BARRY J. LARKIN

BARRY J. LARKIN

Ames

Barry J. Larkin, 54, of Ames, passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 28.

A memorial service will be held in the Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall in the music building at Iowa State University on Friday, June 5 at 2 p.m.

Dr. Larkin was born July 2, 1954 in Van Nuys, California. He was an Associate Professor of Music at Iowa State since 1991 where he taught percussion and assisted with the Marching Band drumline. He was principal percussionist with the Des Moines Symphony and the "first call" percussionist for the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines. He was a highly regarded performer, dedicated teacher, respected colleague, and mentor to the hundreds of students that he taught.

He received his bachelor's degree from Arizona State University, his master's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, and his doctorate from the University of Southern California. He was very involved with percussion pedagogy and acoustical research and presented his findings at numerous scholarly conferences and in prestigious journals. He found a percussive aspect to everything in life and regularly tapped out rhythms on tables, brake drums, water bottles anything that was available and made sound.

He was known for his love of story telling, particularly of life in the 70s and growing up with a father who was a comedy writer for Bob Hope. He was able to find humor in the quirky elements of life, often quoting from the movies "Wayne's World" and "Airplane." Barry always enjoyed a good laugh.

Besides music, he enjoyed all things about airplanes (including flying them and jumping out of them), working on his home, and reading about current news and scientific research. Most importantly, he loved spending time with and talking about his daughter, Stephanie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen, and brother Bill "von Bulow" Larkin. He is survived by his daughter Stephanie, Chicago, IL; sister Linda (Robert) Woodrum of Hilton Head, SC, and children Jennifer and Michael; his former wife, Lisa Wood, of Canton, OH, who was a lifelong friend; and good friend and companion, Tammy Aberson, of Clear Lake, IA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be directed to the "Dr. Barry Larkin Memorial Percussion Scholarship Fund" through the ISU Foundation.

Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.