William Larkin, Writer for Hope, Nixon, Dead at 68
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William Larkin, whose writing credits extended from speeches for Richard M. Nixon to gags for Bob Hope, was found dead last week in his Marina del Rey home, it was learned Monday.
Naomi Burrows, a longtime friend, said he had been in failing health and considerable pain for some time before committing suicide on Thursday. He was 68.
A veteran writer who contributed to dozens of television shows and night club acts and who also provided special material for many of Hope’s countless trips overseas to entertain servicemen, Larkin was working as an air controller in Bakersfield and Santa Monica when he began to submit samples of his work to various performers.
From that grew material for Johnny Carson, Donnie and Marie Osmond, the Carpenters, Steve Allen, Rowan and Martin and several Academy Awards presentations.
Besides Nixon, Burrows said he wrote speeches for Spiro Agnew and Barry M. Goldwater and two books for Hope, “Five Women I Love” and “I Owe Russia $1,200.”
Survivors include two sons, a daughter, a sister and three grandchildren who ask contributions in his name to the Jazz Studio Department of USC, University Park, Los Angeles 90089.
A funeral service will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park.
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