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On November 21, 2007, the world lost a truly amazing and beautiful person, whose demeaner, kindness, humor, and charisma affected an immeasurable number of people in ways that can only be described as magical. This blog exists for Chris' loved ones to share thoughts and memories in a reminiscent tribute and celebration of his life. Please feel free to contribute, and remember that he will always be with us in spirit!
Chris with Lilly
The Sad News in Print
Christopher Robert Larkin died on Wednesday, November 21, 2007, age 55, of complications arising from pneumonia. Chris was a long-time composer and performer in the Philadelphia music scene, known for his creativity, compassion, and kindness. He was the beloved partner of Betty Jane Lenherr; the devoted son of Betty Larkin (nee McKenna); the loving brother of Bruce Larkin, Scott Larkin, Joyce Larkin, John Larkin, Ruth Larkin and Eric Larkin; and the loving brother-in-law of Joanne Gilmore, David Agnew, Paul Feldan, and Jody Larkin (nee Wozar). He was a beloved uncle to eight nieces and nephews and devoted owner of his dog, Mickey. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a service on Saturday, December 15, 2007, at 6:30 P.M. at Gloria Dei Old Swedes' Church, Columbus Blvd. and Christian St., Philadelphia. A memorial celebration will be held at a future date, to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate that contributions be made to Project H.O.M.E., a charitable organization serving homeless people (1515 Fairmount Avenue, Phila, PA 19130, 215-232-7272 - http://www.projecthome.org). Published in the Philadelphia Inquirer & Philadelphia Daily News on 11/27/2007.
Dobbs Tribute Show
Calling All Photos
I will be putting together a looping slide show to run at the services on December 15 and I'm reaching out for photo contributions. If you have any pictures of Chris that you would like to submit, please e-mail them to me at chrisphotos1@yahoo.com or by clicking below. If scanning is an issue for you, I'll be happy to arrange for getting the hard copy from you (with a sincere promise to return them promptly).
Thanks in advance - contributions from friends will really make a difference.
Thanks in advance - contributions from friends will really make a difference.
20 comments:
I was very sorry to hear about Chris's passing. He was most certainly very talented and his talent here on Earth will be missed. I am sure he is using his talent up in Heaven. My deepest sympathy goes to his Mom and his family. Just remember that Chris is only gone from this Earth. However, he still lives in our hearts and is therefore still with all of us.
Marie(Roth)Betz
I can only laugh at the years that Chris and I spent as the closet of friends - He truly was my best friend - I still think of everything from making my bedroom into a movie theatrs to the trips to New York to the nights at Dobbs to him sitting around talking with my stepfather. He was the most caring person I have ever met and I will miss him deeply. My thoughts and love go out to his family and to Bette - we will always have the memories - and since we are talking about Chris - we will have pictures to boot!
Chris truly was a one of the really nice people among us. He was not only talented but real. After meeting and knowing him from Dobb's , one day he walked by my house and we realized that we were neighbor's in Bala Cynwyd. There were times we spent on my front porch just yaking and yaking. He will be missed by alot of friends. David A. Ickes
Living with Chris was living it up for 35 years. Chris was the ringmaster who made everything big. I remember we loaded up all the stuff in that old green Chevy wagon and he was there in his rags-black socks and Converse sneakers. He jumped in, popped the clutch and away we went, and we never looked back. And as you all know there were capers that are too numerous to name at this time. By knowing Chris I met so many amazing and talented people that are also too numerous to name at this time. Chris got that smile and big eyes from his Mom, that's why all those Larkins look alike. I was homeless and they adopted me and We are just devastated by the recent events and we are heartbroken by his passing. We are all going to miss him so much but I always think of glad things when I think of all those miles we traveled together and I will continue enjoying my adopted brothers and especially his two pretty sisters Ruthie and Joyce and his Mom too. Chris was lucky to have Bette these past few years to take care of him. It's sad that we can't laugh with them together anymore. Mom, Eric, Ruth, John, Joyce, Scott, and Buzz, thanks for all the love that Chris showed us in his short life. Love, Tom, Timi, Thomas and William Potts
Chris was my brother in law and uncle to my three children-John, Will, and Sam. I could go on at length about how wonderful Chris was but to keep it simple and short I will say I loved him like a brother. He could drive you crazy with his special relationship with space and time. However, once he made it to what ever gathering there was it was always with a smile on his face and something for everyone to share. One could not stay angry with him. He was smart, funny,kind, insightful and humble. It was always fun to listen to him rant but he never showed any malice. He had a heart of gold and was incredibly kind and patient with my children. He loved to spend time with them and could sit with them and talk to them for hours. They loved to learn from him-my oldest about trains and music, my middle one about the bass guitar and my youngest like nothing better than to sit and watch a WWII movie with him. His breadth of knowledge was incredible. It is amazing to read about his musical talents-it is something he never bragged about nor did he ever show off. It is clear how much he will be missed by his musical peers.
