Harlan "Dusty" Newell Rhodes

Petroleum Engineer

Harlan N. “Dusty” Rhodes passed away peacefully at home on October 11, 2011 with no regrets for a life well lived. He was 85, and a well known Denver oil man who was a wonderful father, husband and grandfather, and a mentor, role-model and friend to many. He will be greatly missed.

Dusty was born in Wayne, Nebraska on April 26, 1926 to Emma Johanna Schroeder and Harley Nicholas Rhodes. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War Two and the Korean War. Rhodes was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering by the New Mexico Institute of Technology. He was a Registered Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor in various Rocky Mountain states. He was also a commercial pilot, a restorer of antique aircraft, an aviation historian and an aircraft appraiser.

In what he always claimed was the best decision of his life, he married Betty Lou Etz in Sweetwater, Texas on June 1, 1951. She preceded him in death after more than 50 happy and adventurous years of marriage. They are survived by three children; a son, William F. Rhodes and wife Tracy of Prescott, Arizona; a daughter, Kristen E. Rhodes-Anderson and husband Stephen of Longmont, Colorado, and a daughter, Patricia L. Rhodes-Vasil and husband George of Lake Stevens, Washington. Dusty and Betty were blessed with seven grandchildren.

Rhodes worked for over fifty years in the oil and gas industry. He served as Chief Operating Officer and/or Director for a number of Denver-based independent oil and gas companies. At the time of his death, he operated H.N. Rhodes, P.E., L.L.C., owner of oil and gas interests throughout the Rocky Mountain and Mid Continent producing provinces. During his professional career he belonged to the usual professional and industry organizations and was an officer and/or director of most. At his death, he was a member of the Antique Airplane Association, The Experimental Aircraft Association, The Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, and the Rocky Mountain Petroleum Pioneers.

A celebration of his abundant life will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Monday, October 17, 2011 at The Lodge at Balfour, 1331 Hecla Drive, Louisville, CO. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you perform an act of kindness or charity to honor his memory.

Please share thoughts, memories, and condolences with Dusty’s family at www.cristmortuary.com