Tim Harkins has passed away. He was 83. I considered Tim a friend and always looked forward to his arrival at camp in the spring. He was a fixture on Clary Lake for as long as I can remember, often seen fishing for white perch in his floppy hat or standing up in the back of his 14′ motor boat with his hand on the tiller as he leisurely cruised around the lake, or more often than not, vigorously paddling his orange kayak like his life depended on it. And he’d say it did. Tim was a long time member of the Clary Lake Association for years and served as President in 2000 and 2001.

I haven’t seen Tim much in recent years, he handed down his log cabin to his son Adam and his wife Amy a few years ago and hasn’t been around much. I last saw him during the 4th of July boat parade a couple of years ago. We waved. I took the above picture of him back in the summer of 2012 checking out that year’s loon nest from his kayak, standing up in order to get a better view. Risky, but he pulled it off. This is how I’m going to remember him.

Here’s his obituary, provided to me by his son Adam:

Timothy Harkins II September 2, 1942 – November 9, 2025

Timothy Harkins II passed on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta.

Tim was born in Portland ME on September 2, 1942. Right out of High School (Morse class of 1960), Tim enlisted in the Army. He was stationed in Germany and served as an MP.

He met his first wife, Sally Emerson, through his sister and they were married on January 23, 1965. They raised three children — having lived in Bath, West Buxton and finally Boothbay. Tim primarily worked as a police officer, although he held numerous positions over the years. In 1980 he was disabled in the line of duty.

Tim’s life was truly defined by his strong connection to Maine. The call of the  woods and water (both salt and fresh) was powerful to him. Regardless of the demands of work or family, he always made time to hunt, fish or be close to nature. He lived simply, and was a man of strong convictions. He was particularly proud of the log cabin he built with friends and family on Clary Lake in North Whitefield, ME. A talented craftsman, and “jack-of-all-trades”, Tim served as draftsman, carpenter, plumber and electrician in the construction of this home. He was active in the Clary Lake Association, and served as president in an effort to preserve the character and quality of this beloved body of water.

Winters were spent with his second wife, Patricia, in Mims Florida where he escaped the harsh climate of Maine and enjoyed the kinder temperatures that the southern coast offered. Kayaking became a passion of his which he enjoyed both in Maine and Florida. Tim was an avid reader and collector of knowledge. Friends and family alike sought him out for advice and guidance and he was never one to shy away from sharing his opinion.

Tim is survived by his wife Patricia and his children and stepchildren: Timothy III (Eileen) of Arrowsic ME, Tracy (Scott) of Waldoboro ME, Adam (Amy) of Southport ME, Holbrook Smith of NC and Hilary Smith of NC. He is also survived by sister Millie (Robert) Howe and brother Tom Harkins, as well as grandchildren Ian, Evan, Alden, Isabel, Elliot, Finn, Harry, and Caleb.

Per his wishes, there will be no service. Donations can be made to the Maine Veterans’ Home in his name.