Grant Harkness

 Grant Edward Harkness 

 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Grant on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at the Portage District General Hospital with loving family at his side. 

 He was predeceased by his father Glenn Harkness in 2005, sister-in-law Beth in 2008 and sister-in-law Alison in 1997.  Grant will lovingly be remembered by his beloved teammate and wife of 39 years Gillian; treasured son Scott (Laura) (Tatyana, Alexis and Mercedes); beloved mother Jean; younger brothers Shawn (Karen), Kim (Hilda) and Howard (Shirley); mother-in-law Kathleen Warren; and sister-in-law Jocelyn Warren.  Also dear to Uncle Grant are his nieces and nephews and their families: Matthew (Deane) (Ella and Jace); Tiffany (Mark) (Brady, Taylor and Kassidy); Camilla (Jeremy) (Jack); Olivia (A.J.) (Avery); Mallory (Ryan) (Ben); Alex; Rebecca; Joe; Kirsten(Ginny); and Erika (Chris) (Jayme and Dustin).  Grant had very special relationships with aunts, uncles and cousins. 

 Grant was born on December 14, 1951 and raised on the century old family farm at Beaver, Manitoba. He loved everything about farm life.  Grant completed university in Winnipeg and Brandon and taught school before working in the farm machinery industry until retirement.  He married Gillian Warren on November 9, 1974 and they made their home in Brandon, Neepawa and then Portage where they welcomed the arrival of children Scott and Brianne. 

 Grant volunteered his time as treasurer of Pirana Swim Club, a board member of the Herman Prior Senior Centre, a committee member at Trinity United Church and doing volunteer income tax.  He enjoyed playing cards at Dalton Grove and Herman Prior.  Working on genealogy became a passion and he loved being in contact with family through this interest.  Going to “cheap” day at the movies on Saturday afternoons was enjoyed as well as going for day trips and visiting family and friends.  We couldn’t go far but we went often.  Going for coffee at McDonalds and Tim’s to visit and help solve the world’s problems were fun for him and some woman was always giving him a hug!  Being outside gave him great pleasure and many knew him from meeting him on the path along the lake or seeing him sitting outside in the doorway of the garage visiting and greeting people that walked by.  Grant was proud of his patio garden and especially enjoyed growing his tomatoes. 

 Grant embraced life, never complained and appreciated everyone he knew and was so thankful for the joy people and relationships gave him.  He was a great partner and we drew strength from each other.  He will be missed. 

 A Celebration of Grant’s Life will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at 1:30 pm in the Meyers Norris Penny Exhibition Building on the Island. 

 As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Grant’s memory to a charity of choice. 

 A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021   www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com