Harlan Englander, 92, of Gainesville, passed away May 16, 2012. Harlan was born July 30, 1919 in Ancon Canal Zone. He grew up in Panama where his father, Max Englander, worked in constructing the Panama Canal. Harlan attended Clarkson University, where he graduated with honors as a Chemical Engineer, and was a stand out on the Clarkson tennis team. Harlan began work with the Rochester Ordinance Department of War. In 1942, he enlisted as a cadet in the Air Force. Harlan served with the 3rd Commando Group in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Captain Harlan Englander was awarded an Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 4 battle stars, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 battle star, an American Campaign, WWII Victory, and Army of Occupation Medals.For over 30 years after the war, Harlan worked in the Buflovak Equipment Division of Blaw Knox in Buffalo, NY. He was in charge of the evaporation and crystallization division where he designed evaporators for many household name products. He holds a patent for his designs.Harlan married Lenore Simpson in 1957 and they had two children, John and Ruth. An avid and accomplished tennis player, Harlan was a founder of the Buffalo Racquet Club. He was also a Buffalo City tennis champion, and, along with his entire family, he was inducted into the Buffalo Tennis Hall-of-Fame in 2008. He also was a long time member of the 300 Club in Gainesville where he formed many great and lasting friendships. Harlan enjoyed many other hobbies - in particular, he had a life-long love for stamp and coin collecting.Harlan and Lenore (who passed away in 2011), were married for over 50 years. They are survived by their son John of Boston, MA, their daughter Ruth of Apex, NC, and four grandchildren, Katherine, Elizabeth, William, and Tucker.Following a private family burial service, the family invites friends to join them Wednesday, May 23 at 11:30am at The Village Lake House Commons, 8000 NW 27th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the 300 Club, 3715 Northwest 12th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32605 or charitable contributions to the Haven Hospice of Florida, 4200 NW 90th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606. Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528