Bob Harlan

It’s hard to believe he’s really gone. Bob Harlan, my dad, slipped away on March 7th, 2026, at the age of 89. For those who knew him through his incredible career with the Green Bay Packers – and let’s be honest, that was a huge number of people – he was a titan, a legend. But to me, and to so many others who were lucky enough to know him personally, he was just Dad. A wonderfully, uniquely Dad. I remember as a kid, utterly obsessed with the Packers, he’d patiently explain the intricacies of the playbook, not with lectures, but with animated stories and a twinkle in his eye. He’d let me “help” him with the stats, which mostly involved me drawing a lot of squiggles on graph paper, and he’d just laugh and say, “That’s the spirit!” That was Bob – always patient, always encouraging, and always with a genuine, infectious joy. Growing up in Green Bay, surrounded by the Packers’ legacy, was a gift, and Dad was at the very heart of it. He wasn’t just a football executive; he was a family man first and foremost. Mom and Dad built a life filled with love, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the simple things – a good game, a home-cooked meal, and spending time with us kids. He instilled in us a strong work ethic, a commitment to integrity, and a fierce loyalty to the Packers, of course. He was a devoted husband to Mom, a proud father to [mention children’s names], and a beloved grandfather to [mention grandchildren’s names]. He always made time for us, whether it was coaching my little league team or just sitting on the porch, watching the sunset. Beyond the boardroom and the stadium, Dad had a quiet passion for golf – he wasn’t a spectacular player, but he loved the challenge and the camaraderie. He also had a surprisingly green thumb, transforming our backyard into a little oasis. But more than anything, he loved people. He had a remarkable ability to connect with anyone, to make them feel valued and heard. He mentored countless young professionals throughout his career, always emphasizing the importance of honesty, hard work, and treating others with respect. He genuinely cared about the people around him, and that’s what made him so special. The Packers family, and frankly, the entire Green Bay community, lost a true icon. But for those of us who knew him as a father, a husband, a grandfather, and a friend, we’ve lost a piece of our hearts. Bob Harlan’s legacy extends far beyond Lambeau Field; it lives on in the countless lives he touched with his kindness, his wisdom, and his unwavering spirit. We’ll miss you terribly, Dad.