Michael Dean Harlow
Passed: September 03, 2019
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Michael Dean Harlow
Passed: September 03, 2019
Obituary
Michael Dean Harlow, “Mike”, age 64 of Goodyear, AZ died September 3, 2019, in Goodyear, AZ. He was born July 30, 1955, in Phoenix, AZ to Ivan Harlow and Sylvia Reinfried. Mike loved airplanes. His passion began as a child when he built very detailed model airplanes. He soon began flying tethered airplanes, then RC airplanes, until one day he announced to his wife that he had bought a Cessna 172. At the time he didn’t have a pilot’s license, but he figured that it was more economical to take lessons in his own plane than a rented one. He now owns a Cessna 182.
Mike’s enthusiasm for airplanes extended well beyond flying. He was the Vice President of the American Aviation Historical Society, Phoenix Wing. He was also affiliated with the Collings Foundation and coordinated with them to bring their historical airplane tours to the Goodyear Airport. He enjoyed restoring vintage aviation helmets and had quite a collection.
Mike worked at Maximet as a sandblaster where a friend taught him to weld. He began his 36-year career at Honeywell working as a welder and ended it as an engineer when he retired three years ago.
Mike competed as a sportsman shooter. His high achievements in competitions earned him the Distinguished Rifleman award. In his younger days, Mike also competed in roller skating competitions. He was the Arizona State Roller Skating Champion for three years in a row. When Mike chose to be at home relaxing, he could be found in his beloved pool.
Mike is survived by his wife, Cyndi Harlow; daughter, Stefanie (Harlow) Hill and her husband, Dan Hill; son, Mike (DJ) Harlow; father and stepmother, Ivan and Beverly Harlow; brother, Chris Harlow; and grandsons, Danny, and Steven Hill. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sylvia (Reinfried) Harlow and his faithful dog, Sammy.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, September 14, 2019, at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338.
13 responses to Michael Dean Harlow
Lana Marceaux says:
September 9, 2019
Such a great guy with all of his accomplishments. It would have been an honor to meet him. Blessings to you and your family.
Ron Smith says:
September 9, 2019
Mike,
Im sure going to miss you my good friend
Ron Smith
Debi Turner - Phoenix Goodyear Airport says:
September 10, 2019
Mike was faithfully at the airport weekly, he helped many tenants, had his annual 4th of July BBQ (all were welcomes) he also was in the office every month to pay his hangar rent, (cash only). I will miss him dearly though he came off hard, he was a soft teddy bear at heart, it took him meeting my puppy to open that soft interior of a man. I will miss our short visits, me having to yell for him to hear me and him with that grin when I told he had to smile to get his receipt.
My condolences and many prayers to his family and close friends, he was one of kind and will be dearly missed at GYR.
Annette Urban AAHS-Phoenix Wing says:
September 10, 2019
Mike, “Helmet Guy”, was a valued member of the American Aviation Historical Society-Phoenix Wing. He helped the group in so many ways. He was an active board member. He promoted the group at airshows recruiting new members. He donated model airplanes for our raffles. He helped at our annual banquet. Mike will be greatly missed by our organization and in the aviation community. Blue skies and tailwinds Mike.
Arvin C. Schultz says:
September 11, 2019
Will miss you and your wonderful aviation helmet collection. One of a kind. Great guy.
Arv