Roy Edward Harlin
July 2, 1951 - May 10, 2017
Obituary
Roy Harlin passed away on Wednesday May 10, 2017 after a courageous battle with Pancreatic cancer. He’s survived by his wife Jennie, his three children Jessie, Kim and Russ, two sisters Gail and Mary, grandchildren Brooklyn and Kyle, and all of those whom he had a positive impact on.
Roy was born on July 2, 1951 in Torrance, CA to Robert and Catherine (nee Merkert) Harlin. Through his love of the outdoors and adventure, he achieved the prestigious honor of Eagle Scout. He was also an avid runner and athlete, which lead him on a solo hike of the John Muir Trail. This ended in his ascent of Mount Whitney at night with a broken head lamp. His passion and love for computer science earned him a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Davis.
Roy had an ambitious and innovative career finding early success pioneering video graphics, which resulted in the award of multiple patents. Not only did he have many individual accomplishments he excelled at mentoring engineers and helping them grow throughout their careers. Through all his journeys he landed his dream job in July of 2008 at Microsoft Xbox.
Although many people knew Roy for his successes at work, his greatest successes were as a father, husband, brother and friend. He often challenged his children to beat him down the ski slopes, and top his high score at BurgerTime. Roy wasn’t always in competition with his kids, though, he also enlisted them and his wife as his pit crew when he rode his road bike around New Mexico in Pedal the Peaks. He was forever bringing home new additions, that although they were four legged, they were family. He lived out his last year in Seattle Washington surrounded by the abundant love of his family.
Roy will be remembered as a compassionate, optimistic, and loving man. He will be forever missed.
In lieu of flowers please donate in Roy’s name to Swedish Medical Cancer Research, Arnold Pavilion (First Hill Campus) contact Dr. Phillip Gold. https://community.swedish.org/donate/cancer
Although the time that I was able to spend with Roy over the last couple of years was limited, I truly enjoyed every single second. Roy was an amazing father figure, friend and mentor to me. He was so intelligent, funny, understanding and absolutely real. He is and will always be extremely missed and remembered as a true gentleman. May his spirit rest in peace. Until we meet again Roy!!! Love you!!
I had the pleasure of working with Roy at multiple companies. He was a valued friend and co-worker.
So sorry to hear about Roy’s passing, seems like yesterday we were all in Colorado together…
Deepest sympathies,
Jim and Debbie Moore
Jerri-Ann Meyer
So sorry to hear of Roys passing. I worked with Roy and had the utmost of respect for his professionalism and engineering prowess.
John
It truly does seem like yesterday when we were in Colorado working at the same company. Deepest sympathies.
May I kindly ask if Roy also painted? I have a painting with his name on it and would like to speak with someone about it. It’s lovely.
Though I don’t believe in coincidences, I too was born in Torrance, CA in 1951. I never met Roy but how could I have a part of his life’s work if not for divine orchestration?
Thank you,
Marcia