Wayne Deming Larkin
April 25, 1927 - September 3, 2009
Obituary
Wayne D. Larkin passed away peacefully at Swedish Hospital on September 3, 2009 surrounded by loving family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Ronna Larkin, daughters Valerie Sullivan, Denise Rod Brumpton, son Wayne Dennis Larkin, sister Melody Michael Mociulski, brother David Larkin, brother-in-law Gary Betty Nelson, eleven grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and his loyal canine Lexi.
Born in Tacoma, Wayne served two years from 1944 to 1946 in the US Coast Guard on troop transports to Australia, India, New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan.
Mr. Larkin was a remarkable public servant and left his mark on the city of Seattle with over 30 years of service. Wayne joined the Seattle Fire Department in 1947, serving at Station 17, Ladder 9. His service provided the background while as Seattle City Councilman to later work with Fire Superintendent Gordon Vickery to develop the first 911 Medic One system in the country.
In March 1952, he joined the Seattle Police Department, serving in patrol and as a detective in auto theft, intelligence, narcotics and vice. Wayne’s success as a leader in the Seattle Police Department culminated in his being elected as president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild and vice president of the Washington Council of Police Officers. Mr. Larkin also served as president of the Association of Washington Cities and as president of the King County Chapter of Muscular Dystrophy and as a two-term member of the National MD Board of Directors. He worked tirelessly on the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethons.
When a vacancy occurred in 1969 on the Seattle City Council, Wayne successfully ran for election serving two-terms chairing the Intergovernmental Relations, Utilities, and Public Safety committees. During his term of office, Mr. Larkin was listed by Seattle Times readers as among the ‘150 Most Influential People in Seattle/King County History’. Wayne possessed the unique ability to bring people together, reach consensus and foster change.
Results of Councilman Larkin’s persistence and dedication include the Vietnam and Korean War Memorial on the granite walls of the old Public Safety Building which was the first of its kind in the state of Washington. Wayne sponsored and secured passage of Harborview Hospital’s bond issue for Seattle’s nationally recognized Burn Center and also spearheaded the passage of legislation creating the Police Department’s successful K-9 unit, a new dimension in law enforcement employing dogs. A supporter of providing basic city services to Seattle, Councilman Larkin was an advocate for maintaining a strong police department. As Chairman of the city’s Utilities Committee, Councilman Larkin secured passage of a program to exempt economically disadvantaged users of the city’s utilities.
As Chairman of Metro’s Water Quality Committee, Councilman Larkin used his people skills and problem-solving abilities to forge consensus on water issues facing King County. A staunch advocate of public transportation, Larkin played a leading role in the creation of the Metro Transit System.
A real passion for boating gave Wayne enjoyment throughout his life. He was a life member of Queen City Yacht Club serving as Board Chairman and Winslow Outstation Chairman. He loved cruising and fishing on his beloved ‘Merrilee’. Wayne was truly one of nature’s noblemen, a gentle spirit who was loved by all.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Shoreline Community Church, 125 NE 185th Street, Shoreline, with a reception to follow at Queen City Yacht Club. Memorials may be made to Medic One, Seattle Fire Dept., 301 2nd South, Seattle, WA 98104.