September 23, 2009
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August 29, 2009
August 4, 2009
July 6, 2009
Harry C Block JR
From the Indianapolis Star
Block, Harry C. Jr.,
July 6, 2009
Harry C. Block Jr. Harry was born in Indianapolis, IN on November 10, 1916 to Mabel S. and Harry C. Block, Sr. who preceded him in death. He peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 4th, surrounded by his wife of 51 years, Tirzah Blackard Block, his daughter, Barbara Austin, his loving son-in-law Jim Austin, and granddaughters, Lexi and Claire. Harry, known as Harry Jr, HCB, Brud, Daddy, Dad and Papa, had lived many chapters in his life. He grew up primarily in Indianapolis, but enjoyed time in Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill he'd tell you), Culver Military Academy, Miami Beach (he always debated as to whether he should have accepted the journalist job with the Miami Herald), and back to Indianapolis, where he remained a lifelong resident. He was a veteran of WWII. His life was enriched by family, friends, and acquaintances from his youth, the Culver years, Block's department store, Block's Bicycle Shop, years of collecting aviation history, Indy Aero Club, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and his church. He lived his life with passion, commitment and devotion to the people and activities that he enjoyed. While he took great pride in his world class aviation collection and Indy 500 memorabilia, what really mattered to him was family. The grandson of department store founder William H. Block, he was the Block family historian preserving and passing down stories, photos and traditions. On any given day you could find him lunching downtown with a circle of buddies, cheering at his granddaughters' dance or school activities, or just shooting the breeze and reminiscing about the good old days with anyone who would listen. And while everyone knew Harry through different channels, they were all in agreement that he was one of a kind! The last two years of his life were a courageous and amazing attempt to defeat the health battle of his life. The family expresses sincere gratitude and appreciation to the healthcare team who supported him, including Nurse Jeannette and Aid Monica, Drs. Harris, Shirrell, Lee, and Rouch, Hospice Nurses Tracie and Jeannette and Hospice Aids LaDonna and LaRita, and care giving angel Kim. In addition to his wife Tirzah and daughter Barbara and her family, survivors include daughters Wendy E. Hiltz (Bob), San Luis Obispo, CA, and Debby McCombs (Herman), Kokomo, IN, 5 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of life to pay tribute to this self-proclaimed iconoclast. Please join the family in honoring Harry on Wednesday, July 8th at the Sterrett Center, at Ft. Harrison, 8950 Otis Ave. Beginning at 12 noon, the family will welcome guests. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m. For better, for worse, in sickness and in health, Harry's ultimate desire was for Tirzah to be cared for. To honor his wishes in lieu of flowers, the family has established the Tirzah B. Block Alzheimer's Long Term Care Fund. Contributions can be made to this fund at any Chase Bank location. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shirley Brothers Mortuary.
