Randall Robinson Larkin

Randall Robinson Larkin was born on November 22, 1946 in Plattsburgh New York, on the shores of Lake Champlain and foothills of the Adirondacks. The son of Evelyn and Hanford Larkin, Randy as he came to be known, and his sister Barbara grew up In a beautiful home on Oak street, and formed their early memories at their camp on Point Au Roche, aboard Hanford’s boat the Annabell, and behind the counters of Larkin Pharmacy.

When he was 8 years old, Randy went off to attend the North Country school in the heart of the Adirondacks with his teddy bear, Ike. At North country school Randy learned to horseback ride and made friends from all over the world that often came to visit Lake Champlain at the Larkin camp. There they would practice their skills from North country school like archery, or their skills from home such as spear throwing with his north country school friend from Kenya.

Growing up with Hanford’s sense of adventure and the sporting goods section of Larkin pharmacy at his disposal, Randy learned to love hunting and fishing in the Adirondacks and began exploring beneath the surface of Lake Champlain and Lake Placid with their scuba diving club the Wreck Raider’s. On one fall day in 1963, Randy and the Wreck Raider’s borrowed Hanford’s boat to explore the waters 100 feet below Pulpit Rock in Lake Placid. However, their planned pleasure dive uncovered a 30 year mystery and transformed into Adirondack lore known as the Lady in the Lake, a story that Randy would tell at dinner parties and to visitors of the Adirondacks throughout his years.

In the winters, Randy would find adventure above the lake’s surface, gliding across the ice on Hanford’s Ice boat, the Sinbad.

As Randy grew, so did his sense of adventure and motorsports. Before leaving home for Albany business school, Randy set out in an Austin Healey sports car to explore the country to the coast of the pacific and all points in between.

While in business school and walking past arches donated by his grandfather, O.T. Larkin, Randy began learning principles of business and sales, and would soon blend them with his love for all things with a motor and start his career as a salesman with cars.

At the age of 19, Randy lost his father but over the years would gain many mentors in the business owners he worked with. One of which, in fact, introduced Randy to the love of his life, Karen Lanigan in 1970.

Randy was a gifted and deeply trusted salesman throughout his career. Whether it was a car, a camper, a boat, or even a home, Randy didn’t just sell — he built relationships. Generations of families fondly recall their first purchase from Randy Larkin, returning again and again because of his honesty, professionalism, and sincerity.

Randy the young salesman and Karen the academic began their life together in Plattsburgh, where they raised their 5 children, Kristen Larkin, Patrick Larkin (Kaitlyn), Anne Larkin, Kevin Larkin (Becky), and Brian Larkin (Natasha). Alongside Karen, Randy raised his children to love the world around them and provided opportunities to truly love the area we call home while skiing, sailing, hiking, and being together. Their home and camp were often a central hub for their children and their friends who affectionately refer to Randy a, “North Country Legend”,

A title he certainly earned through his ability to speak with anyone, care for anyone, sell anything, and of course, to captivate an audience with a good story.

Randy took great pride in the accomplishments of all of his children. Truly building this family, including 9 grand children, (Jane, Evelyn, Quinn, Devlin, Eli, Georgie, Pippa, Fiona, and Charlotte), was his greatest accomplishment. To his extended family Randy was seen as a generous spirit and a very welcoming host. Recently when I asked how he would advise his children and grandchildren to live, he said that the most important thing was to live an honest life.

In his later years, Randy saw more of the world with Karen, saw his children become parents, and became, Papa. The “Randyisms”, that have become such a part of the character he is in all of our stories will give us comfort and laughter in the coming days, while the true character of kindness, and respect that he embodied everyday will continue to influence our lives for years to come.

Randy will be sorely missed by both his families and the many dear friends that have shared his life with him. He was very fortunate to develop long lasting and sincere friends throughout his life. He certainly appreciated them.

On October 10th, 2025 surrounded by those he loved and the ones who loved him the most Randy passed peacefully after a year of truly living life to the fullest.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. on October 24th at the Newman Center (90 Broad Street) in Plattsburgh. A reception to celebrate Randy’s life and memory will follow the memorial service.

The memories created in Randy’s last year were made possible in part by the countless transfusions he received. In memory of Randy in lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood or contributions to Fitzpatrick Cancer Center/Infusion.

Please also consider contributing your local food shelf to help support others to have, as Randy would say, “Good Groceries”.

Ay-Oh!!!