In Memoriam: Dr. Lawrence LaRock ’65, OD ’66

Dr. Lawrence LaRock ’65, OD ’66 died July 6, 2022, at age 80. A graduate of Helena High School, he pursued his undergraduate studies at Montana State University before attending Pacific’s College of Optometry. As a captain in the U.S. Army, he was stationed at Fort Lewis during the Vietnam War.

LaRock opened an optometry practice in Butte, Mont., in the early 1970s and retired after selling his practice in 2004. He was very active in the Montana Optometric Association, serving as state president twice. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and received a fellowship from Ohio State University. He was a trailblazer for the profession not only in Montana, but also on the national level. He mentored many young optometrists during the 1980s and 1990s.

He married Alana Lencioni in 1972 in Oahu, Hawai’i.

During his life, LaRock enjoyed various athletic pursuits such as snow skiing, water skiing, golfing, tennis and attending Gonzaga Basketball home games. He also thoroughly enjoyed playing cribbage, playing with all his dogs, and spending time at his cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake.

LaRock was preceded in death by both of his parents; his step father Hans Mo; his brother, Richard LaRock; his nieces, Melanie LaRock Sherman and Amy LaRock Timmins; brother-in-law Bud Carbis; father-in-law and mother-in-law Bruno and Angie Lencioni; and other aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his wife, Alana Lencioni LaRock; daughter Lani LaRock; sister Marlene Carbis; nephew Jim Carbis; sister-in-law Jennifer; aunt Ethyl; and numerous cousins.