Obituary of Gordon Findley Harkins

HARKINS, Gordon "Ted" Findley, in his 95th year, peacefully at Bluewater Health, Sarnia, on Tuesday April 8, 2014. Formerly of Georgetown, predeceased by his loving wife, Doris (Sleeth) Harkins. Dear father of Kyle(Alicia) Harkins, Seaside, California, and Nancy (Harkins) Brown. Loved grandfather of Natalie (Dino) Sassan and Jason (Meagan) Brown and great grandfather of Nicholas and Caroline Sassan, Thomas and Hannah Brown. Predeceased by brother William (Pat), Nelson "Joe" Ewart, Donald, and Robert Harkins, sister Colleen (Paul) Vansickle, and parents John and Myrtle (Finn) Harkins. Dear brother of Priscilla and Norman (Lillian) Harkins and brother-in-law of June and Barb Harkins. Ted grew up in Sarnia, working as building inspector, which prepared him for contractor work in later years. He was honored in 1944 with the Distinguished Flying Cross while serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force in World War II. He married in 1945 and moved to Montreal and then settled in Georgetown, where he lived for 40 years. He enjoyed raising his family and a long career as a navigator with Air Canada, retiring in 1976. Later, he enjoyed hockey, golf, softball, winters in Florida, and spending summers with his grandchildren. He was a member of Georgetown Vintners and The Royal Canadian Legion. An outgoing spirited personality, Ted was a tremendous storyteller with a strong work ethic, often heard saying "I never worked a day in my life." Friends will be received at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431. N. Christina St., Sarnia on Friday, April 18, 2014 from 6-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday April 19, 2014 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 261 N. Christina, St., Sarnia, followed by a luncheon at the Legion next door (12-2). Private interment to follow the reception at Lakeview Cemetery, Sarnia. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com A tree will be planted in memory of Gordon Harkins in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 21st, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area