William Guy Harkness, 56, of San Carlos, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2007, in Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto. Bill was born in Wheeler Hospital in Gilroy and lived in Paradise Valley and Morgan Hill. His parents were Walt and Shar Harkness, his grandparents were Helen Kelley Harkness and Guy Harkness; pioneer families in Paradise Valley. He attended Machado School and was the third generation of his family to attend the two room school. His family moved to Davis, CA in 1959, where Bill attended Davis schools and U. C. Davis. The Harkness family has retained family property in Paradise Valley, and Bill was able to spend time there with family and friends. Bill loved the outdoors, hiking trips, playing baseball and golf. Bill had suffered from cancer for 19 years, but through the intervening years, he retained his positive outlook on life, natural curiosity and sense of humor. His optimism, compassion and kindness to friends, family and anyone fortunate to meet him will continue to be an inspiration for us all.
He is survived by his wife, Susanne of San Carlos; mother, Sharlene Harkness of Avila Beach, sister Jody Woodbury and family of El Dorado; brother Mike Harkness and family of San Luis Obispo.
A memorial service will be held in Davis, CA, on November 17 at 1:00 P.M. in the U-Club, overlooking the Arboretum; one of Bill’s favorite areas.
