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John Larkin Obituary
John M. Larkin passed away peacefully at home on April 13, 2020 at the age of 84. John was born in 1936 in Philadelphia, PA. His family moved to Phoenix in 1941 and he attended Kenilworth Grammar School and West Phoenix High. He attended Colorado College, Arizona State University, and obtained a PhD in Microbiology from Washington State University. He then took a job at Louisiana State University (LSU) where he progressed through the ranks to full professor. Ultimately, he spent eight years as Senior Associate Dean and Dean of the Graduate School at LSU before retiring and moving to Surprise, Arizona. In his research career he published one book, about 60 refereed research articles, many invited book chapters, and gave talks and seminars in many states and countries in Europe and Asia. The bacteria genus Larkinella is named in his honor. He is survived by two daughters who live in Baton Rouge, LA, and two nephews. He has two wonderful stepdaughters and their husbands, three grandchildren, and the love of his life, his wife, Paula Larkin, with whom he spent the last 20 years.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Larkin
6 Entries
Hisham Jaafari
December 20, 2023
My best and most respected teacher I have ever had while I was in LSU during the early 1970s. I also had the pleasure of renewing contacts with Dr. Larkin, May Allah Bless His Soul, during the period of 2004 - 2015, when his step-daughter had a plan to visit Doha, State of Qatar.
From my heart, I say that I have learned so much from such a wonderful teacher and human. A treasure to mankind, with his respectful manners, and his ability to communicate with humility.
I am Hisham Jaafari, from Damascus, Syria. Currently living with my family in Manchester, England. I will always treasure Dr. Larkin's memory in my heart, as he was the jewel among all professors in LSU.
Dr. Lana M. Brumfield, PhD, AGACNP-BC
February 11, 2023
Condolences to Dr. Larkin's family, fellow professors, and friends!
Dr. Larkin was my microbiology professor when I attended LSU in the 1980s. He was a wonderful professor, always making difficult subjects attainable. I absolutely loved his class, and he inspired me to attain a PhD and become a professor myself. I commenced with a Bachelor of Science from LSUHSC- New Orleans, School of Nursing. I worked in cardiology at Ochsner for many years; while my husband completed his anesthesiology residency at Ochsner. Years later, we moved our family to Colorado. I earned a Master of Science as Nurse Educator, and another as Nurse Practitioner from Colorado State University-Pueblo. I taught in nursing for many years. I earned a PhD in Nursing and Adult Education (research track) from Capella University and completed a Dissertation that researched concept mapping to improve student learning.
I credit Dr. Larkin for my success because he inspired me to study well, teach the future of nursing, and to earn a PhD. I remember him fondly because he inspired my love of lifelong learning. An understanding of microbiology is significantly important when one works in healthcare, especially when prescribing medications for infectious diseases. I often tell to my own students a few funny stories that I remember from Dr. Larkin's microbiology lectures! What a legend!
Blessings upon Dr. Larkin's family. He was a very good and kind gentleman, and a fabulous educator!
Missy Love
November 1, 2022
Dr. Larkin was my favorite teacher/professor of all time. He is the reason I fell in love with Microbiology. He made it so interesting just off of his notes! I will always treasure his teaching.
Elaine Turken Waxman
April 21, 2020
He kept his good looks for 84 years! Hope he was feeling as well as he was looking until the end...
Good luck to the family ...
Sincerely,
"Turk"
(Elaine Turken Waxman)
PS. Thanks, Nancy, for keeping us so up to date... You are a treasure...!
Joyce and Tom Matthews
April 21, 2020
We wish to express our deepest heartfelt sympathy to the family. May your hearts be warmed and comforted by the wonderful memories and love you shared with John.
April 20, 2020
My condolences are extended as you mourn the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and strength to cope during this trying time. (Psalm 90:10)
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