Joe Talcott’s tribute to Gavin Larkin
Joe Talcott pays tribute to former competitor and collaborator Gavin Larkin
Perhaps we were destined to meet. Eight years ago I was working for McDonald’s in Chicago. On the other side of the country a talented and dynamic young Australian was making an impact for Taco Bell. We were competitors and yet unaware of each other. Two years later I returned to Australia and so did he.
I joined News Limited and found one of our brands having trouble and the agency struggling to find a solution. My old competitor, Gavin Larkin, now working for that agency, came to see me. He was immediately impressive; intelligent, honest and confident. He listened. Really listened. But he wasn’t afraid to express an opinion, even when he knew you might not agree. He took his job seriously but didn’t take himself too seriously. Our first meeting was relatively short, but I knew that this man was special.
Gavin larkin
I had the pleasure of working with Gavin on a number of projects over the next few years. In 2008 he came to see me again. But this time his agenda was personal. Gavin explained that his Father took his own life. He shared his vision of creating R U OK? Day. He spoke about it with characteristic passion and enthusiasm. It would be big, a national event that would reduce suicide. We listened, but knew there were many reasons for us not to be involved; suicide was a taboo subject in media, and in most other places too. Resources were tiny. The idea wasn’t fully formed. But we were convinced. Gavin’s commitment was contagious.
About a year later we were preparing for the second year of R U OK? Day when Gavin called with his shocking news. He had cancer. I remember falling into my chair in stunned disbelief. But Gavin didn’t stop. He hardly slowed down.
Over the next year we had many conversations. We celebrated the success of R U OK? Day, year 2. We planned for year 3 and beyond. But many of our talks were philosophical. He rejected self-pity. He didn’t search reasons for why he had been struck with the disease. As we drove through Sydney he told me that we must live each day, fully. And we must leave rationalisation attempts behind. He said, “Sometimes you can’t look for a reason that something happens…it just is”.
We talked about the advertising business too, about integrity in an industry that is often left searching for it. Gavin stood on principles, his self-imposed principles. He was slow to judge others, but quick to identify his own shortcomings.
Gavin was an inspiration to me. And not just after he got sick. I admired his drive, commitment, energy, common sense, persistence, good humour, and sense of fairness. He touched so many lives, millions through RUOK? Day.
Gavin’s bravery in the face of death was remarkable. He continued to live in a way that set an example for all of us. I count myself very fortunate to have crossed paths with Gavin Larkin, however briefly. He taught us how to live, and then finally, he taught us how to die.
Joe Talcott is the head of the Australian Association of National Advertisers
Beautifully written and a fitting tribute
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Joe,
Reading you’re tribute to Gavin & his remarkable work has had a profound effect on me. Gavin sounds like a person we all strive to be and he was living and breathing it.
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A sad loss. Gavin was a great guy. Thoughts go out to his young family.
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