He will also be sorely missed by his nephews and brother-in-law. His spirit will always be with us.
I knew Chris and he was always a great spirit. Always helpful to me and the rest of the artists of Coup d'etat. It breaks my heart that I never got a chance to record with Chris because he had his own unique style of playing and i wanted to collaborate with him. God bless you. Rock in peace.
John Torres
The passing of a friend from years past (all so long ago) allows one to remember not the warts but the laughs; and there were many. Sitting at Dobbs, or at Copa, or at O’Neil’s, enjoying a beer and making incredibly stupid comments about those around us, talking about the music -- listening to this, listening to that. Mostly just a couple of dozen friends sitting around enjoying the moment – many moments that still are alive and full of energy and this morning allows for a moment of melancholy; reminiscing about the summer of our lives and changes we’d bring, and the life we were living (and we were living our lives the way we wanted, without compromise). The snapshot that remains of Chris (and Joey and Alan and so many others) is bright and the memories are fresh -- and the world is a much better palace as a result of the life Chris lived and the souls who have been touched by his presence. Cheers.
Larry (Wright) Rosenberg
Well one of us said tonight " What a great get-together except one persons missing" Although i can not express how deeply saddened i have been since i received the news...... it was truly wonderful to see all the faces that filled the church and reception hall and i realized how much love we all had for Chris and one another as well. some people reconciled old differences and shared again. Love drifted around and filled the room. memories flooded many of us with good times and Chris's smile was fresh in my mind.
Chris's niece singing the Ave Maria was inspired and heartfelt. I thought at some point what a killer rhythm section that's turned out here, and what a great one there is above.... Tonight, we shared Chris's loss as we shared his life.... Together
Dave Simpson
I knew Chris in the early 80's on South Street.
I had not seen him in many years.
What I remember most about him, beside his musical talents was the fact that he really was the sweetest person.
I hope he is jamming up there somewhere with the rest of our departed friends.
Rest my dear, you will be missed by many.
~Roberta
I knew Chris in the 80’s, which seems like yesterday. I have lots of happy memories of Chris that hopefully will win out over the pain of learning he is gone. One time, I spotted him getting into a taxi cab wearing what looked like pajamas. We were trying to shout to each other over the traffic, but Chris was not to be stopped. Another time I spilled something on myself, and Chris stirred up trouble by telling everyone that someone had thrown a drink at me. He could be silly one minute and the next minute make a reference to some obscure film, giving you a glimpse of the intelligence underneath his playful demeanor. Trying to have a rational conversation with him could be frustrating, but you couldn’t stay mad because he was like a small child in his enthusiasm. I’m sure Chris will have no trouble adjusting to heaven, because he was such a special person it seemed like part of him was always on another plane anyway. Eric, the photo of Chris holding Lilly is beautiful. He looks so peaceful, like an angel, which I am sure he is right now (albeit a hell-raising, music-making angel). I will always love and remember Chris.
Lisa McCullough Burns
seems like just yesterday hanging with Chris and his Lawrence Audio keyboard down at 2nd and Bainbridge.....truly one of the best.....willy potts
I am writing this on August 22,2008,Chris' birthday. I am still trying to cope with his sudden death. He was without a doubt one of the sweetest and kindest people i have ever met. What i really enjoyed the most about him was his sense of humor. He would often laugh at the fact that i knew Chris the person, not Chris the musician. We enjoyed each others company so much and thought we would have so much more time together. Right now i think i'll go put on the Doors cd and think of my Chris on his birthday!
