 Harry Edward Skarbo was born in Tacoma, Washington to Hans H. Skarbo (1878-1941) an immigrant from Norway, and Elsie (Gilbertson) Skarbo (1882- 1911) who was the daughter of Norwegian immigrants.After the death of his mother, he was adopted by the Stewart family.Growing up in the Proctor District, he attended Washington Grade School and Stadium High School in Tacoma.