Amber Jean Harkins

HARKINS, Amber Jean – 40, Dartmouth, passed away February 26, 2012. Born on April 17, 1971, she was raised in Dartmouth, and was the only child of Ora Harkins and the late Eileen (Ogilvie) Harkins. She graduated in 1993 with honours from the University of King’s College with a degree in Journalism, and was on the President’s List of Distinction. An accomplished writer and skilled graphic designer, she was well known in local media and business circles, having worked at The Daily News and Formac Publishing before joining Metro Guide Publishing, where her creative flair, hard work, and charm made her an invaluable Creative Director. She worked at Trade Centre Limited, before starting her own successful business, Amber Harkins Creative Media. Amber wrote and edited publications that spanned seven sectors, contributing to business communication in our city, enhancing our ability to serve the traveling market in our province and inspiring all of us to enjoy our homes and community. Her visual interpretations and skillful art direction resulted in award winning magazines, annual reports, brochures, and books. A passionate love of the arts began early and continued throughout her life. She sang, danced, acted and drew her way through school. She regularly attended live performances, which fed her soul. A voracious reader, and lifelong learner, she loved to discuss new ideas and eagerly shared her experiences with those around her, employing her powerful vocabulary and turn of phrase. Her love of architecture and photography combined perfectly in her travels, including a recent trip to Italy, which fulfilled a lifelong dream. As much as she loved to travel, she was always eager to return to her beloved East coast. A true beauty inside and out, she graced us with her thoughtfulness, her wit, and her selflessness. The compassion and devotion with which she cared for her mother, was inspirational. She faced adversity with dignity and courage. Friendship with Amber meant you were the lucky recipient of big hugs, generosity, encouragement, and having a friend who always made you laugh and smile. Few things brought her as much joy as her dog Rory, whom she loved fiercely. Amber is survived by her father, Ora, and stepmother, Donna Harkins (Tantallon), stepsister Michelle and nephew Chase Wall (Dartmouth), and stepsister Kelly Steeves (Halifax), dear cousins Judy (Tony) D’amicantonio, Montreal; Jim (Brenda) Harkins Hollywood, Florida ; aunt and godmother Margaret Harkins, Montreal as well as many relatives in Nova Scotia,. She was predeceased by her mother Eileen (Ogilvie) Harkins, uncle and godfather Gary Harkins and grandmothers Mary Harkins and Jean Ogilvie. She will be also be greatly missed by her many wonderful friends, especially Carol Clarke, who was with her every step of the way on her final journey. We cannot believe we have lost our beautiful Amber. We will miss her beyond words. A memorial service and reception will be held on Friday, March 2, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home 217 Portland St., Dartmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations in Amber’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. To send or view a condolence please visit: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com.