Richard Lee Harlan, July 7, 1939–November 15, 2011
Dick Harlan from Denver, Colorado spent his freshman year at Grinnell. He was a resident of North Younker Hall and a member of the College Band and of Uncle Sam’s Club. His parents, Edna Grosenbaugh Harlan and Homer S. Harlan, were both Grinnell alums (1926).
Later Dick received his B.A. degree in geology from the University of Colorado (1961), a M.S. degree in forestry and a Ph.D. in hydrogeology from Michigan State University in 1964 and 1967 respectively.
Following graduate school, Dick was employed by the Canadian Department of Forestry and Rural Development and resided in Calgary, Alberta and Ottawa, Ontario for 15 years. He then returned to Denver and was employed by James & Moore as Chief Hydrogeologist for 11 years and taught at the School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. In 1990 he established his own engineering firm, Harlan & Associates, with offices in Littleton and Lakewood, Colorado.
Richard had many friends all over the United States and Canada. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying sailing, biking, skiing, and camping, as well as racquetball. He was a fantastic photographer, woodworker, and he loved jazz.
Richard leaves his children, Michael Burt and Kathryn June Harlan, two grandchildren, his brother, Dr. John R. Harlan (Carrie) of Page, Arizona along with one niece, four nephews and six great nieces and nephews also in Arizona. Dick’s former wife, Sandra Lou Burt Harlan, is also believed to be a survivor.
