Leo Aloysius Garrow, Jr.

Published 12:20 am Thursday, June 18, 2015

February 22, 1927 – June 8, 2015

Leo was born in Portland, OR, to Leo A Garrow, Sr. and Veva Portwood Garrow, the youngest of four children and their only son. He attended St. Stephens grade school and church and was in one of the first classes at Central Catholic High School, where he excelled at football and basketball and was a student body officer. He was conscripted into the Navy in the spring of 1945, when he turned 18 and served a tour of duty in the South Pacific in the last days of WWII. When he returned home, he entered the new Engineering school at the University of Portland, earning a degree in 1950.In 1949, he married Mary Elaine Feller, and they settled in N.E. Portland. They began their family in 1951, and had seven children, all of whom attended St. Rose School. Leo and Elaine also raised Elaine’s younger brother, Doug after her parents’ death in 1954. After a brief stint at the Bonneville Power Administration Leo was hired in 1954, at Bingham Pump Co. He stayed there until retiring as chief test engineer. The company was then known as Sulzer Bingham. He continued as a consultant for 10 years putting in a total of 44 years of service. Leo was a proud supporter of Central Catholic and the University of Portland and was a Trailblazer season ticket holder for many years. He also followed Oregon State University athletics and Notre Dame and Duck football. He was a fixture at his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, always lending support and encouragement. Many will remember cigar smoke as a signal that Leo was in attendance! He was an active volunteer serving on boards at St. Rose School as Athletic Director, Central Catholic High School, with Elaine as co-presidents of the St. Mary’s Academy Parents Club and the University of Portland Alumni Board of Directors. Leo was always willing to help get things done and was a longtime supporter of the Blanchet House of Hospitality. He was truly one of the greatest generation but was as humble and kind as anyone you would ever meet. He was the product of a great family and the Catholic educational system. Leo was a true example of a great Christian gentleman for whom actions not words were the true measure of a man. He will be missed by many!Leo was predeceased by his sisters, Ruth Millar and Leone Roelandt. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; sister, Marie McCarty; Children, Dan (Rob), Phil (Diane), Nick (Kerry), Pete (Pam), John (Debbie), Mary Randazzo (Dennis) and Ed (Becki); 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; And many nieces and nephews.The Family suggests remembrances to the Leo A. Garrow Scholarship Fund at Central Catholic High School, 2401 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214.