Gary Russell Harlow

Gary Russell Harlow, 78, of Exeter, RI, died peacefully on May 13, 2024, at Roberts Health Centre, North Kingstown, RI. He was the cherished husband of Lisa Lavoie Harlow for 45 years, and the treasured father of Rebecca Mombourquette (husband: Jeremy Mombourquette). Born in Des Moines, IA to Joe and Lilian (Barker) Harlow, on July 31, 1945, he graduated from Des Moines Technical High School, excelling in electronics. He then worked as a Test Inspector at Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. in CA, and as a Calibration Technician at the National AstroLabs in Pasadena, CA. From 1965 to 1969, Gary served in the U.S. Navy as a Senior Electronic Technician. He also served as a Broadcast Engineer in Honolulu, HI. At Hope International University in Fullerton, CA, Gary returned to school to earn a BA in Psychology and Bible, and an MA in Ministry with a Management Emphasis. He was then invited to serve as Resident Manager at Angeles Crest Christian Camp in La Canada, CA for 6.5 years before moving to Rhode Island in 1985. There, he worked as a Maintenance Supervisor at Chickadee Farms in Hopkinton, RI, while helping to raise their daughter, Rebecca, and also earning an MA in Education and a Certificate in Geriatrics from the University of Rhode Island. At URI, Gary held jobs as an Interviewer, an Accreditation Facilitator, a Grant Writer, and a Grant Administrator. He also served as a Board Member for Seniors Helping Others in RI, and as the Treasurer and an Interim Business Administrator at the newly formed Compass Charter School in Kingston, RI. In his spare time, Gary loved reading, creating wood projects, cooking, and traveling to over 25 countries. He enjoyed singing Bass in the South County Chamber Singers and in the Kingston Congregational Church (KCC), where he had served as a Sexton, a member of the Board of Music, a Bible Study group member, and a supervisor to high school students on a mission trip to the Sea Islands of SC, constructing housing for disadvantaged citizens. Gary was predeceased by two brothers, Eric and Karl Harlow. Besides his wife and daughter, he is survived by his sister, Rhodana Harlow Potrykus. For 6.5 years Gary relentlessly fought against advanced cancer always insisting that “Everything will be okay.” He was given attentive care by staff at South County and Rhode Island Hospitals, South County Home Health, and Roberts Health Centre. Although he wanted more time, he exceeded every prognosis with his quiet but mighty spirit. During the two days before he died, he was visited by Rev. Jan of KCC, received a phone call from his beloved sister, “watched” Dune with his dear son-in-law, and was serenaded with hymns by his loving wife and daughter. We’re not sure how much he processed all this though we are quite sure he could feel our presence and that it eased his way to heaven’s door where everything would most certainly be alright. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the Kingston Congregational Church, 2610 Kingstown Road, Kingston, RI. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kingston Congregational Church.