JOHN ARTHUR (JACK) HARKNESS

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JOHN ARTHUR (JACK) HARKNESS On August 20, 2006, John Arthur (Jack) Harkness, aged 81 years, passed away peacefully at Seven Oaks General Hospital. Born September 9, 1924 to Matthew Henry Harkness and Ethel May (Smith) Harkness, Jack lived the early years of his life in Carberry, Manitoba. During the Depression, he moved with his parents to Lac du Bonnet. There he met Shirley Ann Packer. They married in 1948, farmed together, and started a family. Jeffrey was born in 1949, Denise in 1950, Douglas in 1954, and Sharon in 1956. In 1960, the family moved to Winnipeg, and Jack worked at Winnipeg Hydro. In Winnipeg, the family continued to grow. Larry arrived in 1960 and Wendy in 1961. In 1969, the group was made complete with the arrival of Gregory and Ian. In 1970, after tiring of city life, Jack moved the family to a small hobby farm in St. Andrews, which they shared for almost ten years with a variety of pets and livestock. Unfortunately, Jack and Shirley found that they were growing apart. They separated in 1977 and later divorced. In 1978, Jack married Joyce Fawcett in Selkirk. After he retired, they worked together as building managers for several years. This gave him a chance to use his many woodworking, electrical and mechanical skills. Joyce passed away in 1995. Jack met Violet Semenchuk and they married in 1996. Vi faithfully provided for his best interests and gave him the care he needed during his last years of his life. She has been a wonderful support and companion. For all the years that he was able, Jack was committed to helping others. In addition to having a large family of their own, he and Shirley were foster parents to more than 50 children during their married life. His busy home was always open to guests, who were warmly welcomed. He never hesitated to help with home renovations or car repairs. An active volunteer at St. Andrews Church and Lower Fort Garry, he enjoyed working with others. Because of his warmth and generosity, he had many friends. Jack was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Ian and Gregory, his sister Vera, and his second wife Joyce. Left to mourn are his wife Violet, his children, Jeffrey (Jackie), Denise (David), Douglas, Sharon (Gordon), Larry, Wendy (Lewis), Gregory, and Ian (Susan), as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his first wife Shirley. Jack's family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph's Residence for the care he received during the years that he lived there. Also, they want to express their gratitude to the staff at Seven Oaks Hospital, especially Kelly and Karen, for the compassionate care that they provided during his short stay there. Cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be conducted by Father Stephen Sharman at St. Andrews Church on the Red on Wednesday August 23, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make memorial donations may contribute to the funds to restore the St. Andrews Church tower.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2006