Donald Neale Harkness

04/27/1934 — 03/07/2014

From Richland, WA, US | Born in Eugene, OR

Donald Neale Harkness

Donald Neale Harkness, 79, of Richland, passed away on March 7, 2014. He was born on April 27, 1934 in Eugene, OR to Russell and Marjorie Harkness. The family lived in Twin Falls, ID, Portland, OR and Tacoma, WA.

Donald attended Stadium High School in Tacoma and graduated in 1952. As a high school student Donald participated in the pep band, the dance committee, and played intramural sports. After graduation he attended Washington State College from 1952-1957 graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

During his college years Donald was a part of many clubs and organizations; the Outing Club, participating in the Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity, he was a showman for livestock for 3 years, a member of the Laruet Club and held office there, worked with WSC horse shows for 3 years, worked on the Student -Stockman Banquet for 2 years, and of course the dance committee, became a representative to Associated Students , College Agriculture, the chairman of the Moonlight Sweetheart contest and dance, the Living Group representative to his senior class meetings and played intramural sports.

After college he joined the US Navy and served his country from 1957-1963.

Donald owned and operated S&H Feed Lot west of Quincy, WA on the Columbia River. He had many leadership roles with KOSMOS, Ice Age Floods, and many cattleman organizations. He was looking the completion of the new Ice Age Flood building and becoming a guide. Donald's career as a truck driver was beyond excellent; he drove one million miles without an accident.

In his spare time, Donald loved to tour prisons. He was able to go to Alcatraz, McNeil Island, Walla Walla and others. He went on a cruise to Alaska and Mexico, visited the Oregon Coast, loved his KOSMOS toga parties and Easter egg hunts for mini bottles!

Donald is survived by his daughter, Catherine Johnson and husband Shon and their children, Alex Brown, Samantha Johnson, Michael Johnson; daughter, Lisa Harkness and daughter, Gwyn Harkness. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Weaver and her family; brother, Fred Harkness and longtime friend Sandy Rill.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 1:00pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland. Following the graveside service, a reception will be held at Memories at Sunset Event Center in Richland.

Donations may be made to the American Heart Assoc., the Diabetes Assoc., or the VFW.

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Donald Neale Harkness

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  • You will be missed, thank you for being a great companion and friend to my mother-in-law Sandra Rill.

    Patty Rill
    November 4, 2014
    Heppner, OR
  • Don was such a support to us all. His cheerfulness and willingness to listen, help, whatever was needed was so appreciated. He will be missed by so many people. We were lucky to have him in our lives. I am so sorry for your loss, know that we will be thinking of you all as you grieve this loss.

    Karen Napora
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, USA
  • You will be missed, thank you for being a great companion and friend to my mother-in-law Sandra Rill.

    Patty Rill
    November 4, 2014
    Heppner, OR
  • Don was such a support to us all. His cheerfulness and willingness to listen, help, whatever was needed was so appreciated. He will be missed by so many people. We were lucky to have him in our lives. I am so sorry for your loss, know that we will be thinking of you all as you grieve this loss.

    Karen Napora
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, USA
  • I happy you are not suffering any more. Thank you for putting up with my teenage years. I will make you proud. I will also enjoy good wine in your honor and have a chocolate milkshake. Rest in peace and keep smiling.

    Gwyn Harkness
    November 4, 2014
    Seattle, WA
  • I think of you each Memorial Day Don and how we’d thank each other for each others service. Haven’t seen you in years but still do and will continue to do so sir. You will be missed. Enjoy your wings, you earned them…

    Jim Moon
    November 4, 2014
    Burbank, WA
  • Thank you Don Harkness for providing me two outstanding friends…Gwyn and Lisa!

    It was an honor to meet you and share a few glasses of outstanding Washington wine!

    PEACE!

    anna mcgough
    November 4, 2014
    Seattle, WA, USA
  • I had the privilege of knowing Don for several years as a health care provider. Don’s laugh and infectious smile served as an example to many as to how to navigate the ups and downs of life. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. I will miss him, too.

    Chris
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA
  • Forever in my heart.

    Sandy
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA
  • Will miss you!!

    Cathy Johnson
    November 4, 2014
    Thompson, Falls, MT, United, States
  • A wonderful man who raised three beautiful girls. Fine memories when hanging out during highschool with Cathy and Lisa. He was quiet but always there. He will be missed.

    Marla Garcia
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA
  • Sending hugs to all of you at this very sad time. Have not seen you girls in years but have never forgotten you and your lives here in wenatchee. God Bless.

    melanie salter
    November 4, 2014
    wenatchee, WA, usa
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