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CHARLES HARKESS
Born: Aug 14, 1920
Date of Passing: Jan 15, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryCHARLES (MAC) HARKESS Peacefully, on January 15, 2016, at the Simkin Centre, Charlie Harkess passed away at the age of 95. Charlie (or Mac as he was known to family) was born August 14, 1920 in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba to Peter Harkess and Margaret (Fenwick) Harkess, recent immigrants from Scotland. He moved to Winnipeg at an early age where he received his education. He worked for several years at Number 7 Air Observer School at Portage as an aircraft mechanic. He met Kris, his future wife, in Gainsborough at this time and they were married in Hnausa in 1948. In 1945, he began his employment with the Manitoba Power Commission, later to become Manitoba Hydro, in positions with the Construction, Stores, and Regional Services Departments. He was very proud of his involvement with the rural electrification projects during the 1940s and 1950s, that brought hydro to the small towns and farms in Manitoba. He spent many years as pole grader and vegetation control manager for Hydro. He retired after 36 years of service in 1981 and took up golfing and curling, with a number of his friends and going on camping and sightseeing holidays with Kris. He was a longtime member of the Wildwood Seniors Curling Club. Charlie was a jack of all trades and a dedicated and talented gardener. He kept his small acreage on Roblin Boulevard in Charleswood looking like a park for nearly 60 years. He was predeceased by his wife Kris (Stina), his brother George, his sister Ruth Peppler and his niece Vivian Maksymetz. Charlie is survived by his daughter Sigrid (Bryan Thiessen); his son Garth (Janthea); his grandchildren, Curtis Thiessen, Kaitlin and Brittany Harkess; his siblings, Flo Kitson and Glen Harkess, and their families, as well as Kris's family. The family would like to thank staff and residents at Catherine Place, Garden House at the Rosewood, and Weinberg 1 wing at the Simkin Centre for their care and kindness in making Charlie's last years more comfortable. At Charlie's request, there will be no service. A family interment will follow at a later date. Should friends so desire, a donation may be made in Charlie's memory to a charity of your choice. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 19, 2016
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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I was a friend of Mac's for about 15 years. I started out being simply the person who helped him keep his house in order, but shortly after meeting him, we became good friends and had many, many conversations. He was very wise and very humble in spirit. We laughed together and also talked about difficult things in life. He told me about his move to Charleswood and his life with Kris and his kids. He loved them very, very much. His devotion to Kris was a testament to the kind of man he was. I told him that he inspired me in my own marriage, to be the kind of spouse he was. He was a kind, respectful listener and was honest as he shared his feelings with me. We had a unique friendship. Whether we sat and watched the news together or sat at his table having a cup of coffee, I always enjoyed our time together. He truly was one of a kind. I look forward to seeing him again some day in Heaven. - Posted by: Darcy Rheubottom (friend) on: Apr 28, 2016
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Sigmar has made my job easier here because all I have to say is "Me too!!" to his tribute. My memories are exactly the same, because most of the time I was included in the happy times he mentioned, or had my own similar experiences. The trip to the Big City......riding on a bus to Polo Park....going to the Zoo...bowling....what could be better??? Mac and Stina certainly were vey kind and generous to us kids from the country. I was also very fortunate in that Uncle Mac helped me to get a summer job with Manitoba Hydro between my first and second year of Engineering at UofM. I was very grateful for that. Sigrid and Garth, your dad was a classy and much admired man. My condolences go out to you at this very difficult time. Take comfort in knowing that you were lucky to have had him as long as you did. - Posted by: Ted Martin (Nephew) on: Jan 25, 2016
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I have only fond memories of my uncle 'Mac'. It seemed like every weekend that he would bring the family down to Hnausa for some sort of outing. My favourite was when he showed up with a shiny aluminium skiff on the roof of the Pontiac and I think a 5 horse Evinrude motor and took everyone out for rides it seemed like for the whole weekend. In reality it was probably a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon down at Erabaki. Uncle 'Mac' was always enthusiastic to see everyone, a smile and a kind word and left everyone feeling better about things. I was privileged to spend a week in Charleswood most summers where I was treated like a prince. Uncle 'Mac' was away at work but Auntie Stina made sure that I was properly entertained. It was a magical time in my life and I carry those memories with me wherever I go. Where has the time gone, seems like a lifetime (is a lifetime) since I spent quality time with Garth and Sigrid, having hundreds of miles between us and raising families. Please know that you guys are in my heart always and hope that we will be together again soon. We were all so blessed to have had uncle 'Mac' in our lives and he will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace dear Uncle. - Posted by: Sigmar Martin (Nephew) on: Jan 20, 2016