ROY EUGENE HARKIN
Roy Eugene Harkin, 69, died Thursday evening, November 11, 2004, at NewHanoverRegionalMedicalCenter.
He was born on August 7, 1935, in Logansport, IN to James William Harkin and Margaret Faye Marguson Harkin. He is survived and cherished by his wife of 47 years, Sandra Satterthwaite Harkin of the home; his son, Dr. Michael E. Harkin and wife, Alison M. Harkin of Laramie, WY; his daughter, Andrea M. Harkin and spouse, David B. Cooper of Little River, SC; a sister, Dr. June Vance of Erie, PA; and grandchildren Caroline M. Harkin, James W. Harkin and William E. Harkin of Laramie, WY and Sandra S. Cooper of Little River, SC. His parents; sister, Hazel M. Leutzow; and brothers, Charles O., Dwight, and James W. Harkin, predecease him. He also leaves many dear family and friends.He will be remembered by his public school and university colleagues and students for his gentle guidance and professional support through many years.
He received a Ph. D. in Educational Administration from the ClaremontGraduateSchool and M. A. and B. A. degrees from BallStateUniversity. He spent his career in the field of education in various roles from California to North Carolina always loving teaching and mentoring those he taught. As Assistant Dean of the School of Education at UNC Chapel Hill, he was recruited to develop the UNCW Department of Education into the School of Education becoming its first Dean. He was instrumental in the growth of the School of Education both in number of students and prestige. He led in the development of Master’s degree programs in educationand the initial accreditation of the UNCW’s teacher education program by the National Association for Colleges of Teacher Education and he fostered the establishment of the Cape Fear Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. He was instrumental in the development of the concept of teacher as decision maker that served as the foundation for the School of Education programs. Because of his leadership skills and knowledge of teacher education, he was frequently asked to serve on accreditation/evaluation teams for colleges and universities across the United States. He served at UNCW from 1976 until his retirement in 2003.
Roy was a published poet; he coached championship high school athletes in track in Southern California and served with the United States Marine Corps. Most of all he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated family member. He also leaves his three faithful dogs (particularly Darcy) and a horse.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 16, 2004, at 2:00 PM at Andrews Market Street Chapel. Interment will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
The family especially wishes to thank Dr. Janelle Rhyne, Dr. John Anagnost, and Dr. William Gramley for their extraordinary professional and personal support. Thanks also to his many physicians and caregivers at New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Duke University Medical Center.
Those wishing to make gifts in Roy’s memory may send them to the Watson School of Education, UNCW, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC28403.