Harlan graduated from Byers High School, Byers, Colorado in May 1958.
After promising his father-in-law that he would always take care of her, a promise that this warm, loving, and caring man would keep and fulfill to his last breath, Harlan married his high school sweetheart Carolyn Mitchell on July 23, 1959 in Bennett, Colorado. On August 19, 1959 Harlan joined the United States Air Force in Denver, Colorado where he proudly served 20 years including his tour in Vietnam and retired on September 1, 1979.
Harlan welcomed daughters Cindi and Nadine to complete his family. He was devoted to his daughters, guiding them to become wonderful adults. Family was Harlan’s first love and he enjoyed being a father, grandfather and great-grandfather every day. “Grandpa” Harlan loved having his grandchildren and great-grandchildren over to stay with him while Carolyn was working, and he enjoyed every moment. He enjoyed watching Dylan & Ryan as they became teenagers. Harlan and Carolyn enjoyed events of high school rodeo, gymkhana, baseball, soccer, football, basketball, and band. He was fortunate to attend all of the high school and college graduations of his children and grandchildren. Harlan enjoyed family get-togethers and was very proud of his family and their accomplishments.
Upon Carolyn’s retirement, new travels included visits to friends from his military years and enjoying new experiences throughout the United States. Harlan’s favorite trips included an Alaskan cruise and train trip, and multiple visits to Washington D.C. exploring the nation’s history.
Harlan enjoyed attending the annual reunions of the 500th Bomb Squadron and Tan Son Nhut groups held throughout the country. He was interested in learning about their lives after retirement from their service.
Harlan was self-taught about computers and spent many hours connecting with friends and building web sites for different military groups. Harlan’s interest in military aviation and aircraft led to his membership in the Gray Eagles where he served as Webmaster . Harlan also served as Webmaster the Museum of the Forgotten Warriors and Northern Reconnaissance groups. Harlan was also a member of the Veterans groups at the Club (Del Webb) in Westpark, Roseville.
Harlan is preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Reva Hatfield, and his beloved daughter, Nadine Castle. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Carolyn; his daughter Cindi (David) Oseto; granddaughters Mandy (Eric) Myrdal, Amber (James) Keane, Chelsea and Jordana Oseto; grandson Spenser Oseto; and great-grandsons Dylan and Ryan Myrdal. Harlan is also survived by extended family members and friends.
• Services will be private. Donations requested to “RRUFF Healing Heroes” to support service dogs for local veterans with disabilities. https://rruffhealingheroes.org/donate/
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