Bryan William Harlow, 49, of Libby Mt. went to ride the highest peaks in Heaven, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014. Bryan was born August 11th, 1964, the 2nd of 3 children born to Elbert & Margy Harlow in Spokane, WA. In 1972, the young family moved to Athol, ID where they would spend the next 25 years. Bryan attended Athol Elementary and graduated from Lakeland High School in1982. He then went on to join the Navy, serving proudly on board the USS Ranger. After a tragic fire on board the Ranger where he lost several comrades, Bryan became very patriotic and took his service to his country to heart. During this time in the Navy, Bryan learned how to be a Boiler Operator. After the Navy, he put his skills to work at a saw mill and worked 10 years at Kaiser Aluminum. Bryan then spent the following years improving his skills, and as he always put it, the "School of Hard Knocks," working in several forms of power plants from Thompson Falls, Mt. to El Paso, TX. to LeadVille, CO. to Fort Peck, MT. to Priest River, ID. and finally his dream job in beautiful Libby, MT. where Bryan worked at the Libby Dam on Lake Kookanoosa. Bryan was an absolute lover of life. From being an outdoor enthusiast, an avid archery hunter, and a Harley rider, his greatest passion was snowmobiling. July 15th, 1995, Bryan married Leslie Lemire who lovingly stood by his side and his wild adventures for 19 joyous years. Bryan was known for being quick witted and having an outrageous sense of humor. Above all, his family was his biggest joy from his children to his step sons to nieces and nephews, it was important to Bryan to be a positive and "Starong" roll model.

Bryan is survived by his wife Leslie of Libby, MT; his parents Elbert and Margy Harlow of Ione, WA. In Laws Jim and Sally Axtell of CDA, ID. His son Gregory and Kiera (Harlow), grandson Konner of Rathdrum, ID. Daughter Miranda and Rhett (Jones), granddaughter Natalie of Hailey, ID. Step sons Jason and Kari Rettke of CDA. John and Lesley Rencher of CDA. Justin Rencher of CDA. 8 ½ step grandchildren. Sister Sandy Karnes (John Muckey) of Great Falls, MT. Sister Kimberly and Mike Lind of Chewelah, WA. Close friends Todd & Maggie Byington, Libby Mt. and Eric Arnold, Spokane Wa.

Bryan was preceded in death by “Brother” Joe Karnes of Gardiner Mt. in 2012.

Bryan will be remembered for being a Lover of his Country, a Lover of his family, and a lover of all that the beautiful mountains of Western Montana gave him which ultimately took him to be one of their own. Bryan was our Hero and our Friend. His laughter will ring on in the souls and hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bryan’s name to the Wounded Warriors Assoc.

A military service will be held summer 2014, exact date to be determined.