Harold James Whitfield

Harold James Whitfield was born on May 3, 1942, in Asheville, North Carolina, the eldest of four children born to James and Ruth Whitfield. From an early age, Harold showed a gift for understanding how things worked — he was the boy who took apart the family radio and, to everyone's amazement, put it back together again.

After graduating from Asheville High School in 1960, Harold earned an engineering scholarship to NC State University, where he graduated with distinction in 1964. It was there that he developed not only his technical skills but also his philosophy of work: 'Build it to last. Build it right. Build it with pride.'

In 1966, Harold married Dorothy Anne Pearce, the love of his life and his partner in everything for 57 years. Together they raised two children, Robert and Catherine, in the same Asheville neighbourhood where Harold had grown up.

Harold founded Whitfield & Associates in 1972, a civil engineering firm that would go on to design bridges, roads, and public buildings across western North Carolina. He was known not only for his technical excellence but for his integrity — he once turned down a lucrative contract because he believed the design was unsafe.

In retirement, Harold discovered woodworking, tending a large vegetable garden, and the particular joy of teaching his grandchildren to fish. He was a man of few words but deep feeling — his family knew his love not through speeches but through the birdhouses he built, the meals he cooked, and the quiet way he showed up.

Harold passed peacefully at home on March 14, 2023, surrounded by Dorothy, Robert, Catherine, and four grandchildren. He was 80 years old. He is remembered as a man who built things that lasted — in wood, in steel, and in the hearts of everyone who knew him.