Donald Alan Harkness
Lansing, MI
Passed away July 23, 2018. Born December 5, 1959 in Lansing, MI, the son of Robert “Bob” and Wilma (Collins) Harkness, Don has gone to play with his beloved son, Jacob. He is survived by his cherished daughters Nicole England (husband, Rex) and Chelsea Haggard (husband, Kyle), treasured granddaughters Adyson and Alexis England, and sisters Lori Smith and Linda Harkness. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Dennis, and father Robert.
Don graduated from Lansing Everett High School in 1978, a gifted athlete and All American throughout High School. He attended Michigan State University and climbed the corporate ladder through his hard work and a talent for identifying and doing what needed to be done. He was employed by the Pepsi Cola Corporation for 12 years as a manager, then transferred to the Coca Cola Corporation where he worked for 20 years, retiring as a manager. Don was a people-person, a devoted friend, and a man who unknowingly demonstrated his own worth by putting his family, his clients, and those who needed a champion before himself.
Services will be held Thursday, July 26, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, with visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. Interment in Deepdale Memorial Gardens, Lansing. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or ASPCA in honor of his father and son whom Don held close to his heart.
30 Messages to “Donald Alan Harkness”
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Sam Akers
July 24, 2018 at 7:57 pmGreat guy. Great family. So sad to hear of his passing. RIP Don!!
Lori M Harkness Smith
July 25, 2018 at 6:52 pmThank you Sam for the nice sentiments. Lori
Lori M Harkness Smith
July 24, 2018 at 8:17 pmDon, I have been honored and privileged to have you as my brother. Throughout our whole lives, even up to your last days, you would tease me every chance you had. But, you were an even larger supporter of me, making sure I was always okay.
I will forever be Grateful for having you in my life and this is the hardest goodbye.
“Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero.” Words will never convey my love for you. The memories of us will be my forever treasure! Thank you for being my big brother!
Cheryl Paul
July 24, 2018 at 9:12 pmLori and family,
It’s a blessing your brother’s suffering is over. Sending love and prayers.
Cheryl P.
Lori M Harkness Smith
July 25, 2018 at 9:36 amThank you Cheryl
Fondly, Lori
Michael Keenoy
July 24, 2018 at 9:21 pmYou were my best friend… God Rest Your Soul brother
Lori M Harkness Smith
July 25, 2018 at 10:44 pmThank you Mike!
David Smith
July 24, 2018 at 10:15 pmI thank Don for being a loving friend that helped all of my kids at one time or another. He was most generous as an Uncle that opened his home to help others. I feel so sad for all of the Harkness family that have lost another family member, way too early. Don, may your pain be gone and peace live within you today, and forever. Thank you with all my heart. Love you Don.
Lori M Harkness Smith
July 25, 2018 at 4:44 pmThank you David for your heartfelt sentiments and prayers for our family.
Brian and Laurie Ward
July 24, 2018 at 10:42 pmWe were so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was a great guy. Thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.
Lori M Harkness Smith
July 25, 2018 at 12:23 pmThank you for the condolences Brian and Laurie
Jeff Henderson
July 24, 2018 at 10:54 pmPraying for the family…
Jon Goodrich
July 25, 2018 at 1:05 amSo sorry to hear of his passing, he was a great guy
Theresa Card Doerr
July 25, 2018 at 7:06 amSo very sad. I went to school with Don and he is way too young to no longer be with us. Thoughts and prayers to the entire family on your great loss.
Lori M Harkness Smith
July 25, 2018 at 4:44 pmThank you Theresa. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Annette and Jon Kelly
July 25, 2018 at 9:35 amJon and I are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was a kind man and we will always cherish the good times we had with him.
Patti hibblen
July 25, 2018 at 12:26 pmI love you Lori and am so sorry for your loss. Many years ago I built millions of memories with Don, yourself and your family, and amdeeply saddened to hear this news.may your memories console yo at this time. Lovingly, Patti.
Lori M Harkness Smith
July 25, 2018 at 3:53 pmThank you very much Patti. Yes, there are millions of memories to be cherished throughout the years to come for those of us that have to go on without him. Fondly, Lori
Tom Pizana
July 25, 2018 at 1:31 pmI got to know Don At R.C Cola in the 1980’s. I worked close with his dad Bob who was a great family man and great boss at R.C.Cola. Sorry for your loss to Mrs Harkness.
Tom Pizana
Cheryl Lenz Morreim
July 25, 2018 at 6:58 pmSo sad. I’m so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Praying for the Harkness Family!
Glenn Shelby
July 25, 2018 at 8:35 pmSo sorry to here of Don’s passing Don was my Branch Manager at Coca cola bottling in Kalamazoo he was a good guy when he was in Kazoo I knew him for many years our prayers go out to the Family in your loss and may the Lord continues to watch over your family.
Michael Kosloski
July 25, 2018 at 10:04 pmI was a couple of years behind Don in school and lived a street over. Don was friends with my brother Mark and I always remember he treated me like one of the guys even though I was younger. Kind and generous.
Peace be with your family and may Don have peace with our lord.
Michael Kosloski
Lori M Smith
October 2, 2018 at 10:47 amThank you Michael. Our families often meet on playgrounds, even as we grew older. Prayers for your family as well in the years to come. Lori
Brett Boerema
July 25, 2018 at 11:28 pmVery sad to hear about Don’s passing. While we’ve lost touch over the years, Like many, I cherish the memories of shared good times and will hold the entire Harkness family in my prayers.
Yolanda Garza
July 26, 2018 at 11:14 amI met Don at Gardner Jr. High. He was such a nice guy, and had many friends. May he rest in peace. May your memories console and bring you many smiles.
Anne (Nelson) Mandrick
July 26, 2018 at 11:54 amI was shocked and saddened to hear this! Don was a great friend for many years but we lost touch as many friends do. My heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to his family.
Diana Gurnee/Guerrero
August 16, 2018 at 10:46 pmVery saddened to here of his passing. He was too young. My best memories of high school were of Don. He was one of the kindest person I had ever met. He cared about other people’s feelings and go out of his way to make sure you were ok. You will be missed. Many Prayers for your family.
Kim Shashaguay Townsend
September 1, 2018 at 8:33 amSoooo sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I have very fond memories of Don from Atwood to Everett. My favorite memory was playing the powderpuff football game as a senior, he was such fun to be around.
Prayers to his family.
Lori M Smith
October 2, 2018 at 10:45 amIts going on three months without you in our family. Its hard to shake this void left without you. You were the strength and bond that held this family together through our many adversities and loses of other family members. You are sorely missed. Help us to put one foot in front if the other in life. Sis
Terica Bergan
July 27, 2020 at 7:28 pmHe was the best boss I ever had. Treated me with respect and generosity. I thought of him often over the years.
I did not know he passed.