Obituary of Harry Bristow

Harry Ernest Bristow, aged 75, of Yuba City, California, passed away after a brief illness on July 24, 2023. Harry, a 5th generation Sutter County resident, was born in Marysville, California, on January 5, 1948, to Arthur A. Bristow and Nancy M. (Van Arsdale) Bristow. He was a graduate of Yuba City High School and received a degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He was happily married to Peggy (Bolin) Bristow for 49 years. Harry started his work experience at Tenco Tractor, Inc., which provided tractor and mechanical services to ten counties throughout Northern California. Later, he worked at Golden State Tractor as Vice President. He then went on to become President of Westside Machinery, where he was responsible for several John Deere dealerships. Harry ended his career at Holt of California, "part of an elite group of Caterpillar dealers worldwide." Harry was born into a service-oriented family and continued that tradition throughout his life. He was a member of the Corinthian-Hammonton Masonic Lodge No.9 and was a Past President of the Mid-Valley Scottish Rite Club. Harry also served as president of the Sacramento Valley Shrine Club. Additionally, he served as the Director of the Yuba-Sutter Fair Board for twenty-one years, a position which is appointed by the Governor of California and in which he took much Pride. Through his work with the Shrine, he gladly helped escort children needing medical help to Shriners Children's Hospital of Northern California in Sacramento. Harry enjoyed a good Western, the Americana West, Agriculture, and his family. He was very well-read and enjoyed hunting and camping in his younger years. He was active in the Boy Scouts throughout his life and was a member of the Order of the Arrow, where he was bestowed with The Vigil Honor," the highest honor that the Order of the Arrow can bestow upon its members for service to lodge, council, and Scouting"' He always regretted that he was just a few badges shy of earning his Eagle Scout. He is survived by his wife, Peggy L. (Bolin) Bristow of Yuba City; and his daughters, Heather Bristow of Salt Lake City, UT, and Melissa (Chris) Drew of Hollister, CA; sister, Mary Ann Bristow of Sacramento, CA; sisters-in-law, Phyllis (Stan) Birge of Sacramento, CA, Patsy Landi of San Diego, Polly (Paul) Ferrise of Palm Desert; and brother-in-law, Billy Bolin of South Carolina. He is also survived by his two favorite girls of all time, his granddaughters Delaney Drew and Kylie Drew of Hollister, CA. He was especially proud of all of their accomplishments and loved being their Grandpa. Harry was preceded in death by his father, Arthur A. Bristow; mother, Nancy M. (Van Arsdale) Bristow; brother, Steve A. Bristow; brothers-in-law, Robert Bolin, and David Bolin. Services will be held at Sutter Cemetery on August 10, 2023, at 11:30am. Reception to follow at the Harvest Room, 1465 Tharp Rd., Yuba City. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Rotary Club of Yuba City Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 785, Yuba City, CA 95992, or the Shriners Children's Hospital of Northern California, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817.