Colin James Harkness

Our dear Colin has sadly passed away far too soon from heart failure, and we are missing him terribly. Survived by his wife Christina; children Aidan, Alya, Thomas and Johan; siblings Andrew (Carolyn Seabrook), Heather (Nigel Sanders) and Christine (Pierre Lapointe); nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and many friends old and new. He is fondly remembered by his Aunt Elizabeth Hayes, and by his in-laws Ingela and Jon. Colin was pre-deceased by his parents Rose Mae and Peter Harkness.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Colin’s early memories were of life in India, the family’s move to Ottawa, happy times spent in Ghana, high school years at Glebe and earning his BA in History at Carleton University. He built his career at Carleton’s Library Archives and Special Collections, where he had the opportunity to feed his interest in and passion for unique and rare books.

Whether together or apart, Colin’s children were the most important people in the world to him, which was lovingly expressed through family meals, games nights, local outings and trips abroad (in particular, regular trips to Cuba and Sweden to visit friends and family), as well as through sharing stories and having fun.

We appreciate so much and cherish his love for all of us, his charm, wit and personality, his zest for life, his love of laughter and his hearty laugh, his warm and ready generosity, his love of story telling and sharing in a good story, his appreciation for music and dancing, his great cooking and incredible hospitality, his love of community, adventure and meeting new people, his love of being out in the neighbourhood with his dear dog Siri, and of course his unique and playful sense of style as it evolved over the years (Colin was always in a class of his own).

To know Colin was to love him and he was known and loved by so many wonderful people. Thank you all who have shared in Colin’s life and cared for him - he loved you all so much.

A celebration of Colin’s life will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Ottawa Mennonite Church, 1830 Kilborn Avenue in Ottawa. All are welcome to attend and to bring a memory, song or reading to share or just come and be still and present in Colin’s honour.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Colin’s memory are most welcome to the Colin J. Harkness Memorial Bursary to support a student in need attending Carleton University’s Bachelor of Humanities (Great Books) program. For more information, please contact the University at 1-613-520-3636 or see: Colin J. Harkness Memorial Bursary

May Colin’s life inspire us to live with love and generosity, to be more hospitable and caring to those in need, and to brighten the days of those whom we know well and meet in passing.