Today I lost my Step-Father to COVID-19 and I am devastated. He deserved a much better ending and it’s not fair. Bob had been battling leukemia for over 20 years and had many close calls but always fought through to the other side, all while never losing his positive attitude. I will always remember him as a vibrant , strong , optimistic man. He was active , participated in all of his kids and grand kids lives , had so many friends ~ he just loved life . He was amazing.

Bob guided me through rough waters and helped make me the man I am today. He fought hard and heroically against the COVID-19 but it was just too destructive. Even still, he fought with everything he had for 3 weeks. As he fades from this earth and crosses into heaven, he leaves a legacy of positive impact on so many lives.

The statement from his children, my brothers and sisters:

It is with a very heavy heart that we relay the news of our fathers passing. He died peacefully late in the evening on May 7th after a difficult battle with the covid-19 virus. He was an amazingly strong man, at times we thought indestructible. He had survived many health crises over the past 20 years and he did it with such sheer will, positivity and determination that we all naively thought the covid would be just another hurdle to jump. Of course no one is indestructible not even our dad. He was truly a ray of sunshine in the world. He was always full of optimism and hope and he spread it to everyone around him. To know him was to be loved by him. His enthusiasm for his family and friends was unmitigated and immense. A simple greeting from him made you feel like a million bucks. In truth, those wild, over the top accolades that were a trademark of his, he meant every one. He was crazy about people. He loved his friends and family without abandon. Being on the receiving end of that was very special. It’s something we will all miss. If I know anything about my dad, I know he would have loved to have had the opportunity to have just one more chat and say goodbye to each and every one of you. It will have to suffice with this… if you knew our dad in any way he wishes you all the best in life and a very fond farewell.

Steve, Robbie and Kristy

I have been struggling to write the perfect words but one of his granddaughters has already done it. I present her words as if they are my own.

to the man who put a smile on everyone’s face. to the man who made me feel like the best. to the man who made me happy when i was sad. the man who would help with absolutely anything. the man who would support me through it all, heaven is so lucky to have you. the world seems dark without you here gramps and i know everyone says that about people when they’re gone but you were different. you were set a part from everyone and i wish we could go back in time and i could hug you a little longer. you’re someone i never wanted to live without. you showed me the way life should be lived and i hope to be half the person you are because you are beyond special. you are someone who was bigger than life. i wish i could put into words what it feels like to lose someone like you. you created a family full of love that will carry on for generations. you’ll never understand how lucky i am to have a grampa like you. i will miss u at every soccer game but i can’t wait for my first collegiate goal to look up and know you’re up there cheering me on and still being my biggest fan. your support and proudness of me meant more than the world. i’ll be thinking ab you through it all. thank you. thank you for everything. you were the best part of me and the larkin family and always will be. you’re a fighter and nothing less. you’re the strongest person i know but i am so glad you are finally at peace and you don’t need to hurt anymore. i love you grampa. forever.

A pretty awesome Larkin

There was never a bad word said about Bob, or as my children know him, Pop Pop! He was an amazing father and amazing grandfather and an amazing friend and an amazing light in a world filled with darkness. I will miss him more than I can ever explain!