Page 80 - 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 Temple of
the Shrine and is a Past Associate Guardian of Job's Daughters.

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