Robert J. Harkness

Harkness, Robert J. CLIFTON PARK Robert J. Harkness, 79, of Damask Drive, died on Friday, November 30, 2012 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady. He was born on September 19, 1933 in Troy and was the son of the late John and Jane (Campbell) Harkness. Mr. Harkness graduated from the Lansing-burgh school system. He served in the United States Army until being honorably discharged. He had been a resident of Clifton Park since 1964. Mr. Harkness was a graduate of the General Electric drafting apprentice program. He had worked as a dedicated employee and held various positions within GE in Schenectady as a draftsman, engineering specialist, supervisor and drafting manager until his retirement in 1994 after 42 years of service. He was a member of the GE Elfun Society, the Quarter Century Club and he served on the GE Employees Share Board. Mr. Harkness was a very active member in the Christian community. He served as an officer of the First Presbyterian Church of Lansingburgh and on the elder board of the East Glenville Community Church. He was a founding member of the Clifton Park Community Church and served as an elder there for 23 years. He chaired the committee that founded Grace Chapel of Clifton Park, and also served that congregation as an elder. He was a dedicated Bible teacher, faithful in prayer, and a friend to many. A 23-year cancer survivor, he never lost his positive outlook on life and constantly encouraged others, despite his own struggles. He loved to sing in church as well as community choirs. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and he will be greatly missed. He was the devoted husband of the late Carol Harkness; loving father of Mark Robert Harkness of Troy, Cheryl (Costas) Spanos of Lafayette, Calif., and Heather Harkness of Shrewsbury, Mass.; cherished grandfather of John and Mary Spanos of Lafayette; caring brother of William (Barbara) Harkness of Burnt Hills and MaryJane (Donald) Wilson of Broadalbin. Funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Grace Chapel of Clifton Park, Main Street in Jonesville. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Route 9, Clifton Park. Private interment will be in the Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie, immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Upstate NY, 5 Computer Dr. West Suite 100, Albany, NY 12205. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, Clifton Park.