The Creighton community lost a Jesuit over winter break, one who always had a “twinkle in his eye.”

The Rev. Ed Larkin, S.J., was born in Omaha on March 5, 1922, and he passed away on Dec. 13, 2008, in Wauwatosa, Wisc. at the age of 86. He attended Creighton Prep High School and graduated in 1940. While at Prep, he starred as the football team’s quarterback. He was also a great basketball player.

“He had a deadly shot from the outside, I understand,” the Rev. Roc O’Connor, S.J., said.

Larkin was ordained a priest at St. Marys College in St. Marys, Kan., on June 16, 1954. He taught theology at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee for 22 years. In 1986, he returned to Omaha and taught theology for another year before coming to Creighton to be a pastoral minister.

O’Connor described Larkin as a “perfect, jovial Irishman.” He loved talking and telling stories. He also loved to sing and had a talent for hearing any piece of music and almost instantly coming up with a harmony part for it.

“He was always very kind and caring with the students,” O’Connor said, especially with the students who worked in the Jesuit kitchen.

One of O’Connor’s favorite stories was when Larkin celebrated Mass to mark the 50th anniversary of his ordination. He spoke during the homily for almost 40 minutes non-stop. O’Connor tried to play some music after about 20 minutes as a cue for Larkin to wrap it up, but he kept talking.

Ultimately, O’Connor said Larkin would be remembered as a very grandfatherly figure.

“He is one of those sweet people you love to see around and you hate to see gone,” he said.