Harlan Lear died at his home in his sleep on June 10, 2020 after a valiant battle with a rare liver disease. Born in Windsor, Colorado, of Volga River German descent in 1939. He attended Fort Collins Highschool and Colorado State University where he played football. Upon graduation he came to Steamboat Springs to teach and coach. He spent thirty years with the Steamboat Springs to teach and coach. He spent thirty years with the Steamboat Springs school district becoming an administrator at the high school.

After retiring he said he had the best of everything.Working his small ranch in the summer, raising Tibetan Yaks, and roping with Egeria roping club and then spending the winter in Tucson, Arizona, team roping and jackpotting, He loved training his horses, working on his John Deere tractor, packing into the wilderness, fishing and traveling.

He is survived by his wife, Saundra; daughter, Kristen Lear of Steamboat Springs; son, Joseph; daughter-in-law, Happy; granddaughter, Emily and grandson, Joshua all of Denver, Colorado.
At his request a private family memorial service will be held at a later date.