November 30, 1927 ~ October 8, 2019
By Dawn Wells
Harry Jenkins loved life. He brought joy and love to his family, friends and everyone he came in contact with. This was his mission. His laughter and joy shined brightly through his eyes. Harry’s excitement and enthusiasm for life was contagious. His faith in God was always at the center of his life.
Harry was an eternal optimist. He never saw anything in life as a problem, only a fun challenge in which he could find a solution. He loved to wheel and deal — always buying or selling something just for the fun of it and of course to make a buck or two, if he could! Harry made life fun, no matter what.
He never complained, not even with 3 bouts of cancer. When life got tough, you could find Harry playing one of the two songs he knew on his harmonica. Always with that smile and twinkle in his eyes.
Harry Jenkins with his wife, Anna
Harry loved cars and boats and anything that he could drive fast. He loved being on the water, whether he was water skiing, boating or riding his jet ski, which he rode until he was 85. He loved to dance and he and Anna always took the first dance at the wonderful spa parties! He loved games and cheated horribly at Monopoly and of course always won!
He could always be heard saying “hey Buddy, you got a minute” where he would proceed to tell you a story or a joke, often times laughing until tears were running down his face. His childhood and life stories will be remembered by all. Who remembers his beloved childhood dog, Terry the Terrier, or the days he delivered ice or won a Cadillac for top Sales with American Health Studios.
Harry believed we could all be whatever we wanted to be, we just needed to do what we loved, set goals and work hard, never taking our eye off the goal. He loved vision boards and helping people make their dreams and goals come true. Harry was the man who woke up every morning with a smile on his face, throwing open the curtains while whistling a tune and then saying, it’s going to be a beautiful day no matter the weather.
Harry with Jack LaLanne (left)
Harry was born in Zepher Hills, Florida in 1927 to Mary Veatch and Harrison Jenkins. Harry and his Parents moved to California when he was a youngster. His Mom would tie trout flies during the year and each summer they would head for the Sierras where she would sell them to the local fly fishermen. As summer wrapped up, they would decide where they would move for the next school year.
In 1943, they pulled into Santa Cruz with everything they owned stuffed into the trunk of their 1935 Ford. It was love at first sight for Harry. He knew Santa Cruz was where he wanted to stay. It was during this time that Harry met Jack LaLanne. It was told that Jack had been invited to the Civic auditorium for gym class for the high school.
Harry knew instantly that he wanted to be like Jack and there his lifetime career in the gym business began. Harry graduated from Santa Cruz High in 1946.
Harry met his wife, Anna, at a small fitness gym in San Jose, California. Together they had a dream and vision which became reality. That dream was to own health clubs and help people discover how fitness could create a higher quality of life. They had an opportunity at owning their first health club in Southern California in a small town called La Mirada.
Young Harry
There they founded Adam and Eve Health Clubs. They provided a place where members loved to come and work out and share friendships with other members and staff. Their success was built on offering the highest quality of service, a variety of facilities and most importantly, an atmosphere full of happiness and laughter. They realized member’s love being recognized by friendly staff when they came to work out.
In 1969 Harry and Anna sold their clubs to come back to Santa Cruz, the place that captured his heart so many years before. They founded Spa Fitness Centers in 1973, building their first spa on 41st Avenue where Safeway is now located. Two years later they opened another Spa location on Bay Avenue. After 12 years of growth they purchased the property at 1100 41st Avenue and built a 25,000 square foot multi service health facility. This location opened its doors in 1985. In 1987, they took over the former Green valley Athletic Club in Watsonville. In 1992, Harry and Anna decided to seize the opportunity to expand their 41st Avenue location. They took over a 9,000 square foot building in the Begonia Plaza and developed it into a women’s fitness facility and free weight facility.
Harry and Anna continued to work until 2011. They sold their business to In-Shape Health Clubs. He loved each and every day he worked, not even wanting to retire!
Harry and Anna early in their life together
Harry is survived by his wife, Anna, and six beautiful daughters: Carol DeLange (John), Geri Bridston (Jon), Laurie Jenkins, Jennifer Jenkins (Sammy), Stephanie Jenkins, Toni Jones (Bob). He is also survived by nine grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and one more on the way. The grandchildren are: Joy, Matt and James DeLange; Rachael, Josh, and Noel Bridston; Dillon Jenkins; and Austin and Gunner Casey.
His family would like to express deep gratitude to Carl Towly, Harry’s business partner for the years of joy, happiness and adventures they shared together. Carl was truly like a Son to Harry.
They also would like to thank Clint Galange, family caregivers, Hospice, Twin Lakes Church, Spa Fitness Centers and long-term employees “Spa Family” and Dawn Wells, a great friend and personal assistant.
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There will be a memorial celebration held at Twin Lakes Church, Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020 at 2 p.m. The public is invited. www.tlc.org