Page 83 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Harold E. Tucker

1988-1989

Most Worshipful Brother Harold E. Tucker was born August 21,
1925, in Dahinda, Illinois. Growing up and living on the family
farm, springtime was one of his favorite times of the year for
wherever he looked there was a renewal of life, a fresh beginning.
He graduated from high school in Knoxville, Illinois in 1943.
Immediately after graduation he joined the Navy. Following boot
camp he became a hospital corpsman and dental technician. His
first tour of duty was at Farragut, Idaho.

While stationed at Farragut he met Shirley Campbell and became
engaged. Their marriage would have to wait until Harold
completed sea duty in the South Pacific. Assigned to the U.S.S. LaGrange, an armored Naval
supply transport, Harold learned how precious life truly is as the ship took a direct hit from a
kamkazi bomber. Many of his friends and shipmates perished in the fiery aftermath. From that
point forward, his love of life and of his fellowman took on a new dimension.

Upon Harold's return, he and Shirley were married in Spokane on November 11, 1945. They have
three children, Douglas (who would follow in his father’s footsteps in more ways than one),
Ronald, and Patricia.

Returning to civilian life, Harold managed a Standard gas station for 2-1/2 years. Feeling the need
for a more stable occupation to provide for his family, Harold joined the Spokane Police
Department in 1950. He suffered a life-threatening accident while on motorcycle duty. What the
doctors did not take into account was the inner strength of the man, for following his recovery
Harold returned to the Traffic Division. During his more than 26 years with the department he
served in many areas the last of which as Detective in the Fraud Division. When asked about his
favorite assignment, Harold simply smiled and replied "being the department Santa Claus for 15
years, being with the children." After retirement from the police department, Harold worked for
the Washington State Department of Revenue as an investigator.

His Masonic journey began when he joined Audubon Park Lodge No. 272 in 1954. His first
appointment in the Lodge was Chaplain in 1956, subsequently serving as Worshipful Master in
I960. Harold became very proficient in the Standard Work, taking part in Degree work and
installing Lodge officers throughout the Jurisdiction. While Harold and Shirley lived on the "west
side", he affiliated with State Lodge No. 68, dimitting upon his return to Spokane. Currently Harold
also holds membership in North Hill Lodge No. 210, and Eastern Washington Lodge of Research
No. 310.

Most Worshipful Brother Harold is a member of the Valley of Spokane Scottish Rite, El Katif