Harris W. Wickens of Chelmsford

Harris W. Wickens passed away on Friday, January 26, 2018 at the age 95 following a brief illness.

He was born on November 24, 1922, in Centerville, Nova Scotia, son of Capt. Delbert and Edith Wickens. Harris was predeceased by his wife Margaret, who died in 1988.   A resident of Chelmsford for 70 years, Harris was naturalized as an American citizen in 1948 and held strong allegiance to both Canada and America , displaying both flags at his home.  He was proud to be an American veteran, having served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and honorably discharged in January, 1946.

Before retirement, Harris was a carpenter at Deck House in Acton , MA. Having been raised in a musically talented family, he played the violin, mandolin and harmonica, being asked to play “happy birthday” on his harmonica at many of his birthdays.  He loved listening to and singing along with his old records.  In his later years, he was unique in “inventing” homemade gadgets and his pride and joy was his vegetable garden.  His family enjoyed and will miss his sense of humor.

Surviving him are his children, Barbara Jordan and her husband Stephen of Danville, New Hampshire, Della Coffin and her husband , Neil, David Wickens, John Wickens and his wife, Melanie  all of Chelmsford, and Darryl Wickens and his wife, Jeanne of Tyngsboro, MA.  He is survived by 15 grandchildren, Jeff Osterman, Linda Marple, Eric Leedberg, Michael Leedberg, Darin Leedberg, David Leedberg, Paul Moore, Christine Duggan, John Wickens, Brian Wickens, Matthew Wickens, Rebecca Francisco, Amanda Wickens, Joshua Wickens, and Natalie Wickens.  Also surviving him are 18 great grandchildren, one great- great granddaughter, Sofia  McDowell, his brother George Wickens of Northeast Point, Nova Scotia, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, he was predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Shirley Wickens, his siblings, Charles Wickens, Dorothy McKinnon, Murray Wickens, Hartley Wickens, and Arthur Wickens.

Go in peace Dad, Pa, Gramp, great-Grampy, Harry, “Wiggy”, — you will be truly missed by all.

At his request, Private services were held yesterday. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.

ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.