Our Council History

Establishment of Council 11780

Harry J. Tucker Jr. council 11780 was instituted in Covington, Washington May 5, 1996 by District Deputy Virgil Hedlund.

Dignitaries present at the institution included State Secretary Everett J. Roberts; State Advocate Wayne C. Hogan and DD Virgil Hedlund. The dignitaries present were State Treasurer Everett J. Roberts, State Warden Wayne Hogan and District Deputy Virgil D. Hedlund. Those most responsible for the institution and active in it are Gary Weber, Jim Martin, John Mergens and Fr. Jack Walmesley. At our initial meetings with Fr. Walmesley, he challenged us to build on the traditional strengths of the Knights of Columbus while adding an element of men's spirituality. Our primary membership drive involved a Sunday afternoon men's spirituality reflection conducted by Fr. Walmesley. Since our institution the council has worked to establish a balanced service program of church, community, council, family and youth programs - flavored with this element of spirituality.

Our council is located on the East Hill of Covington at St. John the Baptist parish. This is a new parish - the church building was completed less than 5 months prior to our institution. During the formation phase of the parish, all activities were directed by a steering team working closely with Fr. Walmesley. One of the team members was Harry J. Tucker Jr., Harry's service to the Knights of Columbus included the offices of Supreme Warden; State Deputy and Vice Supreme Master as well as countless hours of involvement in local councils. Most recently he was a member of Kent Council 8150.

Harry J. Tucker Jr.

Harry J. Tucker Jr. was born on January 18, 1927 in Des Moines, Iowa but was raised in Wichita, Kansas. After college there he then went to work for the Boeing Airplane Co. He joined the Order on Sept 4, 1945 in Council 691 in Wichita. He later transferred to Derby, Kansas Council 4458. He held several offices including GK 1960-61 in the Derby Council. He was transferred to the Seattle area by the Boeing Company in 1962. He transferred to Auburn Council 3598, serving as Chancellor in 1965-66 and GK in 1966-67. He was appointed District Deputy #12 1970-72. He was elected State Warden 1972-74 and progressed through all offices to State Secretary 1978. Upon the death of new State Deputy Bill Witte in September 1978 he was elected by the State Officers as State Deputy. He served out Bill Witte's unexpired term and was elected State Deputy 1979-81 in his own right. He was Trustee 1972-76 in the V Rev. Wm. J. Power Assembly and was a key figure in the institution of Bishop Gill Assembly in 1983 and a charter member. He served as FA and Trustee for that Assembly before becoming its Faithful Comptroller 1985-90

While still State Deputy, he was elected Supreme Warden by the Supreme Board of Directors for 1980-82. He was Supreme Warden during the Centennial Year of the Order and participated in all of those activities. He was appointed Vice-Supreme Master of the Archbishop Francis N. Blanchet Province of the Fourth Degree 1985-89. Harry passed away September 18, 1995 - three months prior to the completion of our parish church building. As the building architecture was being developed, Harry looked forward to the establishment of a council here. Although he was taken from us, we are proud to honor Harry's service to our order and our parish by instituting a council in his name.