Obituary of Kenneth Harkness

Wayne Harkness, born on October 20, 1926 in Elk Point, SD, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2010. Wayne moved to Tacoma with his family in 1941. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in the Philippines during WWII. Following his discharge, he began work at the Asarco Smelter. He worked as a Yard Foreman until his retirement in 1986. Wayne was the son of Harvey and Edna Harkness. Shortly after moving to Tacoma, he met and married his wife, Helen (Caputo) of more than 50 years. A beloved father and grandfather, he is survived by his son, David; daughter-in-law, Cindy; 2 grandsons, Steven & Jon; sister, Lois Killenbeck; sister-in-law, June Caputo; companion, Helen Fidler and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Wayne enjoyed traveling the world, and loved living life to its fullest. He was an active member of Saint Rita Catholic Church, the Order of Son's of Italy in America, where he served as State President, the Gig Harbor Eagles, the Tacoma Elk's Lodge #174, and AMVETS Post #5. He had a big heart and a passion to serve others. Over the years, Wayne donated much of his time to fraternal and charitable organizations. He was a devoted family man and friend to many. He touched all who knew him and will live on forever in our heartsE The Vigil Service (Rosary) will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Piper-Morley-Mellinger Funeral Chapel. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Rita Catholic Church. Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association .