One of the first things I did this morning was to wish Chris a "Happy Birthday" - Our birthdays were 10 days apart - so we used to celebrate for 10 days - back in the day - it's one of my fondest memories with Chris - he was one of my best friends and I miss him every day - every time I run into something that makes no sense to me - I think of the rant that Chris would give on the subject and believe it or not - it makes me feel better - just thinking of what he would say - I am lucky that Bette and I are good friends since we can commiserate together - she is right - she is one of the few people that knew Chris the person - not the musician - although the two were not so very different! Enough rambling - HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS!!!!
One of the first things I did this morning was to wish Chris a "Happy Birthday" - Our birthdays were 10 days apart - so we used to celebrate for 10 days - back in the day - it's one of my fondest memories with Chris - he was one of my best friends and I miss him every day - every time I run into something that makes no sense to me - I think of the rant that Chris would give on the subject and believe it or not - it makes me feel better - just thinking of what he would say - I am lucky that Bette and I are good friends since we can commiserate together - she is right - she is one of the few people that knew Chris the person - not the musician - although the two were not so very different! Enough rambling - HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS!!!!
I have just found out about Chris's passing and the news has hit me hard. I moved to CA 30 years ago but before I did I spent the last year and a half around South St. I was one of the luckiest girls in the world as Chris took me in as a roommate when I needed a place to stay. Bainbridge St, Chris and all the other amazing people that made it their home brings me memories that I will never forget. Chris was the kindest soul and an incredible sometimes tortured genius who always had time to at least back then to listen and share what was going on. He made sure that when I came back to visit from CA that I had an autographed album of the Vels as he knew how much that would mean to me. I thank you TP for the people that came into my life because of you with Chris playing such an important part. He also encouraged me to sing and I did. I had not seen Chris in many years but I will always be grateful that I got to share a glimpse of his life. I will miss you and I also give my best to your family. I am in NJ right now and will be at the Dobbs reunion.
With much love and sadness.
Marcine
I can’t believe it’s been a year already. Chris’s death, although something none of us would have wanted, has enabled old friends to reunite and new friendships to grow. It’s obvious that Chris has left a lasting impact on the Philly music scene and on everyone he touched with his kindness and generosity. I met one of my closest friends because we both signed Chris’s guest book on Legacy.com and continued to stay in touch. Thank you Chris for continuing to work your magic from up above!
I just came across this blog completely by accident while thinking about Chris' mom, Betty, now that John Updike has died today--one of her favorite writers. I am in complete shock about Chris. Chris's parents were my parents best friends a long, long time ago in a faraway land, it seems. With Joe gone and my father gone 10 years now, the distance is even further. I can remember evenings at their big house full of people that became late nights with our parents talking and talking, the kids all over the place. All of them were wonderful, happy people who seemed to love each other and everyone else. I never got to them them as adults but they were all special. I am so very, very sorry for the whole family to hear of this loss.
I am Carey, Isabel's oldest. I've been looking for some way to get in touch with the Larkins. I found the blog about Chris today. Betty or anyone,please contact me at coneill4@rochester.rr.com
Carey
I was looking for Chris, hoping to reconnect with my old friend...my search started in facebook, believe it or not.... Now here i am, reading this sad news, and Chris has been gone since 2007. It is difficult to wrap my mind around it.
Chris was so happy go lucky, i never really thought anything bad would happen to him. He had such a lighthearted spirit, and was so hilarious even in the worst situation, he made it seem like things weren't so bad.
He played a song on a piano once, it was the only time i heard him play, when he did, he was transformed. Only then did I know his love of music.
Chris was warm, smart, and kindhearted. My daughter was young when i knew him and he was always sweet and playful with her, his interest and patience with kids was so genuine... Everything about Chris was genuine...
That is why, after all this time, i was looking for him.
Some people cannot be forgotten ever...
I love you Chris, and all your funny ways.
My love to your family.
love audrey
I was so sad to read about Chris' passing...we played in a band together in 1972, Ensemble One Over Zero, rehearsing Chris' amazing long complicated jazz-rock songs for months and months until we finally performed, in Germantown and on South Street. What I remember, aside from the music, is that Chris seemed always genial, and steady through those high times. He was kind; I remember that he let me stay at his house for a day or two before I moved up to Berklee. And he had long hair, all the way down his back. Wish I'd had the chance to reconnect, but... I'm glad to know he had loving family and friends always. If I find the tapes of the band, I'll let you know (I do have a poster--no photo but a cool drawing of our name).
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