John Vernon Harkins

Obituary John "Jack" Vernon Harkins Oct. 23, 1913 - Nov. 28, 2005 Jack Harkins, 92, was born in Spokane, WA and resided in Tacoma for over 80 years. He attended St. Patrick's Grade School and Bellarmine High School, where he graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1931. After high school, he worked in Tacoma at The News Tribune, the shipyards, and the Post Office. In 1944, he joined the Tacoma Fire Department where he spent four years at Station 5 and 26 years on the big red Tacoma Fireboat (now on display at Marine Park). He retired in 1974 at the rank of Captain. In 1941, Dad married the love of his life, Helen (Armstrong). After Helen had a major stroke in 1993, Jack was able to demonstrate the full extent of his love for her, by dedicating himself to overseeing her care throughout the rest of her life. Jack was a talented artist. He derived a great deal of pleasure from creating cartoon characters, both for publication and for the joy they brought to others. He often chose art supplies which reflected his resourceful nature. He painted detailed and life-like portraits with leftover house paint and sketched whimsical caricatures of people and animals with crayon or pencil on napkins or the back of junk mail. He studied the artwork of others and practiced his talent daily throughout most of his life. Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Helen M. Harkins, his parents Alex and Eleanora Harkins, his brothers Patrick Harkins, Fr. Vernon Harkins, SJ Harold Harkins and a sister, Madalen Harkins. He leaves behind two sons, Dennis Harkins (Marilyn) and Thomas Harkins (Karen), and four grandchildren, Terri Ann Bunnis (Sean), Carolyn Harkins, Patrick Harkins (Christina), and Gregory Harkins (Sara). The regular visits and faithful support of Dan and Verna Harkins, Bud and Margaret Harkins, and Paul and Gloria Miller meant a great deal to both Jack and Helen. The family wishes to sincerely thank them and the staffs of Franke Tobey Jones and Franciscan Hospice for the wonderful loving care of our parents. Donations can be made to Franciscan Hospice. Funeral service will be held Friday, December 2, 2005, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 5510 North 44th in Tacoma. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Please leave on line condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.