Harold was born in Mitchell, SD but was raised and attended school in San Francisco, CA. He was stationed with the US Army in Alaska. He began his career as a lineman and trouble shooter for Pacific Gas & Electric Co. then was a foreman for the line crew at Hetch Hetchy Water & Power in Moccasin, CA then continued to become a General Superintendent of power, signal, and electronics at Muni Railway in San Francisco.
He owned Conklin’s Launderland in Oakdale for many years. After his retirement he was associated with Altec, and again for PG&E. He was a consultant for Rail Technology, Inc. in Sacramento. He was an assistant superintendent of overhead lines and substitutions at the Western Railway Museum, Highway 12, in Suisun City where he donated his time and efforts.
He received his private pilot’s license at Oakdale Airport, where he hangered his plane, a 1946 Taylor-Craft.
He enjoyed skiing, golf, horseback riding, and swimming. He played senior baseball in Sonora and was a member of the Twain Harte Golf Club.
Harold leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Antoinette (Toni) Conklin; five children, Terrance Conklin of Sacramento, Sean (Lani) Conklin of Sonora, Erin (Will) Perez of Brentwood, Sheryl (Bruce) Reynolds of Oakdale, Dan (Shelly) Williams of Denair; 10 grandchildren, Shelby Conklin, Devin Conklin, Logan Conklin, Branden Reynolds, Lacey (Tony) Freitas, Katie Williams, Ben Williams, Peyton Perez, Odyssey Perez, Delilah Perez; and one great-grandchildren, Michael Freitas.
Harold is preceded in death by his parents, Louis Conklin and Leata Conklin; sister, Mary Lou Lebedeff; and brother-in-law, Walter Lebedeff.
A service will be held Tuesday, Aug. 8 at 11 a.m. at The Almond Pavilion, 151 S. Sierra Ave., Oakdale. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to: Western Railway Museum, 5848 CA-12, Suisun City, CA 94585.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Aug. 2, 2017