John Alexander Larkin

Delivered by Gail Schell - Sister

The greatest honour of my life is to be here today to share some words with you about my brother John. When John asked me to deliver his eulogy, I asked him what he wanted me to talk about and he said, “Talk about love Gail.”

In the book of John chapter 15:12-13 Jesus said, “My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you. The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them. I believe my brother John’s life exemplified what Jesus was commanding us to do in these verses. John would do anything for his family, his friends, his church, a neighbour or anyone that called out for help. John was there for you. John’s life was a symbol of selfless humanity. Your presence here today is a testimony of the many lives that were affected by my brother’s love of people. John Larkin was not only my brother, but my hero.

John was instrumental over the past months in planning his funeral with Barbara. John chose the songs, the topic of his eulogy and even instructions on making sure there were lots of pickles and New York slice for the luncheon. John told me a few months ago that his only regret would be that he wouldn’t be here to see who would come and say nice things about him.

Growing up with John was wonderful. He was eighteen months younger than me and so we were not only siblings, but playmates as well. We had Dad and Mom who loved us dearly and we had each other, that is, until Andy, Howard and Donna came on the scene and then we had just that much more fun. Our childhood was exceptional and as adults we have reminisced and shared stories that have brought laughter and tears. John loved to play and play we did. We laboured for hours in the hot summer days and let our imaginations go wild as we designed and built some architectural monstrosities in our back yard. Old wooden boards, cardboard boxes and rusty tin signs eventually took the shape of the setting for our next adventure. Our imaginations took us to places that most people only dreamed about. John could always make the perfect accent of the character that he was portraying; whether it was the old worn out cowboy, the captain of the ship or the poor farmer with a house full of kids suffering from whooping cough . . . all at the same time. John always made our adventures come alive. Everyone loved to play at our house because John made everything so real and so very funny. We played out our dreams and our dreams had no endings.

John loved life and there was nothing he wouldn’t do to have fun. Several years ago while working in Churchill, John was given the opportunity to go on a private polar bear sight-seeing adventure. Now this was not the ordinary tourist excursion where you sit in a safe and secure tundra buggy and take photos of the bears. This was the adventure of a life-time. John met up with an acquaintance that said he would take John to see the bears. After loading up a truck tire on the back of his pick-up, they proceeded to another location where they filled up the inside of the tire with rotten, disgusting smelling meat, tied a long rope to the tire and they were off. After a short ride, John and his buddy entered the Polar Bear Zone on the Hudson Bay ice field. They stopped the truck, unloaded the tire and then waited. It was not long before their eyes spotted a massive male polar bear entering the scene. You guessed it! The bear made his way directly to the tire, placed his arms around it and proceeded to enjoy the beautiful feast laid out before him. The time was right and John’s buddy slowly stepped on the gas pedal and they were off. The bear wouldn’t let go. Around and around they spun with the bear holding on for dear life. They pulled the bear over the ice fields and this enormous animal just seemed to enjoy the ride. Increasing the speed of the truck, the bear held on and enjoyed this new found sport. After about twenty minutes, they came to a stop and let this beast of an animal finish his banquet. The bear then slowly got up and proceeded to wander off into the sunset, all the while staggering from side to side and thinking, “Whew! What a ride!” Warning! Please do not try this at home.

John loved to make people laugh. John’s amazing talent of storytelling was exemplified by his innate gift of being able to do various accents or changing his voice to illustrate a character in his story. John was a born actor and even as a child this gift was very evident. I can recall the numerous times; John would call me and say in the voice of Peter Sellers, “Does yerr dawgg bite? Or another one of Peter Sellers famous lines “Is that yerr minkey?” Oh, how he made us all laugh. One of John’s passions in life was his participation in the Headingley United Church’s annual dinner theatre. For the past twenty-nine years John was able to take on the numerous roles of characters that had been assigned to him. He adored acting and he enjoyed sharing his amazing talent with the community that he loved. No role was too small or too big for John and there was nothing he wouldn’t do to get a laugh. This week marks the 30th anniversary of the dinner theatres and I know John would have done just about anything to have made just one more appearance on the stage he loved so well. But the show must go on and to all his special friends from Headingley United Church, make it a good one and break a leg. He loved you all.

Pumba, John’s Boston terrier, made a visit to the Grace Hospital last week and upon seeing John, proceeded to cover John with an exhaustive and thorough dog greeting by washing John’s entire hands and arms with his long red tongue. After some aggressive snorts and numerous wet dog kisses, both John and Pumba were satisfied that all was well. Initially John really didn’t want this dog, but for some reason, Pumba loved his master and I think the feeling was mutual as John really loved his Pumba.

John loved his friends. Forgive me for not naming you individually as he had so many good friends that he cherished. He cared for each of you and wasn’t afraid to let you know he loved you. He was proud of his friends and often would brag to his family about your accomplishments in life. In a recent email from Mel Marsh, John’s former boss, states, “If you met John you were his friend. He valued friendship above everything else”. While John was in the hospital these past weeks, he would ask Barbara to record in a book all the visitor’s names as they dropped by to see him. There were literally hundreds of visitors that passed through his hospital room door. Thank you for your visits, prayers and words of encouragement. I know John and the entire family appreciated each and every one of you.

John loved babies and children more than anyone that I know. John found joy in watching his nieces and nephews grow up. Heidi, Jill, Kristina, Jodi, Kara, Brigette, Kailey, Molly, Kendra, Blake, Sheldon, Ian, Tatum and Tyrone will miss their Uncle John’s instructions as he would point to his cheek and say, “Come over here and give Uncle John a great big kiss!” My brother John was instrumental in teaching my daughter, Heidi her first swear word. When Heidi was just three years old, John took Heidi by himself to Barbara’s family farm in Birtle. In a remote area past Gladstone, John’s car broke down and John and Heidi had to get out in the pouring rain and hitch-hike. John picked up Heidi in his arms and told her to stick out her thumb and they would get a ride by someone. Apparently the next car whizzed by both of them. John’s next words were, “Why you son of a _____” and I will let you fill in the blank. Upon arrival in Birtle, Heidi tattled on Uncle John and repeated her new learned vocabulary that described cars that pass by you when you are hitch-hiking.

John loved his uncles, aunties and all his cousins. It gave John great happiness to share in all your lives. He loved to keep in touch and hear the latest news. Family was everything and he was so proud to share his life with you.

He loved his siblings, Gail, Andy, Howard and Donna and he loved our spouses, Hoss, Diana, Verna and Rick. We were not only siblings, but the dearest and closest friends. He called us daily, just to see what we were doing. After he was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007, he vowed he would spend the rest of his life telling the people that he loved that he truly loved them. He never ended a phone call without saying, I love you”. We are a family that is blessed as we care for each other so deeply.

John not only cared for his family, but loved Barbara’s family as well. The Brydon family, Bill, Sheila, Barry and Letitia opened their hearts and lives and welcomed John with open arms. He loved his new family that lived on the farm and would often tell me of the great meals Mrs. Brydon would prepare and her famous sour cream raisin pie, his favorite. After inviting half the town over to enjoy a delicious meal, they all would head over to Gnaton Hall for an evening of dancing with music provided by the Gough brothers and the delicious luncheon of egg salad sandwiches served in an old washtub. A few years after Bill passed away Sheila married Jim Gibb and again John was so happy to build a new friendship with this kind gentleman, as this was just another person he could love. Barb’s brother Barry and his wife Marion shared the joys of life together with John and Barb. John rejoiced in watching his nephews Ian and Sheldon grow up. A few weeks ago John and Barb were given the news that Ian and Jenn were expecting a baby and a couple of days later they received the news that Sheldon and Katy were also expecting. What a great joy for John to have received this wonderful news.

John loved his children, Harlo & Melissa, more than I can express here in words. How wonderful that both Harlo and Melissa have taken on the beautiful characteristics of Barbara’s caring and compassionate nature and John’s great sense of humour. Harlo and Melissa grew up in a home filled with love and this is evident in both of their lives. How wonderful for all of us here today, that a part of John lives in them and are able to share and continue his legacy.

One of the most joyful times in John’s life was when his grandson Hayden was born. This is love at its greatest. I can’t tell you how many times John called our family to tell us what cute things Hayden had said that day or what exciting adventure they had just shared. One day our family had gathered at John and Barb’s home for a family barbeque. After supper we were entertained to watch John instruct Hayden to get into an old banana box that was attached by a small rope to John’s quad. Hayden did not hesitate and got in the box while John pulled him around and around the yard, after that out came the potato cannon, but that is another story. Hayden loved his Papa and they spent hours and hours playing together over these past years. John had told the family that he wanted to live at least until Hayden was four years old, as he would then remember him. Hayden will turn five next month and I know that Hayden will never forget his Papa.

The most important and most loved person in John’s life was his wife Barbara. I was fortunate to have played Cupid and introduced John to Barbara. Having worked with Barbara, I would tell her about my family and especially my brother John. I really think Barbara was in love with John before she even met him. Realizing that Barbara was just a beautiful person, both inside and out, her caring nature, her many talents and the way she cherished her family and friends was the perfect match for my brother. John loved his wife with everything he had.

John loved Jesus. I told John that Jesus loved him even more than I or anyone ever could, and John agreed. He knew that Jesus had died for his sins and that He was preparing a special mansion for John in heaven. John told me on Saturday, February 2 that he was on the mountain top and that death was nothing to fear and that he was three quarters of the way to heaven. I was privileged to have just arrived at John’s hospital room on the morning of February 7. As the rays of the new morning sun cast their golden colours upon my brother’s face, John breathed his last breath and took the hand of Jesus on a journey to his new eternal home. Not to be disrespectful, but all I could think of at that moment was, “Look out Jesus; you have a comedian entering the gates!”

John Larkin was a man that was surrounded by love and even more important his life was the very essence of love.

In closing, I will leave you with this Irish Blessing that I think John would have been happy to share with you.

May the road rise to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Memories of Dad

Delivered by Harlo Larkin

First off I would like to thank everyone here today. The support we’ve received the last few days from messages on the computer, people dropping by the house and now this turnout today, it has been nothing short of amazing. From our entire family I want to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

For those of you who were fortunate enough to see my Dad acting in the Headingley Dinner Theatre, I must inform you now that he didn’t pass on his “flare” for the stage to me. Unfortunately I won’t be dressing up as a women today nor will I be on all fours in a one-piece red long john barking like a dog.

Our Dad loved life and everything that it brought with it. From hugs and kisses to laughter and tears, so hopefully we can remember him the right way and enjoy all of those things today.

Thinking back to my memories of my Dad I found one very re-occurring theme. That was cars. Now for a guy who was known in his younger days for having some pretty nice cars he sure went the other way as he got older. From 69’ 428 Mach 1 that he foolishly sold instead of passing on to his wonderful son, he must have bumped his head along the way. I got the pleasure of riding in such beauties as an ’84 fury with green pleather seats that would reach nuclear temperatures during the summer (we did get off a speeding ticket once because the cop felt so bad for us driving and I quote “driving that piece of crap”), to one of his favorites a Chrysler Fifth avenue which had non existent rear shocks and that sent sparks flying every time you hit a bump, he of course insisted it was just it’s “plush ride”. It’s funny though no matter how crappy the car, there’s no other place in the world I wanted to be. Whether it was long talks about sports, girls or just life in general there’s no place I learned more from my Dad then in those wonderfully crappy cars.

One quality of my Dad that I’ll never forget was his imagination. As a kid I spent hundreds of hours on the floor with him playing “worker guy”, pushing dump trucks, and loaders through our imaginary construction sites, talking in our own special language, he found himself doing the same thing 20 years later with his grandson. As much as that vivid imagination came out with us kids its some of his inventions I’ll never forget. His world famous jack-o-grill. An oven rack welded to a car jack that allowed you to cook your campfire supper, at the optimal level, and was probably worthy of a TV infomercial. Another award winner was the bike rack he made for our truck. Instead of spending $250 at Canadian Tire for a nice light aluminum one, he made one from 3” square tubing that had enough bracing on it, to support a house. Red Green would have been proud of this baby and he could never wait to tell people “believe it or not I made that”. From wild inventions to making toys out of nothing he taught us that the world around us was limited only by our imagination, so dream big.

One of the last real good conversations I had with my Dad was just before Christmas. Despite being in excruciating pain and hardly able to leave his bed he insisted on coming for a drive with me as he often did to pick up some parts. I asked him if he was scared of dying. He said he wasn’t, the only thing he worried about in, true John Larkin fashion, is if he had done everything he could to prepare us kids for the life ahead of us. I know he’s listening today so Dad if you don’t mind I’m going to pass on a few of your teachings.

1. Have parties! Parties bring family and friends together, and in the hectic world we live in these times will always be cherished. Use any excuse you can to create memories and be with the ones you love.

2. H.P. sauce makes even the worst food edible.

3. Smile always. Even on days when you feel like nothing has gone your way, and life has given you no reason to smile, do it anyway. You’ll be surprised how good it makes you feel. And the best part about that smile is that it just might make someone else’s day.

4. And the most important... say “I love you”

I can’t ever remember a day where Dad didn’t tell me he loved me. Whether it was walking out the door, coming off the rink or in front my high school there was no place off limits. Family or friends if you love them, tell them period...

Memories of Dad

Delivered by Melissa Larkin

We think our Dad was the best father ever! I always found it so amazing how our Dad was able to inflict so much fear in Harlo and I, that if we ever did something to disappoint him, we didn’t want to know what the consequences were. At the same time, he was our best friend, partner in crime, and confidant. Trying to think about just a few special memories I have, of my Dad, was so hard because there are so many. As kids, my Dad always had time for us, no matter how busy he was.

He was always available to play. In the winter we loved to go on adventures on the snowmobile. He would pack us up, grab all the tools necessary for a good time, like an entire loaf of bread made into PB&J sandwiches, extra helmets for any neighborhood kids we found along the way, skates in case we found our way to the rink, and marshmallows. Off we would go for who knows how long. I have always been the definition of a ”Daddy’s girl”. No matter what he was doing or where he was going I always wanted to be right by his side. I used to feel so special when my Dad would bring me with him to do electrical jobs in the evenings. When I was younger, I think I was more of a hindrance then a help to him, but in later years I’ll never forget how proud he was when he asked me for a number 8 screw driver and I gave him the right one!

Another favorite memory I have was when Dad needed a part for one of our vehicles. Being the scrimpper and saver he was he was, not going to pay full price for that part. Instead, he found a vehicle at an auto wrecker. I get the wakeup call at about 6 on a Saturday morning. I loved going on adventures with my Dad, so I was up and ready to go in no time. After a long drive halfway across the city we finally found the place. Once there, my Dad parks the car and says “ok Lissy, now we have to look the part”. He opens the trunk and in it he has two sets of coveralls, rubber boots, gloves, hats, and tool boxes. All things that he figured people that go to a auto wrecker would wear or needed. After hours of trying to find the vehicle and a lot of hacking and chopping and cursing and swearing we go the part off!! We had so much fun that day!

Another early morning wakeup call I had came earlier then 6. It was a cool spring morning and Pumba hadn’t adjusted to the time change yet so he was up at 5 instead of six to go outside. My dad gets up to let his old boy out. Being half asleep, he grabs the leash, clips him on then opens the door. Waiting for Pumba on the other side of the door was a nice cuddly big black and white SKUNK! For all of you who know Pumba I think you can figure out what happened next! Again, being the chosen child, who do you think gets the wake up call - me. I hear Dad yelling from the back door “LISSY, YOU GOTTA GET UP PUMBA JUST GOT SPRAYED”. I think I yelled back “why don’t you just leave him outside till morning dad” but Dad couldn’t leave his old boy tied up outside in the freezing cold. He goes downstairs and finds some crushed tomatoes, tomatoe paste, and clamto juice; anything he could find that resembled tomato juice. I get up to help because I couldn’t resist joining in on this adventure. While Harlo is sleeping all warm and cozy in his bed, here are Dad and I bathing Pumba in the driveway at 5 in the morning! After a few minutes of soaking the dog in tomatoes we realize it’s not working!! I run inside and do some research and find out that tomato is actually not the way to get skunk spray off a dog. After a quick run into the city smelling like skunk ourselves now, we get the potion to have the dog smelling like a dog again. At the time it didn’t seem like that much fun but looking back it was just another adventure with my dad.

