|
Milan Jackson
God bless Donna and family.
MERNA — Robert J. “Bob” Larkin, 76, of Westlake Village, Calif., died suddenly, but peacefully, in his garden on Saturday (Jan. 19, 2013) of a heart attack. We are heartbroken at the sudden loss of a man who lived a life of love and service to his family, community and country.
A public viewing will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, followed at 6 p.m. by a celebration of his life at the Westlake Village Inn. The funeral, for family and close friends, is at 11 a.m. Sunday. For details, visit www.piercebrothersvalleyoaks.com. Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park and Mortuary, Westlake Village, Calif., is in charge of arrangements.
Bob was born May 1, 1936, in Merna, one of 10 siblings. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force. His early career took him to 29 countries, creating a lifelong love of travel and language.
Bob married Judy Glynn in 1961. They settled in Simi Valley, Calif., with their four children. He opened a State Farm Insurance agency that he ran for 44 years, achieving many top awards. He earned an associate of arts degree from Moorpark College.
Bob became involved in politics, serving as president of the Simi Valley Chamber, and on the parks board. He was instrumental in the creation of the 33-acre Rancho Simi Community Park. He was involved in numerous civic and charitable organizations. Bob became active in the California Republican Party. It was his lifelong passion. He had many treasured relationships among his political friends. He served as president of the California Congress of Republicans; he chaired the Ventura County Republican Central Committee. He ran for State Assembly in 1996 and 2004.
In 2003, after a divorce, Bob found love again “on the back nine,” with Donna Graen, a childhood friend found again at a school reunion. They married on June 13, 2004, and shared 8½ years of joy until he passed.
Bob loved walking and bike rides with Donna and their dog, Gidget, near their home in Westlake Village. His most recent service position was on the board of his HOA. His tomato garden was famous. He wrote poems for family and friends. He was a crooner who never passed up a karaoke opportunity! Bob called his family regularly, and he visited them often. To them, he was “Pop Pop.” He was sentimental and romantic, intelligent and a great storyteller, as well as a history buff.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Sadie, and siblings, Betty, Dick Larkin and Tom Larkin.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Graen Larkin; children, Kathleen “Kate” Larkin, San Francisco; Mary Larkin Ingber, husband Dr. Craig Ingber and granddaughter Devon Ingber, Valencia, Calif.; Robert “Rob” Larkin Jr., wife Angie Ravaioli-Larkin and grandchildren Brittney and Braeden Larkin, Keller, Texas; and Toby Larkin, Anthem, Ariz. Bob’s surviving siblings are Jerry Larkin, Michael Larkin, Larry Larkin, Joan Reeves, Mary Shadowens and Alice Larkin.
His bonus children and grandchildren: Tamra Presley Weiss, husband Jack and grandchildren Samuel Weiss and Alison Weiss, Chicago, and Christopher Presley, Chattanooga, Tenn., from Donna’s previous marriage.
|
