Sep
19
Submitted by Ingri Cassel on Sat, Sep 19, 2009
printe-mailpdf
Don Harkins passed away September 19th, 2009 at 4:44 A.M. He was with me, his beloved wife, almost constantly throughout the night along with our dear friend Sadie. Don was sensing that his life was fading and simply didn't have the strength necessary to recover. We prayed together throughout the night and made him as comfortable as possible, praying for guidance and strength. He was extremely touched by the outpouring of love and prayers for his recovery both locally and throughout the country. Don chose not to go to the hospital a third time since he was upset by the doctors aggressive "therapy" for his AML. He had a near death experience in the hospital in which he met his Creator and chose to come back to have this time with me in our space of love. Don was a source of inspiration for hundreds, always living his life according to his conscience as he disseminated truthful information to all who crossed his path. He will be missed by all of us who relished his wisdom, passion, humor and determined, energetic spirit. We are planning a celebration of Don's life for next Saturday. We are currently seeking a venue that will hold 300 people. If you want to be notified of the time and place for the celebration of Don's life, please keep checking this site for updates, or click here to email me with the subject - "In Memory of Don Harkins".
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your love, prayers, and support,
Ingri Cassel-Harkins
- Ingri Cassel's blog
- Login or register to post comments
4 comments
Through the years that I've known Don Harkins, every time that I would think of him (usually to call and ask his advice) I would get a smile in my mind just picturing his face. What joy, enthusiasm and passion it always expressed. Talk about the window into a bright and extraordinary soul! He shined with so much light that it permanently warms all who were fortunate enough to have experienced the glow. What a gift to leave for us. May Ingri take comfort in knowing that her special place in Don's heart contributed to that glow, and we are grateful for her love.
Don Harkins and his wife, Ingri, were and are our friends, and fellow soldiers in the wars of government injustices. I remember Don telling me (more than once) that he believed it was too late for our Idaho Judicial Accountability Initiative (IJAA was to hold judges accountable when they broke the law from the bench and caused harm), yet he actively promoted it from 2000 through 2006 in the IO. In one campaign Don, Ingri, myself and friends Vicki and Scott did a 'tour across Idaho' to get the word out about IJAA. Even when things went wrong with the tour schedule and later a mechanical problem (and attitudes (LOL!), Don's lightheartedness and honest laughter made (for me), the trip a joy.
I will miss my friend, and our sharing news, laughter and sadness where we both agreed (unless God intervened), our nation was on a non-stop downward spiril, and sadly most of the people still didn't care and didn't want to be educated either.
As I sat yesterday, reading old 'Observers' I commented to my husband, Dale, that for such a little guy (Don was short like me), he filled some mighty-big shoes; and whoever took up the editorial duties of the IO had a huge amount of work ahead. His presence filled up a room and he was so darn intelligent and yet so simple, honest and real. You didn't have to be a genius to talk to Don; but if you were, he could very well keep up.
Dale looked at me and said "there was nothing little about Don Harkins, and I will miss him'. Dale is so right, and anyone who knew Don knows that is true.
Don loved digging for truth, and I wonder what he is up to now (now that he has all the answers to the "who done its" and other mysteries of this life). I hope he's kicking back, relaxing under a tree, reading a book or having a thought-provoking conversation with Jesus. We will see Don again one day, and in the meantime want to say "Don, we are grateful for the privilege of knowing you and Ingri. We will keep her and your 'kids' in our prayers. God blessed us when He allowed us to know you; it has been an honor to call you our friend." With love, Rose and Dale
I am truly saddened by this loss.
When the Federal Observer first went on line on July 22, 2001, Don was among the first to congratulate me and wish us well. His note was brief, but memorable, as he said, "Good choice of a name."
There are far too many of us becoming deathly ill, and I fear that our strongest messengers are being silenced.
Don can not be replaced, but his passing, sounds a trumpet (Gabriel's, I suspect) that those of us who remain, must carry the torch in his name.
May it burn ever-so brightly, as we march toward victory.
Jeffrey Bennett, Publisher
The Federal Observer
http://www.federalobserver.com