1929 – 2016

BRADENTON, Fla. — Robert William Harkins, 87, son of Mary E. McCormack Harkins and James J. Harkins Jr. passed away on Saturday, July 16.
Bob was born on Feb. 9, 1929, in Lewiston. He graduated from Lewiston High School, Class of 1946, where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. After graduation he opened a small grocery store next to his parents’ pharmacy on College Street in Lewiston.
     In 1949, Bob married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Eda M. Aberle. Food sales seemed to be Bob’s calling, and he soon went to work for General Mills Co. He and Eda left Lewiston and bought a farm on Harris Hill Road in Poland, where together they raised four children. Bob loved horses and being a “gentleman farmer” and owned many pleasure and show horses while in Poland. He worked for the Daniel Mordecai Company until he started his own food brokerage, Triad Sales Company.
     As empty nesters, Bob and Eda built a home on Brandy Pond in Naples, where they spent countless hours boating, and playing tennis and golf. In 1990, they relocated to Destin, Fla., to pursue their passion for tennis and golf year round. Then in 2008, they moved to Bradenton, Fla., to be closer to their son, Jeffery, where they remained until Bob’s passing.
     Surviving are his devoted wife of 67 years, Eda Aberle Harkins; daughter, Kathleen Harkins Gorham and husband, Frank, of Gray; son, Robert J. Harkins and wife, Sally, of Bethel; son, Jeffery L. Harkins of Bradenton, Fla.; grandchildren, Lisa Harkins James of West Frankfort, Ill., Heather Gorham Raftice and husband, Jim, of Cumberland, Abigail Harkins Vickery and husband Eric of Redding, Calif., F. Heath Gorham and wife, Kelly, of Cumberland, Lauren E. Harkins of Westbrook, Sawyer J. Harkins of West Point, N.Y., Chase M. Harkins of Bethel; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Mary McCormack Harkins and James J. Harkins, Jr.; and by his youngest son, William S. Harkins.

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