JOHN EDWIN HARKINS

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JOHN EDWIN HARKINS September 12, 1920 - March 18, 2013 It is with saddened hearts, the family of John Edwin Harkins announces his passing on March 18, 2013 at the age of 92 at the Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg following a brief illness. John never complained about how he was feeling. When asked, he would always say with a smile, "No complaints". John is survived by his sister Kathleen and brother Mel (Betty) plus many nieces and nephews. His dear friend and companion, Nettie Funk also survives him. He had several happy years with Nettie and they complimented each other well. He was predeceased by his parents John Wilson and Rebecca Jane (nee Moore), both immigrants from Ireland. John was very proud of his Irish heritage. He was predeceased by his wife Violet (nee Campbell) in 2005, sisters Martha (in infancy), Marguerite, Mona, Jean and brother Gordon. John worked on the family farm in Spearhill, MB and his first employment was also in Spearhill and later in Steeprock. It was a time when young men were enlisting in the forces and he and some friends decided to join the army and went to Ashern, MB to enlist. John was assigned to the 18th Armoured Car Regiment XII Manitoba Dragoons C.A.C. He was trained as a trooper and served his country from June, 1941 until September, 1945. He was captured and became a POW for three months at which time the war ended and he was released. He was always very proud that he had the opportunity to serve his country and we, the family were very proud of him. After his army discharge, he came to Winnipeg and pursued a career as a painter and decorator. He married Violet Campbell in 1949 and they had celebrated 56 years of marriage in the year of her passing. His first job in Winnipeg as a painter, was with the T. Eaton Co. and following that, he worked as a painter for the Winnipeg School Division until his retirement in January, 1986. In retirement, John swam weekly and enjoyed meeting up with friends at the pool. He very much liked the outdoors and walked to destinations whenever he could. He took great care in tending his highly productive vegetable garden. John and Violet enjoyed a trip to Hawaii on one occasion and did much camping in other years. They spent many enjoyable weekends on the farm at Violet's relatives in Oak Point. A very special time in John's life was in 1995 when he and war-time comrades were invited to Holland in honour of the role they played in liberating Holland during the Second World War. The family would like to extend many thanks to the nurses and Health Care Aides at Middlechurch who looked after John with tender care and compassion. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn, 4000 Portage Avenue. An Irish Blessing - May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your fields and until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand. Amen. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 04, 2013