Dr. Donald Lee Tucker passed away on May 25, 2018, at a hospital in California.

Don was a native of Sandpoint, Idaho — born on February 22, 1931.

He attended Center Valley Elementary School. Later he attended Upper Columbia Academy at Spangle, Wash., and then Walla Walla College.

Don supported his academic endeavors by spending some summers logging in the woods. Don was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954 and was sent to Germany where he trained as a dental technician. That experience led him into applying to Loma Linda Univer-sity Dental School where he excelled and began his dental practice in Whittier, Calif.

During these years, Don married his first wife, Gerry Wilson and had two children, Janelle and Robert. Later he married Peggy Missa-more and together they raised Peggy’s children — Tim, Paula, Paige, and Amy. He continued practicing dentistry in California until 1980 when Don, Peggy, and family moved to back to Sandpoint.

Don practiced in Sandpoint until he retired in 1995. He also was a gentleman rancher — raising Santa Gertrudes cattle on the family farm in the Colburn area. Peggy passed on in December 2006.

Later Don married a family friend, Bev Wiley, on Aug. 17, 2008, at Bev’s home. After the ceremony, they made their get-away in Dan Heinz’s vintage Chris-Craft boat. Don and Bev spent many fun summers in Sandpoint and warm winters in Sun City West, Ariz., and enjoyed friends in each community.

Don was a caring, peaceful soul who loved being with people and always encouraged a positive attitude.

Don is survived by his wife, Bev; his six children and their spouses and grandchildren; his sister, Cathy Bradetech and her husband, Phil of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; his sister, Shirley Hruza of Wickenburg, Ariz.; and his brother, Jerry Tucker of Sagle, Idaho.

A memorial service will be held at Bev’s house on Aug. 18 at 12 p.m. Please call Bev for further information if you would like to attend at 208-290-3332.