Return First Non-Blank & *NOT* Use An Array Formula?

[ryanb909]

Is it possible to return the first non-blank value of a column without using an array formula? The reason for this is irritating as it is but is due to the fact that Numbers on iOS doesn't seem to recognize the array usage in formulas. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[bschwartz]

How about this?

Excel 2010
	A	B
1	Item Number	First non-blank
2		b
3
4	b
5
6	7
7	d
Sheet2

Cell Formulas
Range	Formula
B2	=INDEX(A2:A7,MATCH(TRUE,INDEX((A2:A7<>0),0),0))