Grant Harkness

Our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Grant Dwayne Harkness, passed away peacefully on the morning of December 2nd, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Grant was born in Salt Lake City Utah on May 8th, 1952, to Russell and Elaine Harkness. He was the oldest of four children. In 1960, they moved to Ogden where Grant attended Highland Middle School and Ben Lomond High School. During these years he enjoyed participating in ROTC, orchestra, choir, and theater. Grant learned to work hard at an early age. As the son of a contractor and paint store owner, Grant spent much of his time painting houses, doing other forms of construction, and helping at the store.

After high school, Grant was privileged to receive a call to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Northern California. Upon his return, he began attending Weber State College where he met his eternal sweetheart, Vickie Saunders. They were married on April 29th, 1976, in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with five children, thirteen grandchildren, and three step-grandchildren.

Grant was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with an unwavering testimony and a willingness to serve wherever called. Even in the last days of his life, he still bowed his head in gratitude to say a blessing on his food before he would eat.

Grant was a protector and a provider to the core. As a young man he always looked after his sisters, from making sure they had Christmas presents to encouraging them to keep high standards. These traits carried over into his marriage where he watched over and provided for his family, often working three jobs so that Vickie could be a stay-at-home mom. When Vickie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Grant faithfully shouldered the load of being her caregiver, right up to the very end.

Grant loved music and began his teaching career as a choir teacher. He eventually transitioned to teaching computer related courses at Washington High School and Two Rivers High School. He also enjoyed working as a projectionist at several movie theaters, as well as doing lights and sound for many concerts and productions.

With all the burdens he carried, Grant always looked for ways to lighten the mood with his sense of humor. It didn't matter whether he knew you or not. Everywhere he went, everyone he met was on the receiving end of one of his jokes.

Grant is survived by his children and grandchildren: Jennifer Harkness, Russell & Emily Harkness (Bennett, Mylie, Coy, Nora, & Milo); Will & Kristin Harkness (Kaydence, Brennan, Brecken, & Khloe); Steven & Lynnette Harkness (Abby, Ruby, & Naomi); and Mary & Justin Humphries (Eric, Anna, & Jaida). He is also survived by his siblings Nancy (Randy), Liz (Craig), and Jill (Scott), along with his many wonderful brothers and sisters-in-law, and other extended family and friends.

We have found comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with Vickie after a brief separation. We also are grateful to know that others welcomed him as he passed through the veil, including his precious granddaughter, Kailyne Grace Harkness, his parents, Russ and Elaine Harkness, and many others.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Stake Center, 770 East 2100 North, North Ogden, Utah from 6-8 pm. A second viewing will take place on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 9:00-10:00 am at the Stake Center, immediately followed by the funeral services at 10:30 am. Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary in Ogden.