Pop, passed away on January 13, 2011 after a lengthy illness.
Born on November 9, 1921 to Leroy and Eleanor Couch of Belle Fourche, South Dakota, he was the third oldest of 9 children which included 5 brothers and 4 sisters.
Harold was preceded in death by his first wife Delores and is survived by his wife Doris of 37 years, and six children: Cathy and David Pippins, Sharon York, Ed and Carol York, Tim and Caroline Couch, Claudette and Charlie Stevens and Vickie Schumacher and Harvey Peterson as well as 19 grandchildren and 71 great grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Dale and Neil and sisters Betty and Geraldine.
Harold retired from the US Air force in 1965 after serving his Country for 23 years. His last duty station was at Vandenberg AFB where he was assigned to the Telemetry section for missile tracking. After his retirement he worked for a contractor, Philco Corporation.
Harold was an avid horseman and hence his nickname "Cowboy". He continued working and riding horses, roping and attending rodeos until he was 75 years old. He loved the "Old West" and was an avid reader of Louis L'Amour books. His other hobbies included, golf, bowling, where he was a long time member of the "Old Timers" team. He was also a 20 year member of the Santa Maria Elks. He enjoyed playing cards, listening to music and being with family and his beloved wife, Doris. He will be missed by all who have ever met this "Rustic" cowboy.
Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.