Harry C Black

Harry C. Black was born July 24, 1931 at Northampton, MA to Marguerite H. and William E. Black.  He enlisted in the United States Air force on August 1, 1950, serving for four years as a B-29 Crew Chief. While stationed at Mountain Home Air force Base, he met and married his first wife, Frances Jean Diehl, with whom he had two sons and a daughter.  Frances passed away in 1981.  Harry married Ava Mansell in 1991, gaining a close-knit family of four step-children and their families.

Harry worked for Beall Pipe and Tank, then Idaho Tank and Culvert as culvert foreman.  He was a member of Boilermaker Local #507 AFL/CIO.  He retired in July 1993, after building culverts for more than thirty-five years.

Harry was most proud of being a Mason.  He joined the Oriental Lodge No. 60 in 1963 and spent many hours on Masonry every week for the remainder of his life.  He served as the Lodge’s Tyler for Twenty-five years and Worshipful Mater in 1970.  He became a dual member of Silver City Lodge #13, Homedale in 1985, serving as their Worshipful Master nine times.  Harry was also a member of Ionic Lodge #82 Cascade, a charter member Initial Point Lodge #98 Kuna, and Meridian Lodge #47.  He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master in September 1992, serving until 1994 at which time he began progressing through the line becoming Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Idaho in September 2004.  In 2000 he received the “Outstanding Mason of the Year” award for the Ninth District.  Harry was also a member of Idaho Lodge of Research No. 1965 A.F. & A.M., Idaho City Masonic Historical Lodge, Scottish Rite Bodies (33rd degree), El Korah Shrine, and served several times a Worth Patron of Silver Star Chapter #83, Order of the Eastern Star.

An ardent fisherman, many “Masonic conferences” were held at lakes in the area with his Masonic fishing buddies.  He loved to fish at Horsethief and Little Camas Reservoirs in his power float tube.  Harry also loved gardening and took great pride in the vegetables he grew and shared with family and friends.  He was a member of Red Rock Christian Church, and a life member of Capital City VFW Post 63.

Harry is survived by his wife Ava; step-children Dennis (Cathy) Mansell, Cascade, Nance (Larry) Pew, Susie Mason, & Jeanne (Keith) Anderson, all of Boise; grandchildren Sarah Poste, Carrie (Ryan) Morthland, Melissa (Kip) Mayer, Daniel, Joshua & Stephen Pew, Rebecca (Steven) Cales, Elijah & Nathan Anderson, and nine great grandchildren; biological children Frank Black and Theresa Thomas; and many special extended family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents & siblings, son Ted Black, granddaughter Jennifer Black, son-in-law Lysle Mason and grandson-in-law Matt Poste.

A Memorial Service celebrating Harry’s life will be held a Coverdale Funeral Home on Saturday, November 20, 1021 at 3:30 p.m. COVID protocols will be followed and masks are required. The family recommends any memorial donations be made to the Silver City Lodge No. 13 Scholarship Fund, 23883 Applewood Way, Wilder, ID 83676-5137.