ROLAND HAGAN Feb. 21, 1938 – June 15, 2024
Born February 21, 1938, to Ralph and Ethelda Hagan in Boston, Massachusetts, Roland grew up on a succession of military bases ranging from Marine Corps Base Quantico to Pearl Harbor.
Immediately upon finishing high school, Roland followed his older brother into the Air Force and was assigned to the United States Air Force 4926th Test Squadron. His assignments ranged from supporting the observation of French nuclear tests in the Algerian Desert to Operation Hardtack I in the Pacific in 1958. During this time, he was able to witness multiple atmospheric test shots of nuclear weapons, an experience that would ultimately shape his entire life and career.
Upon completing his time in the Air Force, Roland was hired by the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratories, (now LANL) where he would work for the next 40 years in various technical and scientific roles.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s he participated in a technology exchange and training program with the United Nations which sent him to such far-flung locations as Thailand, Sri Lanka and Mongolia to assist in the installation of specialized analytical systems and the training of local personnel.
He also got involved with the then newly formed New Mexico Museum of Natural History to bring advanced technologies such as ground-penetrating radar and radio-isotope detection equipment to assist in the excavation of Seismosaurus in Northern New Mexico. At the time, this turned out to be one of the largest dinosaurs that had ever been found, and he greatly enjoyed his time spent in the badlands playing in a scientific field that was far out of his training and experience.
Throughout his life, Roland always had a deep love of the outdoors, and spent many years mentoring young men through the Scouts of America first as an adult troop leader, and later as a troop committee member and advisor. He was a true adventurer who encouraged everyone around him to explore and learn new things. Whether it was through organizing camping trips, teaching survival skills or sharing his knowledge of the natural world, Roland inspired countless scouts to embrace curiosity and develop a lifelong love for adventure.
Roland passed away suddenly at his Rio Rancho, New Mexico residence on June 15, 2024.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years Linda; son David; daughter Karen; grandkids, Darby and Tyler; his older brother Clyde and younger brother Marc.