John Wesley Harkins

John Harkins, age 72, of Forest Hill, Maryland passed away on November 10, 2021 at University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Born in Harford County, Maryland, he was the son of the late Harold and Ann (Lynch) Harkins and husband of M. Phyllis Harkins for 36 years.

John loved his wife Phyllis very much and his family, dogs, and Appaloosa horses. John loved and cherished his nieces and nephews who all called him “Uncle Johnny”. He got along with everyone and never met a stranger and loved to talk.   John was known as a kind and compassionate person who is always quick to help others.   John loved Harford County.  John passed on other career opportunities because he loved his job and the people he served in Bel Air, MD as a police officer for 311/2 years.  John joined the Bel Air Police Department as the 7^th member of the Department and enjoyed growing with the department.  He received numerous letters of commendation and awards during his career and rose through the ranks of the Department based on merit retiring in 2002 as Deputy Chief of Police.  He attended and graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia in the 118^th Session.   He completed 48 years of public service helping others.  He was proud to have been a positive influence on young officers.  Many of those who he helped train and groom moved on to careers in other agencies particularly the Harford County Sheriff’s Department.  John loved and enjoyed breeding, raising, developing, and showing his beloved registered Appaloosas horses in halter classes. Dyna, Milly and Hurk and Angel were among his favorites. John was especially proud of wining National and World titles with his horses in Halter classes.   John also enjoyed deer and goose hunting and working around his farm as a third-generation owner.   He was extremely proud of his Irish heritage.  There were many organizations in Harford County that John was a member.  John joined Mt. Ararat Masonic Lodge Post #44, Police Emerald Society of Baltimore, Bel Air Moose Lodge #1952 (serving as Governor 3 times and Past President District3 Md.-Del.-DC Moose Association, Past Deputy Supreme Governor), Md.-Del.-D.C. Moose Association Executive Board (holding Moose Fellowship Degree), Appaloosa Horse Club, American Quarter Horse Association, Maryland – Delaware D. C. Moose Association, Maryland Farm Bureau, NRA, Maryland 4-H (showing Guernsey Cattle) earning membership of the Maryland 4-H All-Stars.  Over his lifetime John sponsored over 50 new Moose members.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by brothers, Ronald and Donna Harkins, James and Debbie Harkins, Leland and Susan Harkins; sister, Kathy and Walter Johnson; many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. He will be missed by so many families and friends.

Contributions may be made in Johns memory to Moose Heart, a residential childcare facility, https://secure3.convio.net/moose/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app358a?idb=723662994&DONATION_LEVEL_ID_SELECTED=1&df_id=2602&mfc_pref=T&2602.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=31F0CB2BB39EC916651E3F0C5985D959&idb=0