Henry "Hank" Van Fleet

Henry Van Fleet, of Golden, died December 17 at the age of 91. “Hank,” as known by many, was a lifelong Denver-area resident. Born in Florence, Colorado, Hank was a multiple-generation native Coloradan, a point in which he seemed to take great pride. He grew up in East Denver and graduated from East High School.

Hank served his country during the Korean War, where he regaled his fellow soldiers with his melodic but untrained voice. His fellow servicemen likely remember him most for the black handlebar moustache that extended past his face and signified to all who saw him his unique and devilish sense of humor.  Later, after returning to the States, he married Lois, who preceded him in death after nearly 40 years of marriage.

Hank began his professional career as a draftsman, and he set his sights on becoming a Civil Engineer. He worked as a draftsman by day to support his family while attending night school for 10 years at the University of Colorado, in pursuit of his engineering degree. Through that experience, Hank’s hallmark personality traits, perseverance and determination may have taken root.

Achieving his dream of becoming a Civil Engineer, Hank first put his degree to use for Stearns Roger.  Most of his career, however, was spent with the City and County of Denver, from which he retired. He was proud of his involvement with the original Mile High Stadium, including its ability to reconfigure for football or baseball games, and many other local projects including tunnels and bridges across the state.

Family was at the center of Hank’s life. As a devoted son, he dedicated one day on most weekends to caring for his mother and his childhood home, efforts requiring significant commitment.

One of Hank’s other main priorities was assuring that his two daughters did not have to struggle to complete college while managing full-time jobs, determined that they would have easier lives than he.  With Lois, he enjoyed multiple cruises during retirement, trips to enjoy big band music in the Midwest, and dancing at the Elks Club with other couples.  After his two beloved grandchildren were born, he devoted much time to them.  In them he had an excuse to purchase more woodworking tools to facilitate his toymaking, including an intricate United States jigsaw puzzle and a gorgeous train table for his grandson.  He also loved hearing his granddaughter play in her school jazz band concerts, and celebrated her significant academic success.

A life-long Ford enthusiast, in his youth Hank built and raced cars with his brothers, and continued his hobby through his involvement in the Denver Timing Association and other local car clubs, a passion that only death could apparently limit.  He also put his engineering talent to use in the home he purchased in Golden, where he raised his family with Lois.  He expanded and re-roofed his backyard patio and turned his one-car garage into a two-car space, further enabling his car obsession, to the bewilderment of his wife and daughters.

Hank loved the yards he maintained outside his home.  He spent the warmer months meticulously mowing and trimming, and attending to his fruit and shade trees and rose bushes.  His wife and daughters often mused about how he must be measuring every blade of grass in order to achieve the incredibly manicured look he maintained. He worked to protect his apples from the squirrels, yet his kind nature prevented him from harming them. Hank instead trapped and relocated each one a great distance from the house, after which his girls enjoyed teasing him.

Hank enjoyed attending Air Force football games, playing with the family dog and sharing an interest in trains with his grandson, frequenting the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden. He also laughed uproariously at Zero Mostel in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, behavior that irritated Lois to no end.

Following Lois’ death, Hank continued attending Elks functions and became acquainted with Dolly Rebich who had also lost her spouse.  Hank and Dolly became quite close and their relationship lasted 20 years, until her passing. During that time, they shared their common love of travel, dancing, and music, activities which they believed kept them “young.”

Hank was also preceded in death by his sister Gloria and his brothers Eugene and Roland. He is survived by his daughters Sharon Van Fleet and Karen (John) Glenn, his granddaughter Emily Glenn and grandson Tyler Glenn. He also leaves behind a sister-in-law plus many nieces and nephews, all holding fond and humorous memories of Hank. He will be greatly missed.

For any who might wish to make a donation in Hank’s honor, the family suggests giving to The Denver Timing Association, or the American Legion Post 1.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO at 11:00am. For those who are unable to attend the service personally, please join us virtually by clicking on the following link: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=cd51a68d-1650-4915-b6ce-85c4f1ec3019 There will be a reception immediately following the service.

Please leave memories and condolences for Hank by signing his tribute wall.