Dr. Lawrence O. "Larry" LaRock, born May 5, 1942, in Helena, MT, to Richard and June Violet (Albright) LaRock, passed away the evening of July 6, 2022, in Butte, due to complications of myotonic dystrophy and dementia.   Dr. LaRock attended Broadwater Elementary School and Helena High graduating in 1960.  He did his undergraduate studies at MSC which is now Montana State University in Bozeman and completed his doctor of optometry degree at Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR in 1966.  His roommates in optometry school were Dr. Fred Thomas of Butte and Dr. Lund Chin of Mercer Island, Seattle, WA.

He grew up just a few blocks away from the Carroll College Campus where he spent many days playing basketball on the outdoor courts.  He was a carrier for the Helena Independent Record all through his school years.  A very good tennis player, winning the Helena City Championship in his college years.  While attending school in Bozeman he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.  After college Army Captain LaRock was  stationed at Fort Lewis during the Viet Nam War.

Dr. LaRock was in Helena waiting to go into practice in Watsonville, CA, when Dr. Leonard Vainio called and asked "Larry" to care for his practice while he filled out his Father's term in the Montana legislature.  This was 1969.  And as they say – "the rest is history!"   In several years he opened a practice with Dr. Robert Heckman, a longtime Butte Optometrist.  Their offices were in the Miners Bank Building, Uptown Butte.  When Dr. Heckman passed away, Dr. Larry LaRock and Dr. Don Marshall built the Professional Center at 1240 Dewey Blvd.  Dr. Larry retired in 2004 and sold his practice and building to Dr. Mike Monson.

Larry was very active in his state association, the Montana Optometric Association, serving as State President two different times.  He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and had received a fellowship from Ohio State University.  He was a trail blazer for the profession not only in Montana but also on the National level.   He mentored many young optometrists during the 80's and 90's.  Larry was a long-time member of the Butte Exchange Club, serving as President and on many committees.  He was very active in the Butte Chamber of Commerce.  He spent many hours at the World Museum of Mining reproducing the Optometry Parlor in Hell Roaring Gulch.

Larry  married Alana Lencioni on July 31, 1972, in Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii.  They would have been married 50 years this July 31st.  And yes, he put up with that Italian for 50 years with a smile on his faceJ  The happiest day of his life was when his daughter Lani Marcee' LaRock was born on May 17, 1979.  Everyone else was second best after that and rightfully so.  He was the best Dad a daughter could ever have.

His favorite pastimes were snow skiing, water skiing, golfing, tennis, attending Gonzaga Basketball home games, playing cribbage, playing with all the doggies his and all the neighbors giving them treats, and spending time at his cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake teaching his daughter Lani's friends how to waterski and of course awarding the "Green Thing Award"!

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his step father, Hans Mo: his brother Richard LaRock of Sacramento, CA; his nieces Melanie LaRock Sherman, Amy LaRock Timmins, Sacramento, CA; brother-in-law Bud Carbis; father-in-law and mother-in-law Bruno and Angie Lencioni and other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Surviving spouse, Alana Lencioni LaRock, surviving daughter Lani LaRock of Spokane, WA;   sister, Marlene Carbis, Nephew, Jim Carbis & spouse Jen, and their children, Philadelphia, PA, Sister-in-Law Jennifer LaRock, Sacramento, CA and her Grandchildren; Aunt Ethyl LaRock, Helena, MT. and numerous cousins.

A huge thank you to Senior Solutions, Deacon Dan, Libby, Jorden, Julie and all the other employees, and Beehive Homes,  Luchy, Tamica, Misddy, and all the other Angels who work in cottage #1.  You are all the best and are a part of our family and yes we will continue to visit!

Thank you to all our friends and family who stopped by to visit with Larry during this most difficult time.  He enjoyed every visit and all the treats!

Funeral Services will be held Monday, July 11, 2022, at 2 PM, in Duggan Dolan Mortuary, 1805 Meadowlark Lane, Butte.  Memorials may be made to the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, PO Box 29543, San Francisco, CA  94129; World Museum of Mining, 155 Museum Way, Butte, MT  59701;  Albert's Angel Fund, 699 Centennial Ave., Butte, MT  59701; or a charity of donor's choice.