Allan Lavar Scow

January 5, 1932 – September 11, 2026

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He was happiest when he could be on the water.

Allan Lavar Scow, affectionately known as “Al” to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026 at his home in Southern California. He lived a remarkable life filled with adventure, hard work, faith, and family.

Al was born on January 5th, 1932 in Mohrland, Utah, to Andrew and Agnes Scow. He spent his growing-up years in a variety of coal-mining towns or “camps", where his father was a coal miner and his mother served as postmaster in the town of Dragerton. He enjoyed playing marbles, eating his mother’s fresh-baked bread with milk, trap shooting, fishing with his dad, and being greeted after school by his loyal dog, Zipper. He and his older sister, Vera, were lifelong friends, especially in their golden years.

He graduated from Westminster College in Salt Lake City with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. In 1955, after tiring of winter snow and cold, Al made his way to Southern California where he began working for Northrop Corporation. He had a successful and busy 35-year career in aerospace engineering and manufacturing at Northrop until his retirement in 1991.

In 1962, Al’s life changed forever when he accepted a consulting assignment in Paris on behalf of Northrop. It was there that met a beautiful Dutch woman, Hanneke, who worked in the same building. They met in an elevator—a fittingly small beginning to a great love story. They were married in the Netherlands in 1962. After their marriage, they returned to the US and made their home in Southern California.

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Family was the center of Al’s life.

Al was the beloved father of Saskia (Gordon), Rebecca (Kenny), Robert (Leslie), and precious daughter Tina, who preceded him in death. He was completely devoted to his dear wife Hanneke, even after her passing many years prior. “Grandpa the Great” (as he liked to be known) had fifteen grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren. Family was the center of Al’s life.

Al was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various callings throughout his life. He was particularly devoted to his responsibilities as a home teacher, faithfully caring for and serving the people entrusted to him.

Al always made time for his favorite hobby: fishing! He was happiest when he could be on the water. Some of his favorite fishing spots included Hurricane Bank off the coast of Mexico, Alaska, the Yukon, and Fish Lake in Utah. Family and friends will remember with fondness the many fish fries he had at his home, where he could be found cooking up wahoo, tuna, or halibut for any who were lucky enough to be there. 

He enjoyed woodworking and created beautiful furniture in his garage. He was an exceptional pool player and spent many hours practicing in the family backyard. He enjoyed traveling with Hanneke, countless drives between California and Utah, long walks with friends, and feeling the warm sunshine on his shoulders. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a hearty laugh that could fill a room. He began many conversations with a good blonde joke, turning strangers into instant friends.

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“Grandpa the Great” had fifteen grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren.

His family will miss his stories, his laughter, his generosity, and his steady presence. God be with you till we meet again, Dad! We love you.