Thomas Hutchison “Tom” Harkness
1950-2022
Our beloved, Thomas
Hutchison ‘Tom’ Harkness, passed away after dealing with failing
health, on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at Liberty Lodge, Berwick at the
age of 72. He was the son of wonderful and caring parents, Murray and
Marjorie Harkness.
Tom was born in Ottawa,
Ontario where our dad was stationed in the air force. Our family moved
to several provinces over the years, including PEI, BC, and Quebec.
Our parents retired to good ole’ Nova Scotia in the 60s where Tom
finished his high school years. He graduated from Acadia University
with a Bachelor of Science degree and in later years, attended what is
now known as COGS – College of Geographical Sciences for surveying.
Tom tried his hand at many different jobs including carpentry and
construction. He enjoyed card games, including bridge, when he was
younger.
Tom was 25 years old when he
was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and he had his ups and downs. He was
very close to his parents who gave him the best of support and love
through his lifelong battle with mental illness. Our father
wanted Tom to be in a safe and caring place and he moved to Liberty
Lodge where he has lived for the last 17 years. This was his family.
He didn’t waste any time tormenting the loving staff whenever the mood
hit him and had many smoking buddies there to pass the time with. The
smoke building outside was a gathering spot for interesting
conversations and stories of times gone
by.
Tom thoroughly enjoyed time
with his sister and her family and was especially interested in the
lives of his nephews and their families. They kept in touch with him
by visits and on FaceTime. Tom spent a lot of time keeping in touch
with lots of folks by phone. He probably wore out a few of Liberty
Lodge’s handsets. He was quick witted and loved to tease you and would
enjoy a good laugh at your expense! He always enjoyed friends stopping
by for a chat at the Lodge. Tom was thrilled to chat with Alex, his
great nephew, about his classes at COGS, where he is currently
studying surveying and encouraged him to work hard as he had taken
courses there too.
Tom was predeceased by his
parents, his brother-in-law, Tom Stirling, aunts, uncles and
cousins.
He leaves behind his sister,
Ruth-Anne Stirling, nephews and their families: Jay and Heather
Stirling, great nephew, Alex, Northville; Jeremy and Jennifer Stirling
and great nephew and niece, Sydney and Allyson, Grande Prairie,
Alberta; cousins, Garry Roscoe (Sandy), Niagara on the Lake; Sandra
Porter (Glen), Greenwich; Ralph Innes, BC; and Diane Powell,
California. We are a small but loving family, and we will
miss him dearly.
Special thanks certainly
goes out to the kind and compassionate staff at Liberty Lodge who did
whatever they could to keep Tom with them when his health began to
worsen. They went above and beyond the call of duty. The other clients
were all so happy to have visits with Tom’s family and friends too.
A celebration of life
and remembrance will be held next summer, to be announced at a later
date. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the
Schizophrenic Society, VRH Foundation or any other charity of your
choice. Funeral
arrangements have been entrusted to the White
Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line
condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.
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19502022
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Thomas Hutchison Tom Harkness 19502022 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
Death notice for the town of: Kentville, Province: Nova Scotia