Harlan, 83, died August 14, 2017, in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. He grew up in Missoula and graduated from the University of Montana in 1956 with a degree in Forestry. Harlan was a Reserve Army Officer and alternated military postings with his work with the USFS and BLM in Montana, Oregon and Colorado.

He retired in his early 50s and was active in the Retired Federal Employees group and the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Harlan jumped at Missoula during the 1952-53 seasons.