Wayne P. Harkness

RUMFORD -- Wayne P. Harkness, 64, of Hartford Street, died on July 30, 2012 at his residence following a brief illness, with loving family at his side.

He was born in Rumford on August 2, 1947, a son of Melvin and Agnes (Witham) Harkness. Wayne was a graduate of Mexico High School Class of 1966.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1966 to 1969 in the Vietnam War, and honorably discharged with the rank of SP5. At the age of 55 he received an associates degree from Central Maine Community College.

Wayne was a member of the United Bikers of Maine and loved to play Santa Claus on the annual Bikers Toy Run each year. He would also go to Walmarts from Augusta to Mexico, do private parties and fundraisers for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.

Surviving are his wife, Denise (Morin) Harkness of Rumford; a son, Patrick Harkness and wife, Maria of Dixfield; a daughter, Tami Vradenburgh and husband, Ralph of Rumford; daughter-in-law, Sara Harkness of Augusta; a brother, Bruce Harkness of Rumford; 10 grandchildren, Brittani, Araya, Teddy, Chelsey, Shawn, D.J., Dominick, Patrick Jr., Carolyn and Phoebe; two great-grandchildren, Mason and Sophia; and a very best friend, Byron Ouellette and wife, Rhonda of Mexico.

He was predeceased by his parents and two sons, Matthew and Lucius Harkness.

Visiting hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at SG Thibault Funeral Home, 250 Penobscot St., Rumford. There will be no formal service. A reception for family and friends will be held at his good friend Byron Ouellette’s home, “Ouellette’s Tire”, 150 Highland Terrace, Mexico on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Burial will be in the New Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta.