Mike Sanford, owner and founder of American Wallcovering, Inc.,  wrote a touching tribute to Raymond Harkins and read it to the Dallas Chapter PDCA members.  We are pleased to include his words here.

Dear Raymond,

So many of us weren't ready for you to leave us and it was no possible to say what we truly felt prior to your passing so I thought I would write you a letter and reminisce a little on our relationship.  I don't think you realized what a hard act you were to follow.  Now, that isn't a bad thing.  As a matter of act, you are someone I can hold up to my grandchildren and say, "This is the kind of person I wish you could grow up and be like."

Remember at the PDCA rodeo in Mesquite when they sang, "On the Wings of a Dove" for you and Donna right there in the stands?  Holly and I were proud.  You and Donna were too and we all felt that closeness that was there and yet unsaid.

How about the time we went fishing in Galveston and it was Donna's first trip to the Gulf?  Again, it was the sharing and the fun of just being out and doing things together.  Well, it wasn't just me that enjoyed being with you and I think you realized that from all the people looking in but trying not to be a pest or interfere in your days fighting to regain your health.  And, oh what a fighter you were.  Again, the example to point to for my grandkids and say, "Try to be like Raymond."

Looking back, I remember when we both started our respective companies.  We were both wallcovering men and yes, we both actually worked in the field pushing tools and hanging whatever jobs we could get, which was usually crappers and kitchens.  How about the job at the Dr. Pepper plant on Mockingbird?  Halfway through the project they eliminated the 2" base and said, "Take the vinyl to the floor."  The hardest thing you said was, "You're kidding," and then you went about putting in splices all along the carpet to bring the vinyl to the floor. 

Back then we all had what was called pride in our work and with this and the help from your wife, you built a very successful R.L. Harkins, Inc.  And speaking of wives, you and Donna were such a fit together, a truly loving husband for a truly loving wife.  Did I ever say thanks for lending her to me for all the PDCA projects, boards, and offices she served on?  Well, I am now, but more than just thanks for allowing her to lead us; thanks for all the times we did things together and socialized. 

I asked Holly what she remembered most about you and she said, "His blatant love for Donna and how he always expressed it with his attentiveness to her."  Again, if we could all "be a little like Raymond."  She was right, we always enjoyed being with you and Donna because both of you were always upbeat and you complimented each other in your love and concern in public for each other.  Again what a fit and especially on the dance floor.  You two seemed to float and it was that closeness the two of you had that made it look so easy and fun.  A loving couple enjoying such a little thing as a dance together and sharing it and the evening with their friends. 

You had more character in your little finger than most of us have in a lifetime of trying.  These things about you I respected and tried to be like you just a little.  When people say, "He would give you the shirt off his back," for some reason, you always come to mind and not whom they were talking about.

Well, I'm starting to ramble, but it is important to let you know you left a legacy in this life and it is something you can be proud of.  Just look at the words I've used; Pride, Character, Values, Love, Friendship, and not to mention Honesty, Respect, Trust, Dedication and Diligence.  Again, if we could all "be like Raymond."  You're beyond our touch and feel now, but I know where you are and what you're doing.  God speed you in your heavenly duties and please, every once in a while, let the Big Man bait His own hook.