DAVID LARKIN
November 06, 2016
 
Mass of Christian Burial for David Larkin, 86 year old Buffalo resident who passed away quietly Sunday morning at the Amie Holt Care Center in Buffalo, will be celebrated on Friday, November 11th at 10 a.m. at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo with Father Pete Johnson as celebrant. A Vigil Service will be held and the Rosary recited on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo. Donations in Mr. Larkin’s memory may be made to the Meals on Wheels in care of the Harness Funeral Home. 

David “Dave” Larkin was born March 27th, 1930 in Hardin, Montana, to Harold and Marion Larkin. The family moved to Buffalo, where Dave attended school and was active in both sports and music. He spent his summers working at Seney Point where he developed his love for outdoor recreation. After graduating high school he attended college at Montana State in Bozeman, Montana, and earned a degree in forestry. Soon after graduation he joined the US Army and served in the Korean Conflict. He obtained the rank of Tech Sargent and earned a Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged in 1954, and went to work as a smoke jumper and firefighter in Montana and Oregon. After surviving a plane crash, he decided that flying the planes was better than jumping out of them.

He moved to Haines, Alaska, and became an accomplished bush pilot. It was there that he met the love of his life, Joyce Charles. The two spent many hours flying the skies over the Alaska wilderness, which solidified the bond between them. They were married May 21st, 1959, and they moved to Buffalo shortly after that and he went back to work at Seney Point. Flying and guiding occupied Dave’s time until 1962, when he bought Alabam’s and Interstate Exxon with his dad. The Larkins operated the businesses until 1988, when they sold to Stan and Sharon Iverson. They spent the rest of their lives enjoying each other, and spending time in their beloved mountain cabin. Dave was a devout Catholic, an avid hunter, fisherman, and story teller. He enjoyed visits from his many nieces and nephews; entertaining them both at his cabin and in his plane. His ability to get along with people made him successful both in business and in life. His generosity helped several former employees get their college degrees. He delivered Meals on Wheels up to the time he could no longer drive. Dave was, at times, quite the character. He had the ability to talk with anyone and quickly create friendships. He was treasured by many for his casual generosity, his quick wit, and his irrepressible charm. Memories of Dave will surely live on for years to come.

He is survived by one brother Donald and his wife Phyllis Las Cruces, New Mexico,  extended family, Stan and Sharon Iverson of Buffalo, Christie Brink and her husband Murel of Gillette, Wyoming and David Iverson and his wife Rhonda of Johnson City, Tennessee; numerous nieces and nephews and a great host of friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Joyce, and one nephew.

Online condolences may be made at:  www.harnessfuneralhome.com

Sheridan & Johnson County Obituaries