Wilbur Harkness

Wilbur (Bill) Dale Harkness, Jr. passed away Saturday, November 8, 2021, at the age of 96 from COVID-19  related complications. Bill was born and raised in Santa Maria, California, where he resided for 67 years. He proudly served in World War II as a B-29 pilot with the 20th Air Force serving the Eastern Mandates Air Offensive.

He later moved to Highlands Ranch, Colorado with his beloved wife, Maria. Bill was a loving and devoted family man. His heart was huge and treasured his time with family and friends. He loved a good Santa Maria-style BBQ while enjoying a glass of Chardonnay (with one ice cube) with his family and friends!

Bill was preceded in death by his son, Michael, and wife, Maria. He is survived by his daughter Paula A Harkness, granddaughter Angela Schweighardt (Chris), grandson Anthony Harkness-Gripe (Lauren), five great granddaughters (Sadie, Hadley, Hannah, Darci and Juliet) and numerous relatives. They were all the light of his life!

Bill will be placed to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery with full Military Honors.

In the past few years, one of Bill’s most meaningful experiences was being honored and flown to Washington D.C. with the Rocky Mountain Honor Flight. He was moved beyond words visiting all the military monuments and felt so special alongside his fellow veterans. In lieu of flowers, donations to Rocky Mountain Honor Flight would make him smile that great smile of his!