Camarillo, CA - Harley Meyer Plander, founder of the Harley's Bowling Center chain, went to his heavenly home on April 24, 2026, three weeks shy of his 99th birthday.

Harley was born on May 19, 1927 in Hempstead, New York to William and Adeline Plander and had one brother William, nicknamed Shine. Growing up in Nassau County New York, Harley loved to play baseball and rooting for his favorite team, the Brooklyn Dodgers. Harley attended Columbia University and played outfield on the baseball team. In 1945, Harley was drafted into the US Army and was stationed in Europe at the end of World War II. After his term of duty, Harley attended Brooklyn Law School and passed the New York State Bar. In 1951 he married Charlotte Brizee. They had three children together, Susan, William and Ronald.

In 1960, he entered the bowling business when he built and opened Plander Lanes in Uniondale New York. In 1971 he married Eileen Mannion and adopted her young son John. In 1972, Harley and Eileen moved to Palos Verdes Estates, California with the three boys as their sister Susan was away at college.

The family later moved to Camarillo in 1974 when Harley bought Camarillo Bowl. The family-owned business continued to expand with acquisition of Simi Bowl in 1987, Corbin Bowl in 2002, Empire Bowl in 2007 and Valley Bowl in 2015. In 2019 Harley was inducted into the California Bowling Hall of Fame.

Harley lived a long and productive life and was a familiar face at many establishments in Camarillo. He will be remembered for his pleasant demeanor, constant love and dedication to his wife, Eileen, his bowling legacy and his true-blue love of the Dodgers.

Harley is survived by his wife of 55 years Eileen, and their children: Susan (Gene), William (Wendie), Ronald (Joan) and John (Kyle); Grandchildren: Marisa, Shaun (Jazz), Chanel, Trenton, Paige, Will (Jacki), and Gretchen (Mitch) and great grandchildren Charlotte, Wesley, and Jett.

A mass of Christian burial will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on 2026-05-23 at Saint Mary Magdalen Church, 25 Las Posas Road, Camarillo.