The newsroom rode a roller coaster of emotions this week -- high that we could usher a colleague into a well-earned retirement, low that we were saying goodbye to a consummate newsman and cornerstone of The News Tribune.

Rob Tucker worked here nearly 30 years as a reporter, city editor, editorial writer, sports editor, business editor and consumer columnist. (Not all at the same time, although he would have tried if we asked.)

I said it at his retirement party, and I'll say it again now: It's hard to think of anyone who better personifies the values of teamwork than Rob. When asked to provide his 10 biggest stories at the TNT, Rob largely submitted things that he worked on with other reporters: the Sheriff Janovich scandal, Mount St. Helens eruption, Atlas Foundry explosion, to name a few.

In 2003 when I arrived as Rob's suburban team leader, he had been working as the Puyallup Valley reporter for eight years and was probably ready for a change. When I asked him what he wanted to do, he didn't try to set himself up for a career move; instead he said: "I'll do whatever you need me to do."

Rob worked three more years in East Pierce County and his final two covering Lakewood, Fircrest, Steilacoom and DuPont.

The new Lakewood reporter is Brent Champaco, who has covered University Place and Gig Harbor for more than three years.

Our managing editor described Rob Tucker as a "gentleman journalist." Others at his sendoff said they will remember him for his encouraging ways (he only ever got angry at his computer) and deep experience covering floods, storms and local history. One reporter gave this metaphor: Some people are books, but Rob is a whole bookshelf.

Rob's last day was Wednesday. I miss him already.