Dick Burton Larkey was born on September 3rd, 1926, to Walter and Jennie Larkey, residents of Long Beach, California. Burt's childhood was a difficult one as he and his five siblings found themselves in a new school every year, probably due to a mostly absent father. One bright spot in his young life would be the couple that would come weekly to take him to the First Brethren Church, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. Later he would choose I Corinthians 2:2 as his life verse, "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified."
Another bright spot was his kindergarten teacher who first discovered and encouraged his talent for drawing. That talent would be further developed in jr. high and high school which would later become his profession, Graphic Designer, back in the days when everything was done by hand. He would spend years working in advertising, in faith-based organizations, like Wycliffe Bible Translators and the Grace Brethren Church and freelancing.
Burt was also a member of the gymnastics team during his high school years before he was called up to serve his country in March of 1945. By December 6th, in the same year, this nineteen year old boarded the E. B. Alexander in New York and sailed to Lehavre, France, and began serving as an ambulance driver in the 583rd Motor Ambulance Company, driving throughout the Alps in Berchtesgaden, Germany.
After being honorably discharged in October of 1946, Burt's artistic talents were again recognized, and he was encouraged to attend art school. In 1947, he attended the Chouinard Art Institute, located in Los Angeles, California. After graduating, Burt headed off to attend the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (Biola), after meeting some students on the Redline trolley in the fall of 1949, graduating with a Bible degree in 1953.
Later in 1956, Burt met his future sweetheart, Virginia, at church, and they were soon married on December 29th of that year. Two years later the Lord would bless them with their daughter, Laurilyn and two and a half years later with their daughter, Leanne. The Larkey family would spend many years living in their home across the street from Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California.
Burt and Virginia enjoyed many years of being active in their church, traveling to Europe and Israel with family and friends, and then making the move to Everett, Washington, in 1998, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Burton is predeceased by his parents, two brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his loved and cherished wife of 62 years, Virginia, daughters and son-in-laws, Laurilyn and Chuck, Leanne and Tom, seven grandchildren and spouses, and one great-granddaughter to be born in April.
Graveside service with military honors will be held at the Cypress Lawn Cemetery in Everett, Washington.
The memorial service will be held on at the Alderwood Community Church in Lynnwood, Washington.
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