- In Memory Of Don Harkins 1963-2009
- The Idaho Observer
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- Don Harkins passed away September 19th, 2009 at 4:44
A.M. He was with me, his beloved wife, almost constantly throughout
the night along with our dear friend Sadie. Don was sensing that his life
was fading and simply didn't have the strength necessary to recover. We
prayed together throughout the night and made him as comfortable as possible,
praying for guidance and strength. He was extremely touched by the outpouring
of love and prayers for his recovery both locally and throughout the country.
Don chose not to go to the hospital a third time since he was upset
by the doctors aggressive "therapy" for his AML. He had
a near death experience in the hospital in which he met his Creator and
chose to come back to have this time with me in our space of love. Don
was a source of inspiration for hundreds, always living his life according
to his conscience as he disseminated truthful information to all who crossed
his path. He will be missed by all of us who relished his wisdom, passion,
humor and determined, energetic spirit. We are planning a celebration of
Don's life for next Saturday. We are currently seeking a venue that will
hold 300 people. If you want to be notified of the time and place for the
celebration of Don's life, please email back with the subject -
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- "In Memory of Don Harkins"
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- Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your love,
prayers, and support,
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- Ingri Cassel-Harkins
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- From Dr. Betty Martini, D.Hum
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- Dear Lists...
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- I don't even know how to start as tears fill my eyes.
At rare times in life you meet someone who is not only a humanitarian,
but a very special person in so many ways, a young healthy, dynamic person
you never think of dying, at least no time soon. Don Harkins was
an indeed rare individual. I've worked with him and his wife, Ingri,
for years. He published the Idaho Observer but he told me he was
more of an activist than a newspaper owner. He was also the publisher
of the Artificially Sweetened Times, the 24 page booklets we distribute
to warn the world on aspartame. Some years ago I gave him a booklet that
was given out by Return to Eden in Atlanta to help warn against aspartame
called Killer Kola. When Don heard about the thousands and thousands
that read it, got off aspartame and got well he asked for a copy, and from
that he put together the AST, and kept it current. He said "well
keep it published until you get aspartame off the market ". It
remains to this day in memory of David Oliver Rietz who died of aspartame
and founded the largest anti-aspartame site, www.dorway.com
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- He was an incredible writer and with a sense of humor
you just couldn't match. We wrote several articles together. I
use to kid with him I was born without the brevity gene as I sent him some
4500 word article. He would laugh and with the patience of
Job and the talent of a genius he would quickly put all the information
I had written on a page or two. Sometimes I might need a title and
he would come up with a gem in seconds. It was Don Harkins who gave us
the title for our Aspartame Awareness Weekend flyer, last year -
"Waiter, please remove this neurotoxin from our table"! He
loved words.
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- Don wanted to help everyone and he wanted everyone to
know the truth about what was going on in this country. He wanted people
to become activists and make a difference. He didn't
care how damning facts were; he wouldn't budge from saying
it like it is. He didn't need diplomacy, he just needed fact, complete
truth. He was courageous and never thought of his safety.
We loved his paper, but most of all we loved Don and we love Ingri.
Ingri, as you know is VacLib and warns the world on the deadly vaccines.
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- I left a message on Don's recorder last night because
I heard he had been in the hospital. I didn't know it was as serious
as it was. In fact, I happened to mention to my husband I didn't
have a snail address and couldn't send flowers. My Don said, "He
would appreciate more a good book". At Costco I was reading the books
and thinking to myself, he probably knows more than what is in these books.
I kept thinking about him last night and how I missed hearing from
him, and called. I only got a recorder but it was still a pleasure to hear
his voice on it. I wish I had called earlier and had
one last conversation with him. A couple of years ago he came
through Atlanta and we had the pleasure of having him overnight. It
was wonderful enjoying his conversation and presence here. He was
so charming and you just felt energized talking to him. We really missed
him when he left.
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- He will be missed in the hearts of thousands because
he was the type of man you could never forget, and felt blessed to
know. You just don't meet a lot of people who are just "all
good and caring", and would always stop to help anyone who had a problem.
He made a difference in this world. If you spoke with
him on the phone he always made you feel good, made you smile, made you
laugh, and glad you had the opportunity to be in touch. I'm going to miss
all those calls but we're fortunate that we've had the opportunity
of meeting him in person a couple of times.
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- I was shocked when I read below he had AML. I immediately
tried to find out something and was shocked that he was only diagnosed
a couple of weeks ago. Acute myeloid leukemia is so serious. In
fact, as a young woman I worked closely with a hematologist on these cases.
So I know how bad a diagnosis that is. I did a lot of research
on this with CDC.
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- Consider the miracle of Lazarus' resurrection in the
Bible which served well as part of Jesus' ministry, both to illustrate
the power of the Son of God and to increase faith in him and the resurrection.
When Jesus told Lazarus who had been dead for four days to come out,
he could have said to an entire burial ground, "ya'll come out".
Armageddon is obviously not far away and it will put an end to the
evil in this world. Then the last will be resurrected first. We
know we'll see Don Harkins again one day, free of disease, living in a
world free of evil. I know how many loved Don and I hope the resurrection
scriptures below my signature will help to ease the heart of those mourning
and know that this is just temporary, and we'll see him again as a young
man free of disease.
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- I tried to find an address for flowers but was told Ingri
prefers contributions in his name. She has a $100,000 hospital bill
to pay. (P. O. Box 457, Spirit Lake, Idaho 83869 ). Don loved
words, so write Ingri about your remembrance.
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- I ask that you give a moment of silence for Don and bow
your head in prayer to Jehovah God. Ask for his blessings for
Don's family in their grief and mourning.
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- In sympathy, love and memory of Don Harkins.
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- Dr. Betty Martini, D.Hum, Founder
- Mission Possible International
- www.mpwhi.com, www.dorway.com and www.wnho.net
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