Other Stories about Harry:
The Harry C Block Collection:
Block, Harry C. Jr.,
July 6, 2009
Harry C. Block Jr. Harry was born in Indianapolis, IN on November 10, 1916 to Mabel S. and Harry C. Block, Sr. who preceded him in death. He peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 4th, surrounded by his wife of 51 years, Tirzah Blackard Block, his daughter, Barbara Austin, his loving son-in-law Jim Austin, and granddaughters, Lexi and Claire. Harry, known as Harry Jr, HCB, Brud, Daddy, Dad and Papa, had lived many chapters in his life. He grew up primarily in Indianapolis, but enjoyed time in Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill he'd tell you), Culver Military Academy, Miami Beach (he always debated as to whether he should have accepted the journalist job with the Miami Herald), and back to Indianapolis, where he remained a lifelong resident. He was a veteran of WWII. His life was enriched by family, friends, and acquaintances from his youth, the Culver years, Block's department store, Block's Bicycle Shop, years of collecting aviation history, Indy Aero Club, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and his church. He lived his life with passion, commitment and devotion to the people and activities that he enjoyed. While he took great pride in his world class aviation collection and Indy 500 memorabilia, what really mattered to him was family. The grandson of department store founder William H. Block, he was the Block family historian preserving and passing down stories, photos and traditions. On any given day you could find him lunching downtown with a circle of buddies, cheering at his granddaughters' dance or school activities, or just shooting the breeze and reminiscing about the good old days with anyone who would listen. And while everyone knew Harry through different channels, they were all in agreement that he was one of a kind! The last two years of his life were a courageous and amazing attempt to defeat the health battle of his life. The family expresses sincere gratitude and appreciation to the healthcare team who supported him, including Nurse Jeannette and Aid Monica, Drs. Harris, Shirrell, Lee, and Rouch, Hospice Nurses Tracie and Jeannette and Hospice Aids LaDonna and LaRita, and care giving angel Kim. In addition to his wife Tirzah and daughter Barbara and her family, survivors include daughters Wendy E. Hiltz (Bob), San Luis Obispo, CA, and Debby McCombs (Herman), Kokomo, IN, 5 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of life to pay tribute to this self-proclaimed iconoclast. Please join the family in honoring Harry on Wednesday, July 8th at the Sterrett Center, at Ft. Harrison, 8950 Otis Ave. Beginning at 12 noon, the family will welcome guests. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m. For better, for worse, in sickness and in health, Harry's ultimate desire was for Tirzah to be cared for. To honor his wishes in lieu of flowers, the family has established the Tirzah B. Block Alzheimer's Long Term Care Fund. Contributions can be made to this fund at any Chase Bank location. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shirley Brothers Mortuary.
Other Stories about Harry:
- Effort to Get Medal of Honor for World War II Hero Alex Vraciu '41 Noted in Newspaper
- Indy Transponder: Harry Block
The Harry C Block Collection:
June 28, 2009
May 27, 2009
May 20, 2009
TRIBUTE TO AMERICA'S VETERANS TO EXPAND IN INDY 500 PRE-RACE
Famed Tuskegee Airmen to be honored; Three-Volley Salute added to solemn ceremonies
INDIANAPOLIS, Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will continue its longstanding tradition of honoring America's military veterans during the pre-race ceremonies for the Indianapolis 500 with an expanded variety of tributes, including special recognition of a unique group of American heroes and a dramatic flyover.
Pre-race ceremonies for the Indianapolis 500 are scheduled to start at noon (ET) Sunday, May 24, with "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" starting at 1 p.m.
Among the veterans of America's armed forces to be honored will be nine members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen.
The Tuskegee Airmen enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II to become America's first African-American military airmen. They trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Ala., and compiled an exemplary record in combat service despite numerous acts of bigotry and racism committed against them at home and overseas.
From 1941-46, 994 African-American pilots trained for combat at the Tuskegee Army Air Field. Hundreds more trained at other bases to serve as navigators, bombardiers and gunnery crews during the worldwide war effort.
Members of the Tuskegee Airmen who will be on hand to be honored on Race Day: Lt. Col. James H. Harvey III, Master Sgt. Buford Johnson, Master Sgt. James A. Sheppard, Technical Sgt. George Watson Sr., Lt. Colonel Spann Watson, Second Lt. William M. "Bill" Wheeler, Sgt. Arthur Carter, 1st Sgt. Harry Leavell and Lt. Quentin Smith. Faye McDaniel will represent her late husband, Lt. Col. Armour McDaniel, during the ceremonies.
Another highlight of pre-race ceremonies will be a special flyover of two vintage B-25 Mitchell bombers to honor Disabled American Veterans, the non-profit organization dedicated to helping wounded veterans. The B-25s, named Special Delivery and Take Off Time, are fully restored, World War II-era aircraft. These warbirds will twice pass over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the national anthem before the beginning of the race.
A new military tribute also has been added to pre-race ceremonies, a Three-Volley Salute. A 10-member firing detail from the Indiana National Guard will execute the military Three-Volley Salute. The members of the Indiana National Guard participating in the Three-Volley Salute are MSG Tony Williams, SGT James Byers, SSG Bruce Bennett, SSG Gary Hatcher, SSG Jerry James and SPC Johnny Everett (Indianapolis), SGT James Vester (Avon), SFC Curtis Pigg (Veedersburg), SGT Charles Henry (Madison) and SPC Craig Cambron (Carmel).
Other patriotic elements paying tribute to America's military during pre-race ceremonies include:
*Parade laps honoring 35 American Wounded Warriors.
*"America the Beautiful" performed by Miss America 2009 Katie Stam, from Indiana
*Speech by U.S. Air Force Gen. Craig McKinley, Chief, National Guard Bureau.
*"God Bless America" performed by Florence Henderson
*"Star Spangled Banner" performed by Major Lisa Kopczynski, Indiana National Guard
*"Taps," performed by a single bugler, Sgt. Joseph Young, National Guard
INDIANAPOLIS, Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will continue its longstanding tradition of honoring America's military veterans during the pre-race ceremonies for the Indianapolis 500 with an expanded variety of tributes, including special recognition of a unique group of American heroes and a dramatic flyover.
Pre-race ceremonies for the Indianapolis 500 are scheduled to start at noon (ET) Sunday, May 24, with "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" starting at 1 p.m.
Among the veterans of America's armed forces to be honored will be nine members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen.
The Tuskegee Airmen enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II to become America's first African-American military airmen. They trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Ala., and compiled an exemplary record in combat service despite numerous acts of bigotry and racism committed against them at home and overseas.
From 1941-46, 994 African-American pilots trained for combat at the Tuskegee Army Air Field. Hundreds more trained at other bases to serve as navigators, bombardiers and gunnery crews during the worldwide war effort.
Members of the Tuskegee Airmen who will be on hand to be honored on Race Day: Lt. Col. James H. Harvey III, Master Sgt. Buford Johnson, Master Sgt. James A. Sheppard, Technical Sgt. George Watson Sr., Lt. Colonel Spann Watson, Second Lt. William M. "Bill" Wheeler, Sgt. Arthur Carter, 1st Sgt. Harry Leavell and Lt. Quentin Smith. Faye McDaniel will represent her late husband, Lt. Col. Armour McDaniel, during the ceremonies.
Another highlight of pre-race ceremonies will be a special flyover of two vintage B-25 Mitchell bombers to honor Disabled American Veterans, the non-profit organization dedicated to helping wounded veterans. The B-25s, named Special Delivery and Take Off Time, are fully restored, World War II-era aircraft. These warbirds will twice pass over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the national anthem before the beginning of the race.
A new military tribute also has been added to pre-race ceremonies, a Three-Volley Salute. A 10-member firing detail from the Indiana National Guard will execute the military Three-Volley Salute. The members of the Indiana National Guard participating in the Three-Volley Salute are MSG Tony Williams, SGT James Byers, SSG Bruce Bennett, SSG Gary Hatcher, SSG Jerry James and SPC Johnny Everett (Indianapolis), SGT James Vester (Avon), SFC Curtis Pigg (Veedersburg), SGT Charles Henry (Madison) and SPC Craig Cambron (Carmel).
Other patriotic elements paying tribute to America's military during pre-race ceremonies include:
*Parade laps honoring 35 American Wounded Warriors.
*"America the Beautiful" performed by Miss America 2009 Katie Stam, from Indiana
*Speech by U.S. Air Force Gen. Craig McKinley, Chief, National Guard Bureau.
*"God Bless America" performed by Florence Henderson
*"Star Spangled Banner" performed by Major Lisa Kopczynski, Indiana National Guard
*"Taps," performed by a single bugler, Sgt. Joseph Young, National Guard
May 7, 2009
May 2009 - Meeting Announcement
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