Harlan Donald MowBray II, known fondly as Pud or HarHar to his friends and family, embarked on his final fishing trip to the great beyond, on January 3, 2025, after a two-month battle with an aggressive brain tumor. Born on June 18, 1956, in Topeka, Kansas, Harlan’s infectious humor and his “never knew a stranger” attitude left an unforgettable mark on the world for 68 years.

Harlan’s life was a well-printed page (pun intended), with a lifelong career as an off-set printer that included employment at the State of Kansas Printer and Central Duplicating in Topeka, Pro-Print in Topeka and Lawrence, and Printing Solutions in Lawrence. His work ethic and near perfect attendance were only matched by his ability to make his coworkers laugh and roll their eyes at his quick-witted one-liners.

A 1975 graduate of Topeka High School, Harlan continued his education at Washburn University for two years, where he probably spent as much time making his classmates laugh and professors shake their heads as he did hitting the books. Harlan was the life of every party, and his generosity knew no bounds—whether he was sharing a funny story, the catch of the day, or the chords to a classic rock tune on his guitar.

Fishing for walleye was more than a hobby for Harlan; being on the water was one of the many ways he found peace, serenity and a really good time. His front porch was the stuff of legends, a place where friends gathered, laughter abounded, and the world seemed to slow down just a little bit. Harlan’s love for the Chiefs, Royals, and all things KU sports was only eclipsed by his love for his family.

Harlan’s family was his pride and joy. His beloved wife, Linda Murray MowBray, was his anchor and an important part of his life for 35 years. His son, Jacob MowBray, inherited his father’s dry sense of humor and comedic timing. Harlan’s brother, Jay (Jim) MowBray, and sister-in-law, Ronda Sanders MowBray, shared in the many adventures and misadventures that made life with Harlan an unforgettable journey. Patricia Murray, his mother-in-law, always had a special place in his heart and in their garden level apartment.

Harlan’s legacy is one of laughter, love, and the kind of generosity that makes the world a better place. He spent many years coaching his son’s sports teams and later volunteering to referee Shawnee Heights Optimist basketball games. He attended Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church were he delighted in watching his son grow in Christian faith. Funny to the core, his spirit will live on in the stories shared on porches, by fishing lakes, and in the stands of every sports game he so loved.

His laughter echoes in the hearts of those he left behind, and the memories he created will be cherished and retold with a smile. Harlan Donald MowBray II, thank you for teaching us that life is best lived with a fishing pole in one hand, a beer in the other, a song in your heart, and your friends by your side. We say goodbye to a man who was one of a kind and quite simply, one of the best.

A memorial service will be held at a later date and a celebration of life will take place this June.