I miss my Dad dearly not having him with me anymore but I know he is always close to my heart. I will miss the way he always told me I looked beautiful before I left the house, the way he would call and check in on me a million times a day, our funny jokes we had between the two of us, and how we used have full conversations only whistling back and forth. In closing I thought it might be nice to end with a poem. When I started researching, this was the first poem I found and it almost seems like I could have written it. It was written by a women whose father had just passed away of prostate cancer.

My Dad, My Angel By Jamie Cirello

Your battle is now over, no more tears flowing down your cheek,

no more pain, no more suffering, now you are no longer weak.

I still do not understand why this had to happen to you,

but I am proud to say you are my dad, the greatest man I ever knew.

Although you will not be here to walk me down the aisle,

when that day comes I know you will be by my side with a smile.

You were always there for me and never once made me cry,

until the day you closed your eyes and had to say goodbye.

Now you are my Angel, so spread your wings out wide,

please wrap them around me whenever you see me cry.

Our time together was memorable and God took you way too fast,

But the most precious thing to me was you being there for my first breath,

and me being there for your last.

* * * * * * * * * *

JANUARY 4, 1953 – FEBRUARY 7, 2013

With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of John at the Grace Hospital with his family by his side, after a long seven year battle with lung cancer.

He is survived by his wife Barbara (Brydon) of 32 years, son Harlo, daughter Melissa and most cherished grandson Hayden. He is also survived by his sister Gail ( Hoss Schell ), brothers Andy (Diana), Howard (Verna) and sister Donna Olson (Rick Hamilton), countless nieces and nephews and a very large extended family, all of whom he cherished very much.

John was born January 4, 1953 to Paul and Josie Larkin. He spent most of his years growing up in the St. Charles and Crestview areas of St. James. After high school John attended Red River College and obtained his Journeyman Electrician’s Certificate. He worked as an Electrician for over 40 years. He loved his years working construction where he travelled extensively in the north. In 1988 he wanted to be home more with his family and joined CFB 17 Wing Winnipeg as a maintenance electrician where he was home every night!

He married his loving wife Barbara in 1980 and then had two great children, Harlo born 1985 and Melissa born 1987. They made their home in Headingley where John was very involved in the community. He coached hockey and baseball for many years out of Phoenix Community Club. He worked tirelessly for his Headingley United Church volunteering, in the choir, grass cutting and was legendary in the Dinner Theater Group. He was the number one fan of all Harlo and Melissa’s activities and sports and this past spring enjoyed watching his grandson Hayden play ball.

Family and friends were always close to his heart and he took every opportunity to be with them. While in the hospital this was returned to him by the number of visitors and calls he had. John and Barbara enjoyed numerous winter trips to warm climates and “500” card games with Barbara’s brother and sister-in-law Barry and Marion Brydon.

Three years ago John’s life adventures involved joining in as partner with his two brothers, sister Donna and the Johnson friends in purchasing Sportsman’s Corner Campground. He enjoyed his days there, where he could be found just hanging out at the store visiting or circulating from camp fire to camp fire! He cherished all the many new friends he made there, as he loved people.

Throughout his seven year battle with lung cancer he never gave up! He was given such exceptional care by all the doctors and nurses at Cancer Care. In particular we want to remember the tireless love and care given by Dr. P. Harris, the Grace Cancer Care Team, Emergency staff and 4 South Team.

Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday February 12th at 2: 00 PM at Grace Community Church, Perimeter Highway South of Roblin Blvd.

If you wish to remember John, a donation may be made in his memory to Headingley United Church, 110 Bridge Road, Headingley MB R4H 1G3 or Cancer Care Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave. Winnipeg MB R3E 0V9.