Harry E. Couch

Harry E. Couch, 83, passed away on September 30, 2026, with his wife, Betty, by his side. Born in Los Angeles, California, on October 29, 1942, Harry grew up in San Diego and went on to live a life defined by honesty, hard work, determination, and service to others.

Harry built a long and successful career as an electrical contractor, beginning in 1964. He took over management of Olympic Industrial Electric from his parents and dedicated decades of his life to his trade. He continued his education at Arizona State University and the University of Southern California. During his college years, he enjoyed playing tennis, a sport that remained one of his lifelong interests.

Throughout his career, Harry worked in many roles as chairman, board member, trustee, and on multiple committees for both the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the Los Angeles chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Through these roles, he contributed his time and leadership to advance the trade. Helping improve and protect the education, compensation, and retirements for current and future electricians.

Harry was deeply involved in public service, serving on the Monterey Park City Council and later as Mayor of Monterey Park, California, from 1978 to 1982. He was very proud that his involvement in local government enabled him to make a lasting, impactful difference in the lives of his community members. In particular, Harry offered guidance for the city council protecting family homes against over development and updating city building codes.

Later in life, at age 55, Harry embarked on a second career and a lifelong dream in law enforcement, graduating from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Academy as its oldest graduate at the time. He served as a police officer from 1993 through 2009. Throughout his career, Harry received numerous accommodations from his police chief, fellow police officers, and other city police chiefs. As well as multiple awards from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in recognition of his determination to combat drunk driving and promote safer roads

Harry's contributions reached far beyond his professional careers. He served as president of his local Radio Emergency Associated Communication Teams (REACT), where volunteers assist with disaster communications and search-and-rescue support. He went on to establish and foster a 15 year relationship between REACT and Toys for Porterville, a long-running annual holiday toy drive run by Dr. George Fischbeck, where REACT volunteers helped coordinate and deliver toys for children across five counties.

Most recently, and after retirement, Harry chose to dedicate his skills to The San Diego Nice Guys. An organization and community that perfectly reflect his values. A member for 12 years, he believed in the organization's mission and focus on community and social responsibility. Helping local families achieve self-sufficiency after a crisis. Harry believed in supporting people through difficult times and helping them get back on their feet.

Harry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was a provider and a source of support for his family, known for his reliability, determination, and quick wit. His clever retorts and sense of humor brought laughter to those around him, while his loving relationship with his grandchildren held a special place in his heart. To Harry, a person's word mattered. He believed in following through on your commitments, and those who knew him knew they could count on him.

Harry had many interests throughout his life, including USC football, tennis, fishing, traveling, CB radio, and quarter-mile motorcycle racing. After retiring and returning to San Diego in 2009, he and his beloved wife, Betty, enjoyed traveling across America together in their fifth-wheel trailer, sharing adventures and making memories.

Harry is survived by his wife, Betty Couch; his son Allan Couch; his son Mark Couch and daughter-in-law Dr. Sonia Couch; his grandchildren Carrie, Kylie, and Connor; his sister, Nanci Diederich; and his cousins Kathy Booker and Dr. Donna Tomlinson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Evelyn Diederich, his son, Carey Couch, and his grandson, Allan Jacob Couch.

Harry will be remembered for his honesty, his tireless work ethic, his determination, his sharp sense of humor, and his commitment to helping others. Above all, he leaves behind a legacy of reliability and service—a man whose word could be trusted, whose family was deeply important to him, and who made a difference through the lives he touched.

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