The family of James (Jim) Wilfred Harkness, founder and president of Harkness Equipment, has shared news of Jim’s passing on Nov. 16, at the age of 88, where he was surrounded by loving family members. Harkness founded the Harriston, ONT, Canada-based company in 1977 with his wife, Doreen, remaining active in the business up until mid-September.

As noted in an overview of his life, after working with the Royal Bank of Canada and Canada Packers, in 1969, Jim purchased the family farm in Minto Township, where the equipment business remains today. There, he raised cattle until he eventually committed himself full-time to building two farm equipment businesses, a retail business and a wholesale enterprise distributing farm equipment throughout Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Never tiring of his love of work, Harkness worked diligently well into his 88th year, according to a profile written by his family.

The tribute, offered by sons Doug and Jake, also noted in part, that he passed after a brief battle with cancer, and leaves behind his wife Doreen of 65 years and four sons Alan (Frank), Doug (Charlene), John and James (Wai Kin). He was the proud Grandpa to six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 

The notice also offered historical context of Jim Harkness’ background, writing, in part: “Jim always had a love for farming…started purchasing and reselling used agricultural and construction equipment in 1976. He made the decision to get into selling equipment full time and formed Jim Harkness Equipment Ltd. in 1977.  While selling equipment, Jim and Doreen along with their four sons, were busy building up a beef feedlot, which grew to the point of feeding 500 head of cattle and farming approximately 400 acres. When beef prices dropped, and interest rates hit an all-time high in the early 80's Jim and Doreen decided to shut down the livestock portion of the farm and concentrate on the equipment business.”

Additionally, Harkness Equipment offered a glimpse into its beginnings and the range of equipment, products and services it offers its customers on its website, describing itself as “not your average farm equipment company.” Portions of that summary follow.

The company, with locations in Harriston and Hickson, ONT, was founded by Jim and Doreen, both of whom were raised near Harriston, Ontario on mixed farms. After 19 years of banking and plant management they decided to settle in Harriston. Jim and Doreen returned to their agricultural roots with mixed farming, beef cattle and cash crops.

In 1977, they converted one of their barns to an office building, establishing Harkness Equipment. In 1982, the company was incorporated under Jim Harkness Equipment Ltd – known simply as Harkness Equipment Ltd. The second generation of Harkness’ hold management roles in the company; Doug Harkness as the Retail Manager of Harkness Equipment Ltd and Jake Harkness as the Wholesale Manager of sister company Harco Ag Equipment.

Harkness Equipment Ltd sells grain storage, handling and drying products, buildings and structures, compact tractors, ride- on lawn mowers, outdoor furnaces, poultry equipment, and more. We also sell niche market products such as walk-behind tillers, compact trailers, and more. To complement the products sold, the company notes that it also provides the following services: grain bin construction and servicing; small engine servicing; outdoor furnace installation and servicing; and equipment rentals.

The full obituary for Jim can be found here.

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