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Sean Edward Harkins
UPCOMING SERVICE
Sean Harkins Obituary
SEAN EDWARD HARKINS
February 25, 1963 ˜ August 22, 2025
“We little knew that morning God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.” Sean Edward Harkins was born on February 25, 1963 in Portland, OR to Betty and Fred Harkins. Sean grew up alongside his brothers Patric, Timothy and Blaise, and his best friend, Thomas Thorpe. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1981 and was on the varsity soccer team. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Portland State University in 1986 and started working for Nabisco as a Merchandiser in February of 1987. Sean was passionate about sports and music, famously telling his mother he was going to “Ted’s house” when really he was going a Ted Nugent concert. Although they both grew up in NE Portland and attended The Madeleine School together, it wasn’t until they were in the same art class at Central Catholic that Sean and Kimberly Metschan’s love story began. Sean proposed to Kim at the downtown Portland Ring Side and they were married at The Madeleine on September 23, 1989. From working his paper route with his brother, Tim, to throwing freight at grocery stores across the US, Sean was known for being a hard worker and leader amongst his peers. Over his 38-year career at Nabisco/Mondelez, Sean was given the opportunity to travel around the country. He loved meeting new people and experiencing new things. Sean was known for his one-liners, various catchphrases and for being the funniest guy in the room. He was a lifelong devout Catholic and applied the Golden Rule to everything he did. His favorite things were his family, heavy metal, and good tequila. Sean passed away on August 22, 2025 in Vancouver, WA. Sean is survived by his wife, Kimberly Harkins (Metschan), children Meghan and Ian, future daughter-in-law, Riley Truitt, and brother, Tim. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Betty Harkins, brothers, Pat and Blaise, aunt, Marion Kelly and son, Sean Frederic Harkins. The funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Proto-Cathedral of St. James the Greater, 218 West 12th St., Vancouver, WA 98660, at 2 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances in Sean’s memory to CDH International through this link: https://cdhi.org/donate-5/.
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Memorial Events
for Sean Harkins
Memories and Condolences
for Sean Harkins
34 Entries
Collin Davis
Yesterday
I had the pleasure of working directly on the same team as Sean for 3 years and I will always cherish our time together. Sean was not only a great coworker that picked up every call, took me under his wing, and gave fantastic guidance anytime I needed it. He was also my friend. I had so many fun memories with Sean and will miss his contagious positive attitude and just the way be made everything fun even in tough times.
I will greatly miss him and I am saying prayers for everyone that is impact by the loss of such a tremendous person.
amy papadopoulos
September 8, 2025
I had the honor of working with Sean over the last two and a half years as the MEM on the NorCal team. From the very beginning, he took me under his wing. He showed me not only how to see Walmart through his eyes, but also how to genuinely love it. Sean taught me about the business, but he also taught me about life. He was always there, picking up every call, offering advice, and making time for conversation. I will always treasure the sales rallies, our talks, and the friendship we built. Sean has touched so many lives with his kindness, generosity and wisdom and he has made a tremendous impact at Mondelez and an ever greater one on me personally. I am forever grateful for his mentorship and friendship, and I will carry his memory with me always.
My deepest condolences to the Harkins Family.
Gary Pigman
September 8, 2025
I Gary Pigman saw Sean and his wife at restaurant in downtown Portland on Halloween one year I was dressed like a woman an l was waving to him from across the room an then I got up an sat next to him he had a hard time with that an then I told him it was Pigman an we had good laugh sorry I can't make it thanks Gary Pigman
Dan Dwyer
September 8, 2025
I was blessed to have known Sean. He was my friend, and I will miss him. I will pray for comfort for his family and friends during this time of loss.
Kelly Chris
September 8, 2025
I had the opportunity to work with Sean later in his career as our paths crossed with Target/Walmart at Mondelez. It was healthy competition, and we always enjoyed throwing jabs at each other in a public forum...however in private, always appreciated the camaraderie and friendship. He taught me so much about the industry, customer, and most importantly....life and how to deal with people. He was always such a pleasure to hang out with and ALWAYS looked forward to when we had a call, visit, or meeting together to catch up on the latest with him and family.
He'll be missed....but the world is a better place because of Sean's influence and relationships. Deepest condolences to the Harkins family during this difficult time.
Brad Bryant
September 7, 2025
Oreo Stacking with Sean in Portland. Of course Sean was the champion.
Brad Bryant
September 5, 2025
Kim and family, we are so sorry for your sudden loss. Sean was AMAZING in every way. I had the privilege of working with Sean for many years. Sean was always at his best in the biggest moments. At rallies, in front of the customer and at local meetings Sean shined the brightest. Over the years we developed a strong friendship that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Sean was a great mentor and friend. Everyone that knew Sean loved Sean. I know Sean loved God and we all know where he is today. Sean will be missed by so many. Kim and family, our prayers are with you and your entire family.
God bless,
Brad Bryant
Darryl L Bryant Jr
September 5, 2025
I very sorry for your loss. Sean was an incredible person that gave to anyone he came in contact with, and I was blessed to work with him over the last 27 years. Continued thoughts and prayers.
Angela Brainard
September 5, 2025
Sean was truly special! I had the pleasure of working closely with Sean for the last 8 years and his kindness, his willingness to help, his amazing leadership and his infectious laugh made each day brighter. He made a difference at Mondelez and he left an awesome legacy! Sean will be dearly missed. My deepest heartfelt condolences to Kim and family.
Cliff Hamilton
September 4, 2025
I have so many wonderful memories of working with Sean "Bulldog" over the years as we were both based out of Portland. One of our favorite "sales guys" that always helped with logistics initiatives. He had such a huge influence with the customer! What a wonderful sense of humor with a big heart. Such a loss to all and my condolences to the family.
Hilda Maldonado
September 4, 2025
I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
Sean was not only an amazing friend, but also an incredible teammate. These past four years on the Walmart team were truly special because he was a part of it and I wouldn´t have wanted it any other way. I feel so blessed to have shared that time with him, full of laughter, great conversations, and unforgettable memories. I will cherish those for the rest of my life.
I miss our chats about Peter Lugers in Brooklyn. I miss your golf stories especially the ones where you´d run into people from New York City and always manage to get a good laugh out of it. Those were classic "Sean" moments, and I will forever hold them close to my heart.
We needed you here, but God needed you more. I know you´re up there doing great things in heaven. I miss you, my friend.
May God wrap his arms around your family and loved ones, and give them the strength they need during this difficult time. Sending love, peace, strength, and big hugs to all.
Hilda Maldonado
September 4, 2025
Hector Hernandez
September 4, 2025
I am truly sorry for your loss, I only got to interact with him during our sales rallies and boy Sean had so much passion and enthusiasm for Walmart, I will truly miss seeing that, I don't think anyone will ever fill that void, again sending condolences to the family, I will always carry him in my memories.
Ryan Cleveland
September 4, 2025
We were all blessed to know Sean. His passion and dedication to everything he did in life was inspiring. Sean´s robust voice and big smile lit up any room he walked in. He worked hard and played hard. He loved his family and work family. I am proud to say that I was a part of his life. I know he is smiling down on all of us, having his favorite drink, and good conversation.
You will be missed brother.
Joe Gallinger
September 4, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Sean was an inspirational leader and mentor to me and many others at Mondelez. Sean had contagious energy and had an innate ability to rally the team. Sean was one of my favorite people at Mondelez and has taught me so much over the years. I am going to miss hanging out with Sean and catching up about life...we always used to joke about meeting up in Hemet, Ca to grab a beer at Chappy´s...inside joke between Sean and I. Chappy´s is a biker bar we saw on a market visit in a rough part of town where I used to live. Rest in Peace my friend and thank you for being a mentor and friend to so many people over the years. You are a legend at Mondelez and will be missed dearly.
Kevin Arceneaux
September 4, 2025
I had the pleasure to work with Sean for over 22 years at Nabisco/Mondelez International. He was one of my favorite people to be around. He was a loyal company guy whose passion for what he did always shined through. He was funny, loving and a great leader! He loved to speak at Regional Meetings and fire up the troops on what needed to get done.
I was so saddened by this news.
Kim, you and the family have my deepest sympathies. He will be missed. May Sean Rest in Peace.
On behalf of Mondelez and all the Team Members throughout the United States, I want to thank Sean for 38 years of service to the company. He made a difference.
Kevin Arceneaux
Retired Region Vice President
Mondelez International
Dex Mack
September 4, 2025
I was blessed to work alongside Sean Harkins for nearly a decade. He was a legend at Nabisco/MDLZ/Kraft-his salesmanship, tenacity, integrity, and kindness touched everyone. I used to tell people that if I were ever stuck in a Mexican jail and could only make one call, it would be to Sean-because he never took no for an answer and would find a way to get me out. My deepest condolences to Kim and the family-may his memory always bring strength, love, and peace; already missing you ,Brotha!
Mark Balcerzak
September 4, 2025
Sean will be truly missed. Sean was an amazing mentor and friend. Sean will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mark Balcerzak
Lauren Gonzales
September 4, 2025
my deepest condolences to Sean's family. I worked with Sean at Mondelez and had so many great memories with him. I was new to the team when I first met him, and he always went out of his way to make me feel welcomed. He was kind, funny and a wonderful mentor. I feel so blessed to have known him. He will be missed dearly - I will keep you all in my prayers during this difficult time.
Laureen Renee Perez-Hartigan
September 4, 2025
To Sean's Family,
First off, What a guy!
I want to share how deeply saddened we all are by his passing. I am so fortunate to have known Sean, and I valued him as a colleague, but also respected him for caring about the people at Mondelez.
Fun story, last year Sean came to SoCal with tons of cool prizes for retail. He always had the best giveaways. He sent over Oreo Bikes to pass out for top Sales Reps in the market, and I was willing to do anything to get my hands on one for my son even though I was not in the running to win one at the time. Well, good old Sean made sure my son would ride on a Wal-Mart/Oreo branded bike for his 5th birthday. He made sure our family would continue to be impactful by sharing our brands even while riding our bikes in our neighborhood.
Please know his memories will always be a part of my professional and personal journey. Sean made lasting impactful memories with so many of us here at Mondelez and he truly will be missed. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time.
With heartfelt sympathy ~ Laureen Perez-Hartigan
Sharon LaRue
September 4, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Sean for several years at Kraft/Mondelez. I held the same position he did but in the states of Indiana and Michigan. I always thought of Sean as being a kind hearted man. I wish you all peace and comfort in the days ahead. You will be in my prayers.
Brian
September 4, 2025
Deepest condolences to the family. Sean was a good man and will be missed.
Ken Harrah
September 4, 2025
You will be missed my brother in Christ! It was a pleasure knowing you throughout the journey we had at Mondelez. I treasure the day we meet again in heaven.
Glenn Shortt
September 4, 2025
So very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure to get to know and work with Sean at Nabisco / MDLZ. Sean had a true passion for our brands, his customers and the people he touched. I have no doubt he carried this passion to everything he did. He is and always will be a legend at Nabisco.
Linda Seiler
September 4, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Sean's passing. I am truly sorry you lost your dad, I know that pain well. Sean was a wonderful man, he loved his family and always made family his priority.
May he RIP with his family in heaven.
God bless you and your family Megan.
Linda Seiler
Jana Lanson
September 3, 2025
Dear Harkins Family,
I am so sorry and sad for your loss. I know how hard it´s going to be not to have Sean by your side for your next big moment, and the one after that, and the one after that. No one should lose their husband and father so young in life.
My girls and I had so much fun with you at Jen´s, all the fireworks shenanigans and Super Bowl parties. Sean was such a fun person, and I loved talking to him about NE Portland and what it was like for him to grow up where we started our family.
I know God has a plan, even when we can´t make sense of it. You are all in my prayers, I´m praying hard for you.
Much love,
The Lanson Family
Jennifer Young
September 3, 2025
My heart is deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and neighbor, Sean. Our children grew up together, and I will forever cherish all the memories our families shared. Your smile was contagious, and your positive attitude and kindness touched everyone around you.
I´ll never forget our Friday nights in your driveway during Covid - the highlight of the week was waiting for your garage door to open. We shared so many laughs, stories, drinks, and memories that will stay with me forever. I loved watching our kids grow up side by side, celebrating Ian´s birthday on the 31st and Blake´s on the 1st, and of course all the unforgettable Fourth of Julys (even if the bushes caught fire more than once!). Those Maplecrest memories will always hold a special place in my heart.
Sean, you will be so greatly missed. As my children said it best - you will always be the GOAT. Our love and prayers are with your family.
Jennifer Young
September 3, 2025
Bridget Bosch
September 3, 2025
Sean was always a bright light anytime we had the pleasure of being in his presence. His smile will always live in my heart. It was a blessing that our lives connected with Sean and the Harkins family thanks to our Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic school and the friendships we found through the years. May God rest his soul and take care of all of his family. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Love you all.
Melissa Isfeld
September 3, 2025
Sean was like a little brother to me. I can still see those little boys sneaking through the girls bathroom in our house on Alameda just to get a glimpse of us. Little did I know they were paying Tommy for that opportunity.
I remember when I went to the Albertsons Grocery store right after I moved to Gladstone. New to the area with three young children. I had no idea where anything was in the store. Who do I see? Sean Harkins stocking shelves. His smiling face made all my jitters go away. He helped me find what I needed.
Sean such a wonderful man. He brought joy to everyone he met. He was a very bright light in this world. So happy I had the privilege of knowing Sean. Love forever, Melissa Thorpe Isfeld
Melissa Isfeld
September 3, 2025
Sending love and prayers in memory of Sean. Forever a younger brother. Love you all and so sorry you are going through this loss. Sean is in Heaven now. I am sure he already has a job to do spreading love and laughter to all. Love, forever big sister Melissa
Helena Swerzbin
September 3, 2025
Memories of Sean as a boy rascal with Tom, as a raconteur with the best stories, as a devoted family man, and always a man of faith. Sean we will honor your spirit with love forever.
Helena
Isabella Fazio
September 3, 2025
Sean was always so friendly and welcoming. A truly amazing person. He will be so missed. Xoxo
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