Michael Allen Larkin

Mike Larkin passed away peacefully in his home on Friday December 30th, 2022, with his loyal puppy, Lily, by his side. Mike was born in Watsonville, California, the second son of Emmett and Fannie Larkin. He grew up running around the family ranch and operating his own dairy with his brother Emmett (Mickey). He attended Watsonville High School where he played football, was an active member of the FFA, and graduated in 1957. He went on to attend Hartnell College, where he would meet his beloved wife, Estelle.

Mike and Estelle married on November 29, 1959 and shared just shy of 56 wonderful years of marriage together, before her passing in 2014. They first lived in Salinas, CA in 1959 and returned to Watsonville in 1961.

Mike and Estelle had three children, Cindy, Shaun, and Ian. Mike and Estelle raised their family in Watsonville, where Mike worked for Goodale Bearing and Manufacturing, later becoming Motion Industries. Mike retired from Motion Industries in 2002. He was also a member of the California National Guard from 1963 to 1974. Mike took pride in coaching at Salsipuedes Little League and Watsonville Colt League, Watsonville Pop Warner Football, and serving as president of the Watsonville High School Booster Club while his children attended his alma mater. He was a longtime member of the Watsonville Elks Lodge and Pajaro Valley Rod and Gun Club. He was a classic car enthusiast, collecting and restoring classic cars over the years, and taking great pride in showing his cars at a number of shows. Mike was a lifelong 49er fan and enjoyed attending games with Estelle and his family and friends. He and Estelle could always be found attending their children and grandchildrens’ sporting events, continuing to support local athletics throughout their lives. Mike was extremely proud of his grandchildren and all their accomplishments, and was able to enjoy this Christmas with his children and grandchildren.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Mickey and Jack Larkin, half-sister Jane Jolly, his wife, Estelle Larkin, daughter Cindy Gunderson, and son Shaun Larkin. He is survived by his son, Ian (Lisa) Larkin, four grandchildren Nick (Ashley) Greene, Justin (Kayla) Greene, Ashley and Morgan Larkin, three great-grandchildren, Rosalie, Weston, and Jameson Greene, and his son-in-law Rich Gunderson. Mike is also survived by numerous members of his extended family.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 2:30pm at Our Lady Help of Christians (Valley Church), 2401 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA 95076.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to a charity of your choosing and that if you have the time, to go enjoy a car show with your family.