(News article)
A Toledo entrepreneur who was a master bridge player, Robert E. Harlow died of apparent heart failure Saturday in St. Luke's Hospital. He was 82.
Mr. Harlow co-founded Paben-Harlow Tool and Die in 1958 and then co-owned and ran the company with his partner John Paben until the latter passed away in the mid-1970s.
Mr. Harlow then ran the company until retiring in 1995 and continued to own it until it was sold in 2005.
He previously was a tool and die maker for Doehler-Jarvis Co. of Toledo.
"He was very honest, very smart," Tina Wentland, his daughter, said.
"He had both intelligence and common sense, which made him a great businessman," she said.
A Diamond Master bridge player, he "absolutely loved the game," Ms. Wentland said, adding that fellow players enjoyed playing with him.
A Toledo native, Mr. Harlow graduated in 1946 from the former Macomber High School. Upon graduation, he went to work as a tool and die maker for Doehler-Jarvis, to follow in his father's and grandfather's steps, his daughter said.
In 1952, he married Margaret Harlow, a childhood best friend. During their marriage of nearly 59 years, they raised two children.
Besides playing bridge, in his free time Mr. Harlow enjoyed golfing and playing tennis and table tennis.
He was a 33-year member of Heatherdowns Country Club. His other memberships included Laurel Hill Swim & Tennis Club, Toledo.
Surviving are his wife, Margaret, brother, Dean Harlow, daughter, Tina Wentland, four grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Walter Funeral Home, 4653 Glendale Ave., followed by funeral services at 6 p.m.
The family suggests tributes to the Toledo Area Humane Society or a charity of the donor's choice.
Published in Toledo Blade on August 1, 2011
