The Life Celebration of Daniel Harkins

On 18th June 2017, Daniel John Edward Harkins was returning from Bairnsdale after a race meeting when he stopped to assist a car that had run off the road between Sale and Rosedale, he was tragically struck by a passing vehicle and died at the scene.

Daniel, a much loved fiancé to Stacey, father to Charlie and Lily, son of Anthony and Cheryle and brother to Jamie Lee, was a car enthusiast who worked for Sheen Towing Services and sadly it would seem that in doing what he loved in rendering assistance to others, he was tragically taken far too early in life, aged 30.

Daniel’s life celebration took place on 26th June 2017. Following his service which was led by Rev Mark Bateman, Car Racing Chaplain, his casket was carried from the chapel to the song East Bound and Down by Jerry Reed; the theme song from Smokey and the Bandit which is the movie that Stacey and Daniel went to on their first date, and placed onto the Sheen Towing Services flatbed truck.

Much of the congregation gathered on Red Hill at Sandown Race Track and watched the flatbed truck carrying Daniel complete a lap of respect together with other Sheen tow trucks and safety cars.

When it comes to funerals at Tobin Brothers as we say, anything is possible. If it is legal it is possible and we will help you make it happen. As many people said it was a truly fitting farewell for Daniel, who loved his family, friends, cars and the track.

Written by James MacLeod - Managing Director, Tobin Brothers Funerals.