Lana Harkins Conney, of Vancouver, died unexpectedly of natural causes on May 17th, 2019. Born on winter solstice during a heavy snowstorm in British Columbia, Lana brought light into this world with her presence. Lana spent most of her childhood growing up in Northern California and graduated from Willits High School in 1968. She and William McEntire (div. 1995) raised their two children with lots of love and fun.

Lana loved to sing along to records and dance her tail off. She enjoyed the outdoors, family camping trips, and going to concerts with her husband, Chris (m. 2017). Lana showcased her creative side through her photography, painting, weaving, and jewelry-making. She also had a knack for sewing the craziest of Halloween costumes, making elaborate birthday cakes, and going all out on decorating for the holidays. She taught her children (and grandchildren) the importance of silly jokes, sampling the cookie dough before you bake it, and always having a good time. Her infectious laughter made her a joy to be around.

Fiercely independent, Lana never backed down from a challenge. At age 40, she completed her B.S. in Business Administration while working full-time. Lana had a long career at the Southwest Washington Health District where she made many long-term friendships. Lana also had a kind and generous spirit. She always gave to and helped anyone less fortunate than her. Deeply religious, she attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where she found community and fellowship.

Lana is survived by her loving husband, Christian Conney; her two children, Corina McEntire and Denny McEntire (wife Sally), her four grandchildren whom she adored, Emma and Xavier, Wren and Violet; her mother, Glendean (Colebank) Harkins; and her siblings, Rita McColgin (husband Gene), Karen Jackson (husband Gary), and Don Harkins (wife Sonja). She was preceded in death by her father, Steven Harkins.

She is singing down to us, “Here is that rainbow I’ve been praying for. It’s going to be a bright (bright), bright (bright), sun-shiny day.”