Page 166 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Henry C. Heal

1949-1950

Most Worshipful Brother Henry (Harry) Charles Heal was born
on April 16, 1880, in Fareham, Hampshire County, England. His
formal education, although somewhat limited, included business
training, and he was employed in various capacities by several
business establishments. In 1901, at the age of 21, he journeyed
to Red Bluff, California, where he was employed in a dry goods
store owned by an uncle. Not liking the climate of California, at
the suggestion of his mother, he ventured north, and while visiting
another uncle in Seattle, accepted a position in the Fair
Department Store in Bellingham. He worked first as a clerk, then
in the office and bookkeeping departments, subsequently becoming Secretary-Treasurer of the
business.

He would attract the attention of Mr. E. W. Purdy, President of the First National Bank, who in
1907 offered him a position. Feeling that the banking field offered greater opportunities for
advancement, he accepted, working first as Collection Teller, then advancing through different
positions to Cashier, Trust Officer, and Director. When this bank became part of the Seattle-First
National system in 1939, he became Vice-President, Manager and Trust Officer of the Bellingham
Branch, a position that he held until his retirement at the end of 1948. He served continuously in
the bank for over forty-one years.

In civic activities, Most Worshipful Brother Heal was Treasurer of the American Red Cross,
Whatcom County Chapter, from 1920 to 1947, when he was made an honorary member of the
Board, and an honorary member of the American Red Cross, in recognition of his years of faithful
service a Trustee
and Treasurer of St. Luke's General Hospital, Bellingham, for thirty years. Chairman of the
Whatcom
County War Finance Committee, directing every War Bond Drive during World War II. Member
of Bellingham Chamber of Commerce, serving as President in 1945-1946 For one term a
Director of the
National Credit Men's Association .... a member and officer of several clubs, the Hobby Club, the
Twentieth Century, and the Bellingham Civic Music AssociationA long-time member of the
Bellingham Rotary Club, and in 1933, its President. He served as Governor of District 151 of this
organization in 1952 .......a life member of the Bellingham Elks Lodge, serving as Treasurer for a
number of
years.

Throughout his residence in Bellingham, Most Worshipful Brother Heal was a member of St.