Obituary of Nelson Ewart Harkins

HARKINS: Peacefully at Alexander Marine and General Hospital, Goderich on Friday, November 8, 2013, Nelson “Joe” Ewart Harkins of Bayfield formerly of Sarnia, age 81. Beloved husband of Barbara Lynn (Smith) Harkins. Loved father and father-in-law of Kim Harkins of Mississauga and Chris (Petra) Harkins of Pattaya, Thailand. Loved Papa Joe of Kelly and Ryan. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Norman (Lillian) Harkins, Ted Harkins, Priscilla Harkins, June Harkins all of Sarnia. Predeceased by his parents John and Myrtle (Finn) Harkins, sister Colleen (Paul) Vansickle, brothers Bill (Patricia) Harkins, Don Harkins. Cremation has taken place. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood on Sunday, November 10, 2013 from 7-9 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church, Bayfield on Monday, November 11, 2013 at 2 p.m. The Rev. John Henderson Officiating. An avid sportsman, he devoted his early years to playing and coaching football with the Sarnia Imperials and the Golden Bears. He was also a member of the Sarnia Sports Hall of Fame. He spent 22 years at Shell Oil as a Process Operator and then went into business as co-owner of Huron Mat Rentals. From there he became an Estimator with Winmar Industries. Later in life he pursued his passion for golf and was proud to have achieved a hole-in-one and spent many, many happy hours at the Sarnia Golf and Curling Club. His proudest memories were the births of his children as well as his grandchildren. Barbara and Joe enjoyed travelling and would meet up with their children in Brazil, the Bahamas, Florida, France and Thailand along with exploring other countries on their own. If desired memorial donations may be made (payable by cheque) to Knox Presbyterian Church, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Friends of Bayfield Library Garden Project.