POULSBO — The interview on Nov. 14 had to be cut short because Russ Heald, 100, had a Skype conversation scheduled with his brother, Erv, 98.
The elder Heald, a teacher at North Kitsap High School from 1952 to 1967, celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends this week on Bainbridge Island. He looks younger than his 100 years, a credit to his active outdoor lifestyle.
“He played a lot of golf — three times a week,” his son, Rich, said. “He’s been very active physically, always out working in the yard, golfing and walking the dog. He’s in good health.” Rich said his father has always had a warm personality. “He’s kind and gentle,” Rich said.
Russ Heald was born on Nov. 12, 1914 in Gold Bar, and was one of five brothers. His earliest memory is of troops returning home from the Great War.
He graduated from Sultan High School and was a few credits shy of graduating from the University of Michigan when he was drafted into the Army during World War II. He served in Europe as administrative assistant to the division psychiatrist. During his military service, he received a letter from the University of Michigan stating that his experience during the war was sufficient for him to be awarded his bachelor’s degree in history.
He returned to Washington and earned his teaching certificate from the University of Washington in 1946. He taught at Leavenworth High School and Sunnyside High School, then joined the faculty of North Kitsap High School in 1952.
He was very good friends with Hal Hoover, who taught music at North Kitsap; Hoover passed away on Oct. 10. His principal, Gene Riehl, passed away on Nov. 5.
Heald initially taught history, but later taught business subjects — bookkeeping, shorthand, typing — and Latin, and briefly coached the freshman basketball team. He taught at North Kitsap until 1967, when he moved to Bainbridge High School where he taught until he retired in 1976.
He and his wife, Betty, were married for 70 years when she passed away in 2013. They have two children, Rich and Carole, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Heald now lives in Winslow.
