Shrewsbury – Raymond G. “Ray” Harlow, 94, a lifelong resident of Shrewsbury, died peacefully on Monday, June 13, 2022 at his 94-year-old home as he wished.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Barbara J. (Bryant) Harlow; his children, Keith B. Harlow and his wife Suzanne, Seth P. Harlow and his wife Karen, and Robin G. Harlow; his grandchildren, Braford G. Harlow, Ethan R. Harlow and his wife Stephanie, Dylan H. Troy and Brendan B. Harlow; his cousin and longtime adventure partner, Alan Hixon, of Long Boat Key, FL; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his siblings, Robert Harlow, Marion Wheeler and Hazel Jefts; and their parents, Robert H. Harlow and Estella (Gates) Harlow.
Ray was born, raised and educated in Shrewsbury, graduating from Shrewsbury High School, Class of 1945, as Class President. He was also a member of the Shrewsbury Crew which won several National High School Championships and a place in the Olympic Trials. Ray enlisted in the United States Army during World War II and proudly served his country until the war ended in 1946. He attended UMASS Fort Devens after his honorable discharge and transferred to the University of Vermont, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1951. He then began his long career in insurance sales and investments, working for Paul Revere Insurance Company in Worcester for more than 40 years. Ray has won numerous corporate awards for his success in sales and has retired after his long career.
He was an avid skier, hiker and outdoorsman – his love of skiing led him to join the University of Vermont ski team, where he won the annual Stowe Derby in 1951 and went on to is ranked in the Top Ten of NCAA National Cross-Country Championships. Ray continued to ski until the age of 85, when he decided he didn’t want to take his last run down a Ski Patrol toboggan and hung up his skis. He was a frequent hiker of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, having successfully climbed every 4,000-foot peak in that state, many of them multiple times. Ray was also able to pass on his love of the outdoors, skiing and hiking to his family, friends and many neighborhood kids.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Appalachian Mountain Club (https://www.outdoors.org/) or the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury (https://fccsm.org/), where Ray was a active member. His family would like to thank the Jewish Healthcare Home Hospice for their care and kindness, especially Hillary. They would also like to thank Prinscilla for the excellent care provided.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather for Ray’s funeral, which will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday June 25, 2022 at the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, 19 Church Road. Interment, with military honors, will take place in private. Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home is honored to assist with arrangements.
