Clayton Ronald Larkin

Clayton Ronald Larkin Born March 11th, 1936 Unity New Hampshire Deceased January 20, 2020, Coeur d Alene, Idaho AND NOW YOU KNOW THE REST OF THE STORY…… Clayton Ronald Larkin passed away at the Schneidmiller House - Hospice of North Idaho on January 20 th , 2020 with family by his side. Clay was born in Unity, New Hampshire on March 11 th , 1936 and moved to Bolton Landing, New York. Clay was raised by his parents John and Ruth Larkin. Clay attended school at Bolton High in Bolton Landing, New York. He was an outstanding baseball and basketball player along with taking part in the band. After graduating from Bolton High he enlisted in the US Air Force in October 1953, staying until October 1965. He traveled to many bases and overseas. After leaving the Air Force, Clay came to North Idaho, where he attended North Idaho Junior College. Clay achieved certification as a Forest Technician in their first class. Clay then found work in a wholesale grocery warehouse (The Roundup Company) in Spokane, WA- he spent almost 30 years there before retiring in 1995. Clay was involved in the Post Falls Volunteer Fire Department from 1969 to 1986. Rising to the rank of Assistant Fire Chief. He also worked in the Volunteer Ambulance Service from 1969 to 1978, becoming an EMT. In 1978 Clay ran for public office, school board trustee, and was elected, he held that position for almost 9 years serving as Chairman for 4 years. He spent many years fishing in his favorite lakes in the area. In 1985 he taught himself how to tie large fishing flies, and started his company- “Gadabout flies” operating until 2007. His Roosevelt Muddlers became popular, and he furnished them to the White Elephant stores in Spokane for several years. In 1995 after retiring from his job in Spokane, he decided to run for City Council and got elected. Clay served 5 years as Councilor and then Mayor for 13 years until he retired in 2014. Clay felt very honored to be part of the teams that brought so many new businesses to Post Falls. He would say “it is all teamwork” . In the process he served on many boards/ commissions and helped out the Veterans group being a long time member of the American Legion and VFW. Clay also enjoyed race cars, in fact he built many cars that raced at Stateline Speedway including his own. He was always handy with a wrench and other tools. He loved to spend time tinker on vehicles. After some time in North Idaho Clay met and married Deanna Calkins on June 2 nd , 1967. They lived at the same address for almost 53 years. Clay is survived by his wife Deanna of 53 years, Daughters Alison McArthur and husband Jeff McArthur Spokane Valley, WA , Daughter Lori Larkin of Bayview, ID , Son Rich Larkin and wife Becky of Warrensburg, New York. Sister in law Darlene Williams Coeur d Alene, ID, Nephew Don Williams and wife Tracy Williams Otis Orchards, WA and their children Kristi and Cory and their families, Pam Williams, Battle Ground, WA, and her children Scott and Jenica and their families. He is preceded in death by grandson, Evan Larkin in 2015, Clay’s parents John and Ruth Larkin in New York, and his twin brothers Albert and Arthur of New Hampshire. He was always proud of his family and their accomplishments. He was very grateful to have so many friends in the area, and enjoyed helping as many people as he could. He created the Mayor’s Youth Awards program for the City of Post Falls. He also worked hard on the Grennsferry Overpass with a lot of other members of the community as transportation was an important piece to him and he was able to see it final being built. He was also proud of working on helping getting the business of Cabela’s and Buck Knives to Post Falls. Of course these were important to him as he loved to fish and hunt. He worked as much as he could to help Veteran’s causes, included being a member of the American Legion and VFW in Post Falls. He also was very active in promoting for a new Veterans Home for Post Falls which will be built later this spring. The family would like to thank all the medical professionals that have worked on him during his lifetime and kept him going. We would like to thank the staff of Hospice of North Idaho that helped us during the last few months of his life- Nurse Liz, CNA Wanda, Nurse Will, Nurse Tracy and Social Worker Stephanie. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Hospice of North Idaho Schneidmiller House 2290 W Prairie Avenue Coeur d’ Alene, ID 83815 in Clay’s name or to the Veterans Home that will be built later this spring- to the Idaho Veterans Home 351 Collins Road, Boise, ID 83702 Atten: Tracy Schaner in memory of Clay Larkin for the Post Falls Veterans Home or to the charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life- a casual open house has been arranged to be held on Saturday February 1 st , 2020 from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Kootenai Fire and Rescue Training Center at 5271 E Seltice Way Post Falls, ID 83854.