John Masten Harlan

John Masten Harlan, age 68, of Polson, MT passed away on February 7, 2024.  John was born on January 12, 1956, in Los Angeles, CA where he was adopted by his parents Frederick and Mary Harlan.

John spent most of his childhood around Lancaster, CA, graduating from Quartz Hill High School in 1974.  John spoke of fond memories he had from time spent in the Mojave Desert in his youth, often referring to himself as a ‘desert rat.’  He was part of San Diego State’s rowing team for a short period during his time in college.

Accompanied by his black lab Smokey, John moved to Polson in 1989 to care for his parents.  During his first several years in Polson, he lived in the family house on the lake while working for a local construction company. 

John married Sue Harlan in 1998, and had three children, Quinn, Quaid, and Qia who all meant the world to him.  Family time was a central part of his life making every effort to attend sporting events, musical concerts, graduations, and weddings.   He enjoyed taking them hiking and biking all over the Mission Valley. His children recall the memories of childhood as wonderful and expansive, from bug collections, to coins, to inheriting John’s love for plants and flowers, and of course for everything science-fiction. 

For over 20 years, John ran and owned The Computer Port as a self-taught computer technician, helping many individuals and small companies along the Mission Valley.   

During the summer of 2022, John and his children were fortunate enough to meet one of his biological brothers and his family.   This was a special moment that they all shared and a highlight for John.

John is preceded in death by his father Frederick Franklin Harlan and Mary McDonell. 

John is survived by his children Quinn Harlan (Joanna Browning), Quaid Harlan (Courtney), Qia Harlan, grandson Thaddeus, ex-wife Sue Harlan, sister Catherine Chavasse, many nieces/nephews/cousins, and the Teichen Family.

John was a man with a heart full of affection and devotion to his family.  He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

A private service will be held in his memory this summer.