When Merle Gritman Harlow passed away on January 13, 2025, at the remarkable age of 103, he left behind more than a century of stories, relationships, and work—he left behind a legacy that helped shape Pullman and its people. One part of this known-by-all farmer’s legacy, is his support of Pullman Regional Hospital, a place he believed in, not just because of its role in caring for the community, but because of what it represented: neighbors helping neighbors. By including Pullman Regional in his estate plans, Merle's legacy will forever impact patient care in our region.
Born in 1921 near Pullman, Merle was the fifth of six children in a pioneering farming family. From an early age, he developed the values that would guide him through life: hard work, resilience, humility, and an unwavering commitment to community. Whether it was feeding horses at dawn or harvesting wheat with his family, Merle understood the importance of doing your part—and doing it well.
Merle married his high school sweetheart, Doris Tate, in 1941, and together they spent nearly seven decades building a life centered around family, farming, and community. Their two sons, David and Glen, were the first Harlows to graduate from college, a point of great pride for Merle, who always championed education. Even in his later years, Merle and David regularly attended agricultural seminars at WSU, believing that learning never ends.
Although Merle wasn’t known to be altruistic in the traditional sense, his giving spirit was undeniable. He gave not for recognition, but out of a sense of responsibility and gratitude. His support of Pullman Regional Hospital was grounded in his belief that strong communities depend on strong institutions. He gave because he saw the hospital as a vital thread in the fabric of Pullman—serving friends, neighbors, and future generations. Of equal value, he gave of his time and his sage advice, severing as a mentor for many many neighboring farming families.
Merle's generosity extended beyond the hospital. He supported the Shriners, the Masonic Lodge, the Presbyterian Church, the Alzheimer’s Association, and numerous local agricultural organizations. He helped raise money for the Shriner’s hospital in Spokane, rode in parades for the Whitman County Motor Patrol, and even kept a float boat on the family farm for Pastor Matt McNelly, whom he admired greatly.
Though he traveled the world with Doris—enjoying adventures in Asia, Europe, and Hawaii—Merle was always happiest on the farm, tinkering in the shop or out in the fields. He was a man of quiet wisdom, good humor, and immense capability—a skilled welder
who preferred fixing to replacing and a thoughtful businessman who built the family farm to over 2,800 acres.
Merle Harlow may no longer be with us, but his legacy is planted deep in the soil of the Palouse and in the heart of Pullman Regional Hospital. His life reminds us that generosity isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about showing up, helping out, and making sure the community you love continues to thrive. For that, we remember him with gratitude and admiration.
If you’d like to learn more about supporting Pullman Regional Hospital through the power of philanthropy, please connect with a member of our Foundation or click to learn more about Planned Giving.
