Barry J. Larkin (1954-2009)
LARKIN, WOODRUM, WOOD
Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 6/2/2009 at 18:55:48
THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Tuesday, June 2, 2009.
Dr. Barry Larkin, 54, of Ames, died Thursday, May 28, 2009. Arrangements are pending with Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Wednesday, June 1, 2009.
Barry J. Larkin, 54, of Ames, passed away unexpectedly at his home Thursday, May 28, 2009. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, June 5, in Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall in the music building at Iowa State University.
Dr. Larkin was born July 2, 1954, in Van Nuys, Calif. He was an associate professor of music at ISU 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 earned a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, a master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a doctorate degree 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 storytelling, 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.” He 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 is survived by his daughter, Stephanie, of Chicago; one sister, Linda (Robert) Woodrum, of Hilton Head, S.C., and their children, Jennifer and Michael; his former wife, Lisa Wood, of Canton, Ohio, who was a lifelong friend; and good friend and companion, Tammy Aberson, of Clear Lake.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen; and one brother, Bill “von Bulow” Larkin.
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.
http://www.amestrib.com/
Story Obituaries maintained by Mark Christian.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen