The Legacy of Raymond E. North 1899-1996
In mid-summer 1996, Pinehurst lost a former leader, Raymond E. North, who will be remembered for his community involvement. But, in his passing, he leaves an extraordinary gift to Moore Regional Hospital which will remain a lasting testament to his special love for the Sandhills community.
Born in Baltimore in December 1899, Mr. North attended Johnson Hopkins University and Baltimore College of Commerce. He was a certified public accountant who practiced professionally in the states of Maryland, New York, Rhode Island, Ohio, and California. Mr. North's career included partnership in the internally established firm of Haskins & Sells, CPAs, and serving as executive vice president of a national integrated textile company. Subsequently, he practiced privately as a management consultant. He also lectured on accounting and economics at Johns Hopkins University, the University of Buffalo, and at Sandhills Community College.
Ray North was an intriguing individual. Retiring to Pinehurst with his wife, Mary Evelyn, in 1958, he soon became known as a man of diverse interests and abilities who sought perfection in all endeavors. A founder member of the present Pinehurst Country Club, Mr. North participated as an amateur in club and outside golf tournaments. He also played in numerous American Contract Bridge League T tournaments in the eastern United States and played in United States Chess Federation tournaments.
In retirement years, Mr. North's man interest was training and exhibiting Golden Retriever dogs in obedience, tracking, and field trials as an amateur sportsman. His three Golden Retrievers were entered in 174 American Kennel Club sanctioned events from coast to coast and in Canada.
One of the three founders of HUSOM, Mr. North served as the Society's first president. He was also active in Pinehurst civic affairs. An original member of the Pinehurst Civic Group, he was actively involved in the movement to obtain a municipal charter for the village. Mr. North became most widely known, perhaps, for his literary contributions to The Pilot. He had an extraordinary gift for narration. His articles ranged from tender stories about his beloved dogs, to thoroughly researched (often fiery) articles warning the dangers of "untethered" U.S. fiscal policy, to narratives of his travails as a man of 90, legally blind, traveling through South America on his own. Mr. North also wrote poetry and contributed articles to national media on economics, national affairs, and animal behavior topics. In 1984, he published a booklet, "The Pinehurst Story, 1895-1984."
Most significantly, Ray North will be remembered for his perpetuating commitment to humankind. Understanding the importance of Moore Regional Hospital to the Sandhills community, Mr. North established a trust bequeathing his entire estate of more than one million dollars to Moore Regional Hospital Foundation. The interest earned from these funds will go toward capital improvements, purchase of capital equipment, and enhancement of life supportive services at the hospital.
Raymond E. North was a man who truly "left his mark on the world." He lived a full life, continuing to write and travel, even while facing his ultimate challenges of extreme sight and hearing loss. And with his final act of generosity toward the Hospital, Ray North will benefit each of us who rely on these life-saving services for generations to come.
To learn more about planned giving opportunities such as bequests and Charitable Gift Annuities through The Foundation of FirstHealth, please call our office at (910) 695-7500.
