynlee Tucker; two great-grandsons and great grand-daughters; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to the many kind words shared on Facebook about dad and phone calls of condolences, we would like to thank each worker from Angels In Guard, Clifton, Lisa, Kelly, Casey, and Bre, that came to care for dad over the past eight months. During that time, dad developed a special relationship with Clifton, an angel of his own regard. Clifton, you have sincerely been appreciated in taking care of “boss,” and the unforgettable acts of kindness bestowed on both of our parents. You are all forever friends. Thank you for your countless hours of hard work and dedication to dads care.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at the Jocko Valley Baptist Church, Arlee, MT. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending donations to Arlee High School Coach Clyde Tucker Memorial Fund. Money from this fund will be used to purchase a trophy case for the new gym.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.dalyleachchapel.com