Stephen Leslie Harrow
March 1941 - October 2024

Steve was born in Washington D.C. in 1941. He was adopted at two months old by his birth mother’s sister and her husband, Kitty and Les Harrow. Kitty and Les were loving parents to Steve as he grew up in Ettersburg. Steve was a bright young boy that enjoyed school and his life on “The Ranch.” He helped his father log timber on the ranch and repair equipment. They both enjoyed playing the saxophone in the evenings.

His family home in Ettersburg was Steve’s favorite place on earth, and was the location of countless family events and visits from family and friends both near and far - the memories of which meant the world to him.

Steve graduated from South Fork High School in Miranda and went on to graduate from Humboldt State College (now Cal Poly Humboldt) with degrees in both physics and math, being the first person in his family to receive a college degree. He attended the University of Nevada at Reno, continuing his studies in physics. Steve was recruited by and worked for Shell Oil Company for over 25 years as a geophysicist, reading seismic data and guiding oil field exploration, spending most of his career in Houston, Texas with a brief 4-year transfer to New Orleans, working at One Shell Plaza.

Steve was a wonderful father to his three daughters, Kathy, Stephanie and Vicki. He was infinitely patient, enjoying coaching his daughters in youth sports and encouraging them to love playing tennis as much as he did. Steve was a great amateur tennis player. His favorite was mixed doubles. He played and won many Volvo Amateur titles in the South. Steve always involved his daughters in household projects and car maintenance, teaching us how to change a tire and change the oil in the family cars. He also taught all three daughters to drive at the ranch in the summer. He really was the best dad a daughter could have!

Steve was divorced from the mother of their three daughters in 1990, retired from Shell and moved back to California to spend time with his father in Ettersburg, caring for him until he passed away.

Steve went on to have a special relationship with Patricia Stephens in the early ’90s and cared for her when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Steve took up the hobby of ballroom dance later in his life and was a wonderful dance partner and excellent leader. In 1995 while at a dance, Steve met Diane Dehart and they became lifetime dancing partners.

Steve and Diane married in 1997 in a beautiful ceremony at the Ferndale Community Church, having all of their grandchildren as their attendants. They went on to travel the world together, driving through most every state including Alaska! They visited Russia, Australia, England and Ireland many times.

Steve and Diane had a lovely relationship, truly the perfect pair. They enjoyed traveling, playing cards, doing mathematical equations and puzzles, and visiting friends all over. They both had a deep love for their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. As loving grandparents they attended sports games, visited on holidays and were present at weddings, graduations, births and always offering unwavering support.

After his own father passed away, Steve reached out and made a connection with his biological father who was a longtime resident of San Francisco. There Steve met his three half-brothers and went on to establish relationships with them, with many visits and memories made. Steve also had a close lifelong relationship with his two half-sisters and half-brother from his biological mother. Steve was the best big brother to all of his siblings. He took the time and made the effort to nurture their relationships.

To say that Steve will be missed is an understatement. His absence has left us heartbroken.

The family is holding a celebration of Steve’s well lived life on Saturday January 11, 1 -3 p.m. at the Victorian Inn in Ferndale. All are welcome.

If you would like to make a charitable donation in Steve’s honor, please choose an organization that provides musical arts to local youth or assists our local homeless and/or mentally ill population.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Steve Harrow’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.