With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Clair Allen Harlow. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, who passed away peacefully at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara on April 10, 2026 after a brief illness.

He was born on August 17, 1947, in Los Angeles, to Claire and Mary Harlow. Throughout his childhood, the family followed his father’s job as an Ironworker around the western United States. When Clair was in the 9th grade, work at VAFB brought them to Lompoc. He graduated from Lompoc High School in 1966, attended Allan Hancock College, and graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in Business Administration in 1973, all while working full-time.

In 1969, Clair married his high school sweetheart, Susan Burton. Together, they shared a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and devotion for almost 58 years.

Most of Clair’s career was spent in the Aerospace Industry as a Finance Manager for Computer Sciences Corporation, which took the family to Colorado and Maryland, before returning to retire in Lompoc. Through his work, he built lasting relationships and was known for his strong work ethic, hard work, and integrity.

Clair is survived by his wife, Susan, two sons, Jay and Zach (Mona) and two beautiful grandchildren, Seth & Sydni Harlow, which brought him immense pride and joy, as well as sisters, Jenny Winston and Mary Ellen Pacheco of Lompoc, brother Bill Harlow of Wyoming and numerous nieces and nephews.

 Clair will be deeply missed, but his memory will live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his sweet, loving nature, gentle and kind spirit, and incredible sense of humor, as well as his true love of animals, especially dogs. In his retirement, he volunteered at the Lompoc Animal Shelter and he also served on the Board for the Lompoc High School Alumni Association.

Since Clair received an amazing gift of life with a heart transplant in 2017, he would want any donations to go to the American Transplant Foundation. Other favorite charities were the Lompoc Animal Shelter, La Purisima Mission, or the LHS Alumni Association. 

A private service will be held on a later date.