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
Theresa says:
September 11, 2019
Mike will always be in your hearts.
My deepest sympathies to the family.
Ron Vandervort says:
September 11, 2019
Thank you Mike for your friendship. When you had something to say, if we were smart, we listened. We will miss you you….!!
Austen, Iden and David Mersereau says:
September 11, 2019
Gosh, Mikey, just yesterday we were joking and laughing at the hangar, and now you are up there with the angels.
You left us way to soon, buddy. We miss you.
Austen, Iden and David Mersereau
Richard Kaufman MD says:
September 11, 2019
I first met Mikey and Lou Brand about 20 years ago when they lost their field (I-10 and he 101) and moved to Aux 6 where I was president. The 1st thing I said to him was, “You must be related to Jean Harlow.” He said, “of course.” I liked him from that moment on. He had a great sense of humor and we always enjoyed talking to each other.
He was amazingly talented: accomplished full scale as well as R/C pilot, custom restoration of aviation helmets, roller skating champion x 3. rifle shooting marksman and machinist.
He and I enjoyed talking about the salad days of Phoenix (he was born here in 1955 and me in ’44) He loved the history of Aux 6 and enjoyed looking at the old 1942 maps my Dad had of Aux 6. He flattered and surprised me (without telling me)
by painting my name (RESERVED FOR DOC) so I would always have my own parking spot.
He was a great soul and would go out of his way to help anybody. Just an all around great talented guy!
Sheila Hessburg says:
September 14, 2019
Cyndi it was a pleasure to know Mike. He was always so kind and open hearted! Wanting to share his love of flying with any and all…. we were blessed to have flown with him a few times.
Our deepest sympathies to Cyndi and the family.
– Joe and Sheila