Henry B. Coleman—Nantucketer

H e n r y B . C o l ema n — N a n t u c k eter

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WITH THE DEATH of Henry B. Coleman on April 15, 1979, Nantucket lost one of those sons who may truly be known as a "Nantucketer." Born on this island, March 15, 1901, the son of Wallace L. and Carrie E. (Brown) Coleman, he was associated with community affairs all of his long life. The wide range of his activities was the best indication of the variety of his interests. It was not so much the fact that he belonged to these numerous organizations; it was that he contributed in his own way to each of them. Such interest and devotion to the duties involved brought to him loyal friends, and he commanded the respect of all his fellow workers throughout his career.

Following his graduation from the Nantucket High School in 1919, he completed a course at the Mount Hermon School. He then became associated with the national Y.M.C.A., accepting a position at Lawrence, Mass. But the pull of his island home soon brought him back to Nantucket, where he readily found employment. It was in 1931 that he entered into partnership with Dr. Charles E. Congdon in the real estate and insurance business that is still conducted under the name of Congdon & Coleman. He still found time to conduct a physical education course for the Nantucket schools. With the advent of World War II he accepted the director's post for the Civilian Defense, serving as secretary of the Board of Selectmen, as well, but resigned when he entered the U.S. Army in 1942.

In the years following the war's end, he was called upon to help in several organizations. When the Nantucket Rotary Club was formed in 1951 he became its first President. He served as President of the Board of Trustees of the Nantucket Hospital from 1954 through 1956, and his good judgment was utilized in such organizations as the American Legion, the Sherburne Chapter, O.E.S., the Thomas Turner Chapter of the Sons of the Revolution, the Nantucket Pacific Club. He was one of the founders of the Nantucket Historical Trust, and served as President of the Nantucket Foundation and the Nantucket Civic League, and only recently retired as the President of the Nantucket Atheneum.

For many years he was the Senior Deacon at St. Paul's Church, and was a past Junior Deacon of Union Lodge, F.&A.M. His interests included membership in the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, and the Maria Mitchell Association, and he was a Director of the Nantucket Electric Company and on the Board of the Nantucket Institution For Savings. Many community organizations sought his help, and he always

The Late Henry B. Coleman

HENRY B. COLEMAN—NANTUCKETER 9

responded. He belonged to the three island golf clubs, enjoying the game and the companionship of his many friends.

He was especially interested in the Nantucket Historical Association, becoming a Council member in 1951 through 1954. In 1961 he was again elected a Councillor, and served to 1964, when he became a Vice President. From 1971 to 1974 he served as President of the Association.

In recent years his failing health precluded his participation in many of the organizations in which he had played a leading role, but his interest in each of them never lagged. Having given of himself so unselfishly, he was greatly missed by his former colleagues. This became more evident whenever a committee or a board of trustees would meet and become aware that the faithful Henry Coleman was no longer available for advice and counsel.

Death came to him while he was vacationing in Florida. He was enjoying a visit with a close Nantucket friend there when the fatal heart attack struck. He had observed his 78th birthday only a few weeks before. Despite the nature of his illness, which made the ultimate passing inevitable, he was able to keep up his characteristic cheerfulness. He will always be remembered by his friends for his affable and genial disposition.

The Nantucket Historical Association joins his many friends in fond remembrances of a warm and generous personality, and is grateful for the contributions that Henry Coleman made not only to this organization but to Nantucket as his community and his home.