Obituary of Emerson Fobes Spurling Jr.

In Loving Memory of Emerson Fobes Spurling Jr. "Tucker"
December 7, 1935 – January 20, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Emerson Fobes Spurling Jr., known to all as “Tucker,” on January 20, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on December 7, 1935, in Ellsworth, Maine, Tucker spent much of his life on the coast of Maine, first in Manset and later in Windham. He was a hardworking man with a big heart, a quick wit, and a generosity that made everyone who met him feel like family.

Tucker was a proud U.S. Army veteran, having been drafted during his youth. He was stationed in Germany for a time, where he met more friends he stayed in touch with throughout his life. It was there that he bought a prized black Volkswagen Bug, a car he cherished and had shipped home after his service. His time in the Army was just one chapter of a life filled with service, hard work, and satisfaction.

After his military service, Tucker returned home to Mount Desert Island, the island he loved so much. He continued to work the waters off of Southwest Harbor for decades on his lobster boats, first the wooden boat he built with the help of his father and Ralph Stanley, the Bette S. Into his seventies he decided a wooden boat was a lot to maintain, instead of retiring he bought his brother's fiberglass boat. She was a sturdy vessel he proudly renamed after his only granddaughter the Evi Lynn and fished until his retirement at the age of 82. Even after he retired, he couldn’t sit still. He was always tinkering, and creating something—whether it was a squirrel-proof bird feeder or custom beer flights made from lobster trap wire for his daughter and son-in-law’s brewery, where he beamed with pride that a smooth cream ale was named in his honor: Captain Tucker. He was always looking for ways to make life a little bit better and a little bit more fun, often with a laugh and a kind word.

But what truly made Tucker special was the way he made people feel. He loved a good party and could always be counted on to bring joy and laughter to any occasion. Whether it was a family gathering, a wedding, or a backyard lobster bake, Tucker was in the center of the action, offering a cold beverage, sharing stories, and ensuring everyone around him felt at ease. His warmth and energy were magnetic, and his humor brightened any room.

Tucker married the love of his life, Bette Hall Spurling, on June 17, 1967, and together they built a life filled with laughter, love, and memories. He was a devoted husband and father, always working hard to provide for his family. He made sure everyone was taken care of, and his home was a place where everyone was welcome, whether it was for a meal, a chat, or just to enjoy a good time.

Tucker was preceded in death by his parents Emerson "Tommy" Spurling Sr. and Hildreth Wardwell Spurling and his sister Rachel Spurling Garver. Tucker is survived by his brother Alan Spurling, his loving wife, Bette; his children, Jody Spurling Denz (James Denz) and Wendy Spurling Gaulrapp (David Gaulrapp); and his grandchildren, Kameron and Bryce Andrews, and Owen and Evi Gaulrapp and many special nieces and nephews and countless friends, especially Billy and Shirley Soukup. His legacy of love, humor, and generosity lives on in each of those whose lives he touched.

A celebration of Tucker’s life will be held this spring in Southwest Harbor, where family and friends will gather to share stories, laughter, and memories of a man whose love for life was as big as his heart. Details for the celebration will be shared closer to the date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Tucker’s honor to the animal rescue organization, The Pixel Fund at  www.ThePixelFund.org. 

Tucker’s passing leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew him, but his spirit, laughter, and many catchphrases will never be forgotten. He lived life fully, with joy, humor, and a deep love for the people around him. May we all carry forward his legacy by living each day with the same generosity, kindness, and joy that he did.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.directcremationfomaine.com