Leon Harkins Obituary

Leon Harkins
September 26, 1934 - December 19, 2021
Cary, North Carolina - Leon Herbert Harkins, 87, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was born September 26, 1934 in Newton, NC.
Leon joined the Army in 1953 where he served as a field wireman and in administration before an honorable discharge in 1955. He graduated with a degree in Forestry from the University of Georgia, where he was undefeated on the wrestling team, then went on to pursue his Master's degree in Outdoor Recreation at Colorado State University and completed all the course work for his Doctorate degree at Utah State University.
Leon devoted his life to the forest landowners of North Carolina. He began his career as a management forester with the Catawba Timber Company then worked for years as a multi-county forestry extension agent based out of Carthage, NC. He ascended to a specialist position at North Carolina State University then further ascended to become the department head for the Extension Forest Resources Department. Among the list of accomplishments too numerous to mention, he was the 4-H Youth Natural Resources Coordinator, the state coordinator of the Project Learning Tree Program, and an ongoing workshop leader for landowner education. He received the Governor's Award for Forest Conservationist of the Year in 1980 by the North Carolina and National Wildlife Federations and received an International Paper Company Foundation's Forestry Recognition Award for Extension Staff in 1989. He retired as an Associate Professor of Forest Resources from NCSU in 1995.
Leon was a lover of nature, a true outdoorsman, and an exceptionally talented woodworker. He could always be found in one of a few places: in the woods, fly-fishing in lakes, rivers and streams, at the shooting range with his buddies, or deeply involved in a creative project in his workshop. He will always be remembered for his incredible talent; the art he created will be admired for years to come and will be cherished heirlooms.
Even after retirement, Leon continued to learn new carving skills, especially from Chris White. He also continued to teach, mentor and share his skills at the NC State Craft Center, John C. Campbell Folk School, The Woodworking Store, and Klingspor's Woodworking Shop. He remained an active member of the Triangle Woodworker's Association and Carving Club. He and Bernita enjoyed many trips with Elder Hostel (Road Scholar) learning and meeting new folks.
Leon made a lasting impact on countless people from the time he was a Boy Scout leader in the early 60s to the day of his passing. He was a giving, caring, inspirational man who loved everyone and everyone loved him. He had a quick wit and a hearty laugh, and regardless of where he was or what he was doing, he was whistling. Always whistling.
He is survived by his wife Bernita Harkins; daughter Suzanne Harkins Casey, her husband Bob and grandchildren Larson and Skyler; son Andrew Harkins, his wife Linnea and grandchildren Kenzley and Kirsten; son Scott Johnston and his wife Kathy and granddaughter Vanessa; his sister-in-law Vivian Harkins and many extended cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Sam Harkins.
The family will have a Celebration of Life gathering in March, 2022. Donations in his memory may be made to an organization of your choice.