Walter "Harlan" Wagoner

Walter “Harlan” Wagoner, a lifelong resident of Longmont, Colorado, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026. Known affectionately by his many friends as "Wags" or "Skis"—nicknames earned by his last name and the legendary size of his feet in high school—Harlan lived a life defined by community, entrepreneurship, and an absolute passion for sports.

Born and raised in Longmont, Harlan spent just a single junior high year away in Estes Park before returning home to leave an indelible mark on Longmont High School. A proud member of the Class of 1961, he was deeply involved in student life, serving as Vice President of the Key Club and as a member of the School Senate. A phenomenal athlete, Harlan played basketball, baseball, and football, remarkably lettering in all three sports all four years of high school. His athletic talents took him to Mesa Junior College in Grand Junction on a basketball scholarship, and he later transferred to the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley.

On December 30, 1972, Harlan married the love of his life, Mary Frances Wagoner. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised two children, Brady and Brandi. Harlan was a driven local entrepreneur; over the years, he successfully owned and operated a truck stop, a liquor store, and a restaurant, becoming a familiar and friendly face to so many in the community.

When he wasn’t working, Harlan was almost certainly watching, playing, or traveling for sports. He loved the game of golf, but his ultimate allegiance belonged to the Denver Broncos, where he proudly held season tickets for 60 incredible years. A lover of sports of all kinds, one of his favorite annual traditions was gathering with family and friends to attend the tournament basketball games—faithfully following the postseason excitement from Kansas City to Las Vegas. Above all, Harlan cherished the time spent with those he loved, sharing a good laugh and a great game.

Harlan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Frances Wagoner, who passed away on August 6, 2015. He is survived by his son, Brady Wagoner of Gardner, Massachusetts; and his daughter, Brandi Wagoner of Niwot, Colorado, and his beloved grandson, Gabriel Wagoner, as well as a large circle of extended family and lifelong friends who will deeply miss his warmth, his stories, and his larger-than-life presence.

A Graveside Service to Celebrate Harlan's Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Foothills Gardens of Memory, located at 14241 N 107th Street, in Longmont. Family and friends are welcome to attend and honor a life incredibly well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Harlan to the Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Wagoner family.