Statement From Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan Regarding Senator Bill Larkin

After a lifetime of extraordinary service to his community, state, and nation in the U.S. Army and in the New York State Legislature, Bill Larkin has chosen to hang up his uniform.  At the awesome age of 90, there are no more opponents to defeat and no more battles to win.  He has answered every call, completed every mission, and served with honor and distinction.  Through it all, he has loved his country without limit.

I will always remember Senator Larkin’s ability to bring our Republican conference and our Senate chamber to silence when he spoke - - his words were so powerful, his opinion so well respected that his colleagues hung on every word.  Every speech was a new opportunity to learn something new or become a better legislator yourself.

Colonel Larkin would do anything for anyone; no questions asked and no debt ever to be repaid.  He is a humble man who drove important state resources to his Hudson Valley district not because he wanted the credit, but because he wanted to help. To this day, Senator Larkin would give you the shirt off his back or sit quietly and talk to a new colleague about what it means to be a public servant.  Thousands and thousands of people are better off for having known him.

After decades helping others, Colonel Larkin has earned the right to leave this place on his own terms and by his own choosing.  He has been our protector, our Senator and our friend.  His country, his state, and his community are forever in his debt, and each of us are eternally grateful for his counsel and his friendship.  Every single member of the Senate will miss him dearly.

Well done, Bill Larkin.  Yours was an extraordinary journey and we thank you very much.