Lamont Keith Larkin

Lamont Keith Larkin passed away peacefully on November 25, 2021 in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, due to a brief bout of pneumonia. An award-winning Science teacher, his labs at Horton District High School were places of hands-on experience and discovery. He was instrumental in establishing the first Kings County Science Fair allowing students to engage in curious research in developing and presenting projects. He was constantly piloting science curricula and developed strong relationships with Scientific Equipment firms to provide the latest instruments for his classroom. As President of the Nova Scotia Science Teachers Association, his enthusiasm for sharing his teaching with other teachers led to his bringing world-class scientists, including Nobel Laureates, to the province to workshop with teachers of all disciplines.

On the commendation of students and superiors, he was recognized with many awards, including the Marshall McLuhan Distinguished Teacher Award, Science Teacher of the Year (Atlantic Provinces Inter-council on the Sciences) award, Shell Merit Fellowships in Chemistry and in Engineering, Ministers Award in Innovation in Technology in the Classroom.

Upon retirement, he immediately trained and certified as a Marine Chemist and soon took two young engineers under his wing to carry on as he branched out into workplace safety teaching, inspection and auditing. He particularly enjoyed meeting former students in workplace settings. He usually teased he was there to collect overdue homework!

Lamont loved live theatre and was a key member of Acadia Summer Playhouse. He was involved in the production of many Broadway musicals and dramatic plays.

Lamont always had time to contribute to his community, primarily as a founding member and Chair of Fundy Interchurch Food Bank. His generous spirit and sense of humour and concern made him a favourite of clients and volunteers alike. His time there permitted him to reach out to a number of young men for whom he became a role model, teaching them many skills and just listening.

An active member of the United Church of St. Paul and St. Stephen, he served as Elder, Council member, Sunday School Superintendent, Property Chair among others. He worked with and became lifelong friends with several refugee families. At the time of his death, he worshipped at Canard Community Church.

In 2016 a fall rendered him a quadriplegic and his spirit and wit in horrible circumstances were an inspiration to family, friends and caregivers. He accepted help with grace and made a strong silent statement on accepting tragic circumstances. Workers always looked forward to their time with him and as a result he received excellent care through VON and CareForce as well as private. He continued to engage in many outings and served as a disabled representative on Kentville’s Accessory Advisory Committee.

Lamont was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Madge (Hughes) Larkin and brother, George in infancy. He is survived by sister, Viola, East Pubnico; wife, Mary (Macmillan); daughter, Katherine (Kurt), New York; sons, Andrew, Philadelphia; David (Madeline), Maine; grandchildren, Ben, Chloe, Matthew, all of New York; Edward, Philadelphia; Vivien, Chicago; Kylie and Claire of Maine.

A service of music and readings to celebrate Lamont’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2022 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. For those unable to attend, a video webcast of the service will be available at that time. Family flowers only, by request.

Donations in memory may be made to the Rick Hansen Foundation, Annapolis Valley – VON or the Valley Regional Hospital – CT Scan Fund. Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. For online condolences, inquiries and to view the webcast, please visit: www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.