Fairfield 21-Year-Old's Legacy Helps Local Gardens Grow

FAIRFIELD, CT — When they lost their son, Tucker Secrist, in 2017 at the age of 21, his family wanted to do something special that would not only celebrate his memory, but bring help and attention to something he cared a great deal about.

Just last month, The Tucker Fund, a Fairfield-based nonprofit established in 2018, gave $30,000 to two local projects that created pollinator gardens — one in conjunction with the town at the H. Smith Richardson Golf Course, and the other in tandem with the Connecticut Audubon Society at its Burr Street location.

“We really wanted to do something to give back to the community,” said Secrist's mother, Karen Secrist. “It was really just to give back and to preserve all of the open spaces.”

“That was something he really loved and meant a lot to him,” she said.

The Tucker Fund’s first initiative involved creating a pollinator pathway at Hoyt’s Meadow, for which it raised about $15,000 through a corn hole game event.

In 2019, it raised $15,000 that went to the Conservation Commission to help repair a bird viewing platform on Oldfield Road.

“The following year was COVID, so we couldn’t host an event,” Karen said, but by creating merchandise related to the initiative, the fund was able to raise another $8,000.

This year, on June 26, the nonprofit was finally able to host another fundraiser event, and it did extremely well. Thus, a pesticide-free, native planting garden behind the clubhouse at the golf course was built with $15,000 the nonprofit earmarked, and another is in the planning stages with the town to be put in front.

“They were totally agreeable,” Karen said.

Further, the fund is helping the Audubon Society repair the Larsen Fragrance Loop with an additional $15,000, helping with native plantings and general repairs.

“The Tucker Fund has been an amazing way to honor Tucker’s memory,” said his sister, Clare Secrist.

She said the family misses him every day, but the fundraising events and activities they hold through the nonprofit keeps him in their thoughts.

“Through these projects we get to be reminded of his love for his friends, family and the town of Fairfield,” she said.

One of Tucker’s close friends, Sofiene Afif of Fairfield, also spoke about how the nonprofit helps celebrate his life and legacy.

“He was an individual with an unmatched capacity to generate laughter, lightheartedness and happiness amongst anyone that he came across,” he said.

Along with his love of nature, Afif said Tucker was curious and enjoyed adventurous exploring out in natural environments.

“He adored spending time outdoors with friends and family,” he said, “ a sentiment that I’m sure is mutually felt by those that had the chance to enjoy it alongside him.”

“With his charisma and brilliance, he bestowed upon us memories that will be cherished endlessly,” Afif said.

Other family friends concurred, including board member Tracy Surrick of Fairfield.

“Tucker really enjoyed nature and being outdoors,” she said. “We know he would love this garden … this setting and the garden’s purpose.”

The nonprofit's impact will continue to grow, in part because a full board of trustees is now in place.

“This is something he would have been proud of,” Karen said of her son.

For more information, visit www.thetuckerfund.com.