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.