Tim W. Harkness of Raton, NM, passed away on Saturday February 22, 2014 in Dallas, Texas.
He was born June 6, 1952 in Raton, NM, the son of Donald L. and Virginia Smith-Harkness. Tim was a life long rancher, a graduate of Trinidad State Jr. College and Texas Christian University ranch management program. He was a member of the Allan Savory Ranch Management Program, David Pratt Ranching for Profit, a founding member of the Northern New Mexico Holistic Ranching Pioneers, and served on the board of the Colfax County Soil and Water Conservation District.
He is preceded in death by his parents, paternal grandparents Paul and Faye Harkness and maternal grandparents Addie and Earl Smith.
He is survived by his wife Roberta of the home, one step-son James Castillo of Buena Vista, Co, one step daughter Victoria Sintas and husband Jessie of Pueblo, Co., two sisters Pam Harkness of Raton, NM and Patricia Maez of Dalhart, Tx. One brother, Daniel Harkness of Abilene, Tx. Nieces Jessica Laprade and husband Jed and their children Lyla and Willy all of Seattle, WA and Lisa Maez of Houston, Tx and nephew Adrian Maez and wife Dana and their children Degan and Aysa of Clayton, NM. Two aunts Margaret Heringa of Raton and Ruth Ann Harkness of Bandera, Tx., numerous cousins and a wide circle of friends.
Visitation will be Friday February 28, 2014 from from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. at the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home in Raton. Funeral services are Saturday March 1, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. At the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home Chapel with Daniel Harkness officiating. Burial will be at the McAuliffe Ranch with pot-luck to follow, In lieu of flowers please make donations to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements and celebration of love for Tim W. Harkness are under the direction of the the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton, NM.
We are so saddened to hear of Tim’s passing. We met Roberta at the ranch about 10 years ago as we were passing through. We got to know Pam and Dan years ago and we wanted you all to know, you are in our prayers.
Tim and I loved to shoot Snooker together when we were room-mates at TCU Ranch Management. When went his house to met Roberta he showed us their new family room with a Snooker Table in the middle of it. He was so proud of that room and the Snooker Table. Tim beat me at Snooker a couple of times as usual.
I also wanted you to know that a new job on a ranch at Trinidad, Co. was a possibility for us and I couldn’t wait to show up in Raton to surprise Tim. I only wish now that I would have called him.
Tim is one of the most successful ranchers that I have ever known. He pioneered grazing in the Johnson Mesa and was told it wouldn’t work. He did it and it worked so well he brought cell grazing to the headquarters. He was growing grass that the experts didn’t know even would exist in New Mexico. The ranching community lost a great Ranch Manager! I’ll never forget him and his big smile.
Sincerely,
Jeff and Brenda Parks