Into Eternal Life…

Into Eternal Life…

My heart is broken. Today it is with great sadness that I write a very simple post. My husband Douglas Larkin left to to into the  LIGHT and LOVE of God on October 2, 2026. Losing my husband, Doug, has been most difficult time I have experienced in my life. My wonderful  family has been supporting me in amazing countless ways. Our sons, our large family, and many friends  have been my lifeline. I am grateful I was by his side at home with my sons as he passed in peace into the LIGHT of eternity. I am grateful he is  free of pain, running freely, and full of JOY. I am totally grateful for a lifetime full of wonderful memories, but I miss him terribly.  We were blessed to have the support of Hospice of Holland.

I was married to Doug for 55 years, which of course is much longer than I lived with my family as I grew up! We were soul mates that had a beautiful life together. I know that in the months that follow I will have some insights about life and death that I will share at some point. But, for now I simply SHARE the Obituary which can also be found online through the Dykstra Funeral Home website. If you are interested in the details of his Celebration of life or want to leave a memory you can click on the website here. www.dykstrafuneralhome.com

All of you probably remember many of our adventures together over the many years since the publication of our book The Light GAP, God’s Amazing Presence in 2016. Doug has always been so very supportive of everything Marj and I did together in the years prior and since that time.

 

A Celebration of the Life of Douglas Lee Larkin

December 25, 1947 – October 2, 2026

Douglas (Doug) Larkin, 78, of Zeeland, MI, went into hands of our Savior through the light, love, and peace of our God on October 2, 2026, from complications caused by Parkinson’s Disease.

Doug was born in Maple Rapids, Michigan on December 25, 1947 alongside his twin brother, Dennis Larkin as the youngest of four brothers. Doug’s mother, Doris Slagel, died when Doug was four. His father, Richard (Dick) Larkin later remarried Jean Geyer when Doug was nine and she became his mother alongside a new sister.

Doug graduated from Midland High School in 1965. He was in the midst of earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting when he enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam Era. Doug married the love of his life Terry on May 15, 1971, just prior to Doug’s deployment to Germany. Doug and Terry enjoyed over four years in the beautiful country of Germany together. Doug returned to finish his bachelor’s degree in Corporate Accounting at Ferris State University.

Throughout his career Doug enjoyed working in Denver, CO, and Shelbyville, TN before settling in Zeeland, MI, in 1987. He served as Chief Financial Officer in both Holland and Grand Rapids, MI and retired from Moss Telecommunications in 2015.

Doug was an avid golfer, a lover of Jazz, a passionate reader, and an enthusiastic hiker and camper. He was also a dedicated environmental advocate who spent 10 years helping lead students to the Amazon. Alongside Terry, Doug traveled deep into the Peruvian Rainforests to promote awareness of environmental issues. Their adventures included hiking the Inca Trail in Peru and studying complex ecosystems in Costa Rica and Kenya. Together with lifelong friends Phil and Deb Tornblom, Doug and Terry traveled to all corners of the globe in search of outdoor adventure.

Doug and Terry raised 3 incredible sons; Jason, Jeremy and Jacob. Jason is married to Michele Page Larkin and they are parents to Doug’s grandchildren Jackson and Emma. Jeremy is married to Allison Larkin, living in sunny California. Jacob is married to Amanda Cade Larkin and parents to grandchildren Cade and Ellee.

Besides his wife, children, and grandchildren, Doug is survived by two of his brothers, Terry Larkin (Nancy) and Dennis Larkin as well as his step sister, Marcia Alexander (Bill). He was preceeded in death by two older brothers, Duane Larkin (Dolores) and Don Larkin (Chong Cha). Doug is also survived by many incredible nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations in memory of Doug Larkin to The Parkinson’s Foundation or Hospice of Holland, MI.

“Terry, you taught me about the LIGHT that is beyond during your NDE.  I am forever grateful for your sharing and life long LOVE.” ~ Doug Larkin Sept. 2026