George Heath, 87, Was Shot and Killed in the Back by a Knife-wielding Suspect

Last week, when a knife-wielding suspect entered Bertucci’s restaurant in Taunton, Massachusetts, George Heath didn’t have time for reflection. Instead, he took action to protect his wife and stop the madman from stabbing anyone within reach.

Heath was a former medical doctor and auto racer renowned for his bravery. He was one of the first drivers to compete in a French Grand Prix race.

Early Life and Education

George Heath was born on July 9, 1916 in Broadstairs, Kent to William and Edith (nee Pantony) Heath. As the youngest of their three sons, he quickly made a name for himself in his community.

He received his education at a grammar school and the University of Oxford. Prior to becoming a member of Parliament, he served in the British Army during World War II.

He served in Parliament from 1955 until 1976, becoming Government Chief Whip to Anthony Eden and supporting Harold Macmillan’s attempts to bring the UK into the European Community. In 1965 he was elected Leader of the Conservative Party and served until 1976 when his life was cut short due to illness.

In the 1970s, he promoted North-South cooperation in Europe and strengthened ties with China. During frequent trips to Beijing, he developed close connections with Deng Xiaoping.

Professional Career

Professional jobs typically require a degree and offer fixed annual salaries instead of hourly compensation. Examples include doctors, lawyers, educators, accountants and scientists.

Professional careers tend to offer better salaries and benefits compared to nonprofessional occupations, as well as offering greater career flexibility.

George Heath served as a visual design instructor at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, dedicating himself to passing along his enthusiasm for visual design to students. He had a sincere desire to instill in them an appreciation of beauty and creativity through art.

His wife Rosemary described him as kind, gentle, funny and devoted to his family and students. She also mentioned how excellent of a teacher he was – encouraging his pupils to be confident and creative thinkers. We will all miss him dearly.

Achievements and Honors

George Heath ’87 spearheaded the transformation of two global businesses and earned himself the prestigious Chairman’s Award at Sherwin-Williams. His efforts saw Product Finishes Division grow from $300 million in sales to $1 billion, then create the Global Finishes Group which saw its revenue double from $1.6 billion to $3 billion.

He served in politics as MP for Bexley, Kent representing the Conservative Party. Additionally, he served as Government Chief Whip from 1951 to 1959 – responsible for party discipline within government.

Heath was renowned for his political career as well as his expertise as a jazz musician and conductor. He played with the Gil Fuller Orchestra and Dizzy Gillespie’s tenor saxophone quartet, in addition to conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. Throughout his lifetime, Heath received numerous honors and accolades.

Personal Life

George Heath was a beloved member of the Taunton community, respected teacher and avid windsurfer alike.

He was also a prominent figure in local politics, serving as leader of the Conservative Party from 1965 until 1975.

In 1970, he was elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and implemented several reforms during his tenure, such as decimalizing British coinage.

He was an accomplished racing driver, winning both the Vanderbilt Cup race in 1904 and being retroactively awarded with the National Championship in 1951.

Net Worth

George Heath’s net worth is believed to be at least $20 Million. As President of Sherwin-Williams Global Finishes Group, his fortune could potentially exceed $20 Million.

He is a Theta Chi graduate and has been in the industry for over two decades. As Group President, he has helped transform an underperforming division into a successful $3 billion company.

He is married and has two children. Additionally, he belongs to the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Spartanburg, South Carolina.