Captain Lawrence G. Laiks, D.D.S., P.A. passed away on January 12, 2022 at the age of 92 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital with his fiancé ever present by him. Larry was a man who worked and fought hard to stay in our lives. His request was that everything medically possible be made available for him to continue. Larry never gave up hope. He was a good man. Larry was born on July 10, 1929 to William and Dorothy Esther Laiks in Brooklyn, NY. He attended Erasmus High School. Tennis was his main sport, with basketball and running also. Larry’s home overlooked Ebbets Field. Larry went on to the University of Pennsylvania for both undergraduate and Dental School studies. He loved Penn. Larry continued to excel in tennis. His Dad was a dentist. He too graduated with a Dental Degree from Penn. Larry was an intelligent man.
Larry reached the rank of Captain while serving in The United