The Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico (IPANM) joins a host of Oil & Gas industry trade associations and Roswell community groups in mourning the loss of Lee Harvard, founder of Harvard Petroleum and a founding member of IPANM.

Lee formed Harvard Exploration Company in 1970 after working many years in the oil & gas industry. The company continues today as Harvard Petroleum Company, LLC, under the management of his son, and former IPANM Past-President Jeff Harvard. Harvard Petroleum continues to be one of IPANM’s most loyal member companies.

Yesterday’s Roswell Daily Record details the well-lived life of Lee Harvard in this beautifully written obituary which offers a glimpse into his life, his family, and his dedicated work in the Roswell community. It reads, “(Lee Harvard) was a strong supporter of the Roswell Desk and Derrick Club and the NM Landman’s Association. He was also active in the Independent Petroleum Association of America and a founding member of the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico. Lee enjoyed the friendships that serving on the board of Valley Bank of Commerce afforded him over the years. He also served as President of the Alto Alps Homeowners’ Association…”

IPANM would like to offer our condolences to the Jeff Harvard and the entire Harvard family on Lee’s passing. He will be missed by many who enjoyed sharing his friendship through IPANM over four decades.
A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Roswell on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please remember Lee’s remarkable life with a donation to Harvest Ministries, Roswell Community Kitchen, Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico, the Roswell Geological Society or charity of one’s choice.