DOUGLAS JOHN HARKNESS

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DOUGLAS JOHN HARKNESS

On December 24, 2020, at 2:55 p.m. in St. Boniface Hospital, Douglas John Harkness passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.
He was a resident at Poseidon Place for several years, where he was well cared for by the staff. His family would like to express their gratitude to the staff there for the kindness and respect they showed him and the personal care they provided. He often talked about how much he appreciated their help, and it was easy to see that they enjoyed having Doug as a resident. A very sociable person, Doug made many friends among the residents there.
Doug was born in Beausejour, Manitoba on July 5, 1954. He was a handsome, happy child with lots of energy and a ready smile. As a member of a large extended family, he had many people in his life to return his affection. He enjoyed working on carpentry and mechanics projects with his Dad, and had a flair for art. Until his teens, Doug and his family lived in Winnipeg. In the early 1970s the family moved to a small hobby farm in St. Andrews where Doug learned how to drive and work with livestock and farm equipment. He was always happy outdoors.
Doug never forgot a birthday or special occasion, and never missed an opportunity to lend a helping hand when needed. He was genuinely interested in what was happening in the lives of the people he knew and took care to ask about them. He enjoyed and took pride in the work that he did as a volunteer for many years with the Christmas Cheer Board. He especially enjoyed trips to Mexico with Jeff and Jeff's family, where Doug had the chance to swim with a dolphin.
Although he was faced with many health challenges, Doug always kept an open heart. He had a lot to teach us about keeping a smile and a positive attitude, even in very difficult times. We are grateful for what we learned as witnesses to his grace and forbearance.
Douglas was predeceased by his father John, with whom he was very close. He leaves to grieve his mother Shirley; brothers, Jeff (Shirley), Larry, Ian, and Greg; and his sisters, Wendy (Lew), Sherry (Gordon) and Denise (Dave), as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Doug's family would like to thank Dr. Omar Yusuf and the staff at St. Boniface Hospital for the care they gave Doug and for their kindness in helping us to say good-bye. It means a lot to us and we will always be grateful.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service for Doug will be held at a later date, together with interment at the cemetery at St. Andrews Church on the Red.

Condolences may be sent to
www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 09, 2021