Phillip Eugene Harlow

Phillip Eugene Harlow, 76, went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 24, 2024 after a sudden, acute illness. He will be greatly missed by the love of his life of almost 50 years, Patricia; his children Bryce, Clarke and Tricia; and his grandchildren Peyton, Reese and Jack. He will also be sorely missed by his sister Beverly, brother Charlie and their families. Phil was predeceased by his parents, Gloyd and Ruth Harlow and his brother Robert (Bob) Harlow.

Phil grew up in Des Moines, Iowa with a love of all sports and anything outdoors. He was the captain of the basketball and track teams and achieved the title of Eagle Scout. His father pushed leadership, work ethic and competitive skills on his children at an early age, and Phil acted accordingly. He shoveled snow and worked a paper route at 4am before school which was the start of his early morning wakeup routine that he maintained.

Phil kept up his competitiveness and love of sports his entire life, as an avid runner, basketball player, golfer, skier, tennis enthusiast, and the last 6 years even added beach boot camps to his regimen. Some of his favorite activities were golf trips with his 3 kids and fishing trips to the Bahamas. All of his children greatly looked up to him and considered him to be their best friend, role model and mentor.

He graduated from Simpson College with an Accounting Degree, where he also would later serve on the board of the College, among numerous other boards such as the Bonnet House, Broward College Foundation Board and the American Red Cross local chapter. He was accepted into the National Guard in 1971 and served in the Medical Service Corps.

Phil had a fulfilling and accomplished 30+ year career with Arthur Andersen. For most of those years Phil acted in the role of partner and managing partner. He started at their world headquarters in Chicago, followed by some time in Denver, but the bulk of his career was served in South Florida.

Some of his most personally rewarding work came later in life, working alongside his sons’ businesses and mentoring their employees. Clarke’s employees called him “Dr. Phil” as he was always willing to offer financial advice, personal advice and help with their taxes. He genuinely cared about their success and the future for their families. He was always looking out for others and had a keen talent at developing young people and advancing their careers.

He was firm, fair and caring. When looking at deals Phil would always bring up the worst-case scenarios first and then say “some of the best deals you do are the ones you don’t” and “haste makes waste.”

His parents ingrained in Phil an unwavering faith in God, in which he followed throughout his final days. He really grew his faith and developed a passion for studying scripture in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).

He was a pillar of strength to his family and displayed a humble spirit. He is gone far too soon but his family is comforted in the fact that he is no longer suffering and with the Lord.

A funeral service will be held at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, 5555 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL on Sunday, August 11th, 2024 at 3pm.