Harry Henke Jr., 86, A Lawyer Who Helped Build Business Giants

Harry Henke Jr. was just starting out as a corporate lawyer when the stock market crashed in 1929. It didn't deter him. He persevered and helped develop businesses that eventually became the booming Associated Grocers, Quality Food Centers and the Westin Hotels.

Mr. Henke died March 14 after a long struggle with illnesses and a series of strokes. He was 86.

In the midst of the Depression, Mr. Henke helped 11 independent, mostly mom-and-pop grocers form their own company. The company, the Associated Grocers, has become a $2.2 billion business.

"He was a truly respected gentleman," said Annette Otis, director of business relations for Associated Grocers. "He had an immense integrity, he was a man of his word."

After earning his law degree from the University of Washington in 1928, Mr. Henke became a partner at the Seattle-based law firm of Skeel, McKelvy, Henke, Evenson and Uhlmann. In 1979, he became senior partner of Skeel, Henke, Evenson and Roberts until he retired in 1989 and became its adviser.

During the '50s and '60s, Mr. Henke provided legal counsel to Quality Foods Center and the Western International Hotels, which later became the Westin Hotels.

"He was an exemplary lawyer and friend, just a great individual," said Lynn Himmelman, former chairman of the Westin Hotels. "I have nothing but respect for him."

In his spare time, Mr. Henke enjoyed traveling and reading history books, said his son, Bradley Henke. "He was very devoted to his law practice and to his family," the younger Henke said.

Harry Henke Jr. was born Dec. 5, 1905, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He moved to Washington when his father came to Sumner to manage the Fleischmann Yeast Co. plant.

Mr. Henke graduated from Franklin High School in Seattle in 1922. He was active in the Seattle business community, as a lifetime member of the Rainier Club, a member of the Rotary Club of Seattle and of the Washington Athletic Club.

Mr. Henke is survived by three sons in Seattle: Harry Henke 3rd, Bradley Henke and Joseph Henke; 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

A private service is scheduled today at the Florence Henry Memorial Chapel at The Highlands.

The family asks that remembrances be made to the Children's Hospital Foundation and the Janet Lane-Florence Henke Guild.