Harold Beebe Stout was born January 9, 1913, in Hughson, CA (near Modesto), to Perry Elliot and Hazel Sophia (Beebe) Stout. He joined older brothers, Perry Robert and George Elliot, and sister, Ella Mae, completed the family just over two years later. His early years were mainly spent on ranches near Hughson, Modesto and Hopeton, CA. Harold's mother was widowed when he was nine years old, so early in life, he learned the meaning of work. He worked on his uncle Boyd's farm in the summers and his first paying job, at age 12, was punching wires on the stationary hay baler. He loved high school biology and was fascinated with what he saw under the microscope. He played football, graduated from Merced High and started considering medicine as a way to enjoy science and earn a living. Harold's college and premedical requirements were completed at Pacific Union College, Angwin, CA, in 1933; he also joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He lived with Uncle Boyd and Aunt Vina Beebe and did various jobs to cover his tuition and expenses. Harold attended medical school at the College of Medical Evangelists (now Loma Linda University School of Medicine), where he met Berniece Hansen. They were married on January 15, 1939, and enjoyed 70 years of marriage. Dr. Stout did an internship in Paradise Valley, CA, then the couple moved to north central Washington and started work in 1940. Dr. and Mrs. Stout had two children; son, Luwayne and daughter, Luvon. Berniece's parents and sister, Marie, also lived and worked with the family. The busy practice included surgeries, deliveries and office hours in Pateros, Brewster, Bridgeport, Mansfield, Omak and Waterville as Douglas County physician and health officer. The Stouts, along with Dr. Harold and Bernice Lamberton and Dr. Fred and Ronni Schnibbe, (and later Dr. Casebolt) founded Brewster's (Community) Medical Center and helped establish Okanogan Douglas Hospital. They received several honors, such as Quad City Valentine Couple of the Year in 1998, Citizens of the Year in 2006, and recognitions for a medical career that would eventually span nearly 60 years. Dr. Stout retired from full time practice in late 1997, but maintained his medical license, took Continuing Education, assisted in surgery and enjoyed hobbies such as gardening, farming, email and making home movies. Dr. Stout received excellent care during his final days with Lola Worth's adult care home and peacefully fell asleep in Jesus on November 20, 2009. Dr. Stout will be remembered for his kindness and medical care, birding hobby, black angus ranch "Midnite Farm" on Sunset Drive, church work and ever present sense of humor.

He is survived by son, Luwayne (and Esther) Stout; daughter, Luvon Stout; grandchildren, Michelle (and Eric) Haeger, Tiffany (and Greg) Lamberton and Luke Stout; and great-grandchildren, Carly, Jonathan and Noelle Haeger and Noah Lamberton.

A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, January 16, 2010, at 3:00 p.m., location to be announced. Barnes Funeral Chapel is assisting.