Harry Alfred Blencoe Jr.

Harry was born in Seattle on February 17, 1924, the second of five children of Harry A. (Sr.) and Martha Hansen Blencoe.

Harry’s father, a longshoreman, became ill and died from an ulcer when Harry was 9 years old. This tragic occurrence turned Harry’s childhood upside down, leaving his family to struggle. His mother sent Harry and his older brother George to work selling newspapers and magazines on Seattle’s street corners and at Memorial Stadium’s Seattle Indians games to earn the $10 a month rent for their apartment. A few years passed and his mother remarried, moving the family to a farm in Bothell. This proved to be a difficult situation, and soon after, Harry lost his brother Jim in a tragic accident.

As a young teen, Harry found work in a garden nursery by his home. There he met Robert Theinhardt, a bank manager from Renton. Mr. Theinhardt recognized a good worker when he witnessed Harry’s work ethic and offered the opportunity for room and board at his home in exchange for household help. This continued throughout Harry’s high school years and had a lifelong impact on his chosen career.

Harry completed the requirements for graduation from Bothell High School early and graduated in December 1942. Just days after, he joined the Navy to serve his country during World War II. He followed in the footsteps of his father, who served in the Navy in World I, and his older brother George, who had signed on earlier. A bit later, his youngest brother Bob would join the Army and serve his country as well.

Harry was trained as an aircrewman and flew in a PBY squadron that conducted bombing and rescue missions at night over the Pacific. During his years in the Navy, Harry served with distinction, receiving three Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was proud to serve his country and kept in touch with the surviving PBY squadron members throughout their lives.

After the war ended, Harry returned to the Seattle area and studied business education at the University of Washington with the help of the GI bill. During that time, he held multiple jobs to make ends meet, including working at First Federal Savings and Loan, the bank Mr. Theinhardt managed. While at the UW, he met Janet Ivankovich of Anaconda, Montana. They married in September 1950, after Harry received his BA in Economics, Banking and Finance earlier in June.

Harry and Janet settled in Renton, where Harry dove into his career at First Federal. It was more than a career really - many would say a calling – as Harry worked energetically for years, including after hours, on weekends and holidays, to stay on top and exceed his responsibilities. Harry’s role at First Federal spanned over 54 years, as he progressed from the position of a teller to Assistant Secretary, then to Executive Vice President and President and Chairman of the Board. He was very proud to have been named President of First Federal at age 37.

Harry served as President or CEO of First Federal for 44 years, longer than any other bank president in Washington state. During his tenure, Harry helped move the bank into three different buildings and expanded its services as it grew from its origin as First Federal Savings and Loan, to First Savings Bank, then to First Financial Northwest Bank (FFNW). Under his leadership, the bank received national recognition for its strong capital position.

He retired from the active management of the bank on December 31, 2004, just before his 81st birthday. In 2011, he became Director Emeritus.

Throughout his life, Harry maintained an active role in civic and community affairs in Renton, participating in the Rotary Club, Renton Chamber of Commerce, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Renton Community Foundation, and First Financial Northwest Foundation. He held a key role in selecting the current Renton City Hall, and in working with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco to relocate their Seattle office to Renton. In 2004, the FFNW Board of Directors honored Harry, dedicating an auditorium at the Renton Technical College in his name. His hobbies included philanthropy, gardening, and cheering for the UW Huskies, the Mariners and the Seahawks.

In 2019, Harry and Janet moved to Merrill Gardens at Renton Center to enjoy their final years. After Janet passed away in 2021, Harry continued to develop many friendships there - enjoying the camaraderie of his 7 am breakfasts with a steady group of friends, lunchtimes with his caregiver and more friends, scenic drives and parties.

The time he spent in the Navy serving his country meant a great deal to Harry throughout his life. He proudly wore his World War II Veteran cap every day and was always pleased to share stories of his service.

Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Janet. He is survived by his two daughters, Mary and Cathy (Jeff) and their families, which include four grandchildren and two great-grandsons, many nieces and nephews and his close friends.

The family extends special thanks to the staff and caregivers of Merrill Gardens at Renton Center for helping Harry during these last years, and to the doctors and medical professionals at Overlake Medical Center who provided excellent care.

Harry will be laid to rest at Greenwood Memorial Park, next to his wife Janet. A memorial service and celebration of his life will occur in early April.

Donations In memory of Harry’s life may be made to the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum (https://pnwnam.org/) or Renton Technical College (https://rtc.edu).