Dr. Bruce Larrick's Obituary
Dr. Bruce Larrick, DDS, DMD, Renaissance Man, 71, boarded the last train out of Gainesville, Florida, on June 14, 2017, bound for home. He was born to Joel & Madeline Leibner on October 9, 1945. A proud native of Brooklyn, N.Y., and a graduate of Tufts Dental School in Boston, Dr. Larrick came to Gainesville in 1969 to help establish the University of Florida’s new Dental School.
After his academic career, he opened a private practice in the Oaks Mall, called the “Dentique”, and later, “Smiles on 13th St.” with the goal of spreading smiles across Florida.
A train and cruise ship enthusiast, Dr. Larrick traveled the world to give presentations and lectures to dentists and also for adventure.
A creative genius, Dr. Larrick once said , in an article for the Gainesville Sun, the second time he was interviewed for his elaborate, backyard model-train display in honor of 9/11, “I’m an artist trapped in a dentist’s body.”
Dr. Larrick’s art can best be seen in all of the smiles and hearts he touched, especially those of his wife of 31-years, Joan, and his fur-daughter, Mitzi, who never left his side.
If anyone, in the words of Frank Sinatra, did it his way, it was Bruce “Dr. Smiles” Larrick.
A Celebration of Life is set for July 1, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. at Leonardo’s 706, 706 W. University Ave., Gainesville, Fl.
A gentle soul, Bruce loved rescuing animals, so donations in his honor may be made to your favorite animal rescue group.
What’s your fondest memory of Bruce?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bruce?
Share a story where Bruce's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bruce you’ll never forget.
How did Bruce make you smile?