Harold M. Barlow - April 5, 1921 - November 3, 2002

Obituary for Harold M. Barlow

Harold M. Barlow, 81, of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, November 3, 2002, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, from heart failure after a brief illness. A Meditation will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Memorial at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2002, at Harold?s home. Arrangements by Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include three daughters, Charlotte (Forrest) VoelPel of Marion, Melissa (Andy) Sorenson of Cedar Rapids, and Millicent (Robert) Booth of Vinton; four grandchildren, Stephanie McCauley, Emmalee and Katelynn Booth, and Zachary Sorenson; and twin great-grandchildren on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, RoseMary; a brother, Edward Barlow; a sister, Maxine Rathje; and a granddaughter, RoseMary Jeanne.

Harold was born April 5, 1921, the son of Nathan and Hattie (Pollack) Barlow, in Palo, Iowa. He served with the United States Army during World War II. On July 18, 1948, Harold was united in marriage to RoseMary Mann in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She died April 3, 1990. A graduate from Roosevelt High School in Cedar Rapids, Harold received his advanced musical education in New York, at Juilliard Institute of Music, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and Greenwich House School of Music. He also had completed several years of study with the American Theater Wing. For over 40 years, Harold gave voice lessons in his home. He will be truly missed by his family and friends.

Comments from his admirers

My thoughts are with you this day. Love to you all. Aunt Barb Barb Smith - December 31, 1969 at 12:00 AM

I have often wondered if Harold's family realizes how many students he had and what a powerful network of healers he has trained and supported through his years of teaching. To his family I say: He talked of you often and loved you deeply. To his students I say: Let us remain in touch and continue the work he led us to. I know we all feel his continued support and ongoing love and guidance. Nancy Samotis - December 31, 1969 at 12:00 AM

As for so many others, Harold's teaching - his very being - has profoundly affected my life. I first came to Harold 3 years ago in a state of despair over my diminishing vocal capabilities. When I met Harold, I thought I was getting a voice teacher. I had no idea of the breadth, depth, and scope of his teaching - nor that he would become my spiritual guide. The voice lessons were wonderful. Harold was so gentle and loving. He encouraged and enlightened me at every session. He always knew when to push forward and when to let things simmer gently. To his family, I hold you in my heart - he spoke of you often. His love was great - and will live on through you and his many students and friends. Susan K. Johnson - December 31, 1969 at 12:00 AM

Dear family of Harold, Harold was a wonderful gift in my life. I am one of many people he taught and guided in spiritual growth. His caring and concern, good advice, and deep understanding have been a blessing to me for over two years. I wll deeply miss him. My sympathy goes out to you during this difficult time of adjustment. Blessings, Karen Fox Karen J. Fox - December 31, 1969 at 12:00 AM

I cannot express the magnitutde of the influence that Harold had on my life. He was one of the dearest men I have every met and spent time with. I studied with Harold for 18 years, sometimes twice a week. I went to him for voice lessons, and I never had a voice lesson. He was my Spiriutal Teacher. Even thought I still cannot sing any better than I could 18 years ago, Harold taught me to find my true voice, my inner voice, the voice of my heart. I am who I am because of Harold's love, patience, compassions, example, and teachings. I know that he lives on in Spirit in through each of his students. I read once that grief is the price we human beings pay for loving. I am grieving because I loved him. He was a spiriutal Father for me. But, I can hear Harold's voice within my heart. He is saying, " Love is all there is, it never dies". Janny Adkins Janny Adkins - December 31, 1969 at 12:00 AM

I am so lucky to have been able to get to know and spend some time with Mr. Barlow. He was an unfailingly wonderful friend to me for nearly 18 years. His influence and teachings have had a profound and positive impact on my life. I'll miss his humor, sincere caring and wisdom more than I can say. My thoughts go out to his family and friends in this time of deep loss. Mary Schultz - December 31, 1969 at 12:00 AM

Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Lee & Lloyd Davis, Dana & Amanda Berry Lee & Lloyd Davis - December 31, 1969 at 12:00 AM

Through others, I have been blessed to know Harold and his energy. I honor his life and his passing. Barbara Neebel Meier - December 31, 1969 at 12:00 AM

Harold changed my life forever with his Love and teachings. The world is a better place because of the Love he spread through all of us. My heart is with you during this time. I hold you in my daily thoughts and meditations. Love and peace, Lorena Thullen, student of Harold Barlow for 5 years. Lorena Thullen - December 31, 1969 at 12:00 AM

Please accept my deep sympathy. Harold was a big influence on me, thru the advice and counsel he gave to friends and was shared with me. I know his spirit lives on. Mark Hearn - December 31, 1969 at 12:00 AM