Obituary of William John Dennis Harkness

In his 67th year, Bill passed away suddenly on January 24th, 2013 at Victoria Hospital, London. He is missed greatly by his wife of 42 years, June (née Bedford), daughter Jennifer (Dan) Robertson and their children Emily and Ashley of Shelburne, son Jordan (Feng) Harkness of Etobicoke and son Jonathan (Vanessa) Harkness of Seattle. Bill is survived by his sisters Bettie (Dave) Mackenzie and Patricia (Guy) Macher, and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Dearly loved by mother-in-law Reta Bedford of Durham. Bill is predeceased by parents William and Marjorie Harkness, and sister Marleen and her husband Blaine Wall. Bill's teaching career was spent at Delaware Central School where “Sir” felt part of the community. He joined Ashlar Lodge 610 in the footsteps of his father, becoming Master in 1988, and most recently serving as District Chaplain. Bill loved working with Scouts Canada, as a leader and workshop presenter. After his retirement, while living in Trinidad, he established their first Trini-Canadian Cub Pack. In St. Lucia, as an active Rotarian, he worked to better the lives of others and received a Paul Harris award from the Rotary Club of London West. Bill encouraged family and friends to share their musical talents, eagerly looking forward to his annual summer backyard Ceilidh. He valued and fostered lifelong friendships and his family appreciates the support and comfort shown by so many. Friends and family will be welcomed at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Monday, January 28th, 2013 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., with a Masonic service at 6:45 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted at Westview on Tuesday, January 29th, 2013 at 3:00 p.m., with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Scouts Canada, 531 Windermere Rd., London, ON. N5X 2T1.