A New Westminster man鈥檚 legacy will live on in the memories of thousands of folks whose lives he鈥檚 touched through the years.
Larry Tamkin, who was known as Santa Larry to many families, passed away suddenly on March 4.
鈥淗e was a bighearted guy. He did everything for the kids,鈥� said stepson James McBurnie. 鈥淗e brought joy to a lot of people.鈥�
For 45 years, Tamkin relished his role as the much-loved Santa Claus at Royal City Centre and Woodward鈥檚.
鈥淗e loved it,鈥� McBurnie said. 鈥淗e took it really seriously. He would actually study the Christmas wish books or whatever when they came out so he would know what was really popular. My brother has a couple of kids. He would talk to them and get ideas from them. He was relevant and with the times with the toys. He was such a good guy.鈥�
Tamkin explained the finer points of being Santa to a Record reporter in 2004.
鈥淭he most important thing is you want to be jolly. Don鈥檛 overdo it. Just laugh a lot,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to say, 鈥榟o, ho, ho鈥� all the time. Sit the children evenly on your lap. Ask basic questions. Just let it flow.鈥�
Rozmin Watson of Hire a Santa said Tamkin was a wonderful, genuine and very humble Santa, who was dedicated to his love of Christmas and the kids. Along with Mrs. Claus, wife Susan, she said the couple brought lots of joy and happiness to children during the holiday season.
"What made him very special was his understanding of people鈥檚 needs whether they were 2 years old or 40 years of age. All the folks from the food court would enjoy their coffee and watched him interact with people of all ages,鈥� she said. 鈥淪anta Larry was a wonderful, calm Santa who understood the meaning of all walks of life. He made many great contributions to the Christmas season and helped it move forward in numerous ways by his kindness and generosity. We were honoured by his kindness and compassion to everyone around him.鈥�
Rev. Laura Nelson at Olivet Baptist Church said Tamkin was involved with the church for many years.
鈥淗e did a lot of music here. He worked with the kids. We have a program for moms. He would come and play music with the kids,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e was so well-loved.鈥�
When the church launched a second service, Tamkin was instrumental in providing music and was part of a band that performed at the church. The band will providing music 鈥� and performing a song written and composed by Tamkin 鈥� at this weekend鈥檚 celebration of life.
鈥淰ery musical, very gifted in theatre,鈥� Nelson said of Tamkin. 鈥淎 multi-talented gentleman.鈥�
A celebration of Tamkin鈥檚 life is taking place on Saturday, March 10 at 2 p.m. at Olivet Baptist Church, 613 Queens Ave. In lieu of flowers, Tamkin鈥檚 family suggests people buy a Christmas gift for a child in need next Christmas or make a donation to a children鈥檚 charity of their choice.
