Harold Herbert Heath

1922 - 2014

Harold Herbert Heath

Harold Herbert Heath, 91, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2014, at The Big Valley Ranch, his home in Winthrop. Harold was born on Dec. 3, 1922, to Charles and Gladys Heath in Sioux Falls, S.D.

During WWII, Harold served with the U.S. Army 463rd Air Service Group in England and France as a machinist repairing damaged airplanes. He began his career as an entrepreneur in Seattle at age 27 when he started his first company, Heath Manufacturing, making parts for Boeing. He later incorporated 14 divisions under the identity, Heath Tecna.

After Heath Tecna, Harold moved his family to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1976 to work with another start-up company, CorTec. In 1981 Harold retired and returned with his family to the Methow Valley to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a rancher and raising cattle. He loved working on the ranch and spending time with his family and friends.

While living in Seattle Harold was involved with Pioneer Human Services, Seattle Opera, Young Presidents Organization, Seattle University, and Swedish Hospital, among others. In the Methow Valley, he was deeply committed to the Methow Valley Education Foundation, where he was an early board member and president for many years. Through his business and community involvement, Harold touched the lives of many people.

Harold is survived by his wife of 48 years, Tina Heath; sons Carlton Heath, Jeffrey (Karen) Heath, Bretton (Shirley) Heath and Stuart (Britt) Heath; daughters Judy Ann Heath, Wendi (Brian) Hardy, and Holly Heath; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sister Frances Schmilski; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives, and friends. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert Heath; and a son, Brad Heath who is survived by his wife Kathy Heath.

There will be a private memorial service to celebrate Harold's life. Those wishing to remember Harold may donate to the Methow Valley Education Foundation, P.O. Box 3056, Winthrop, WA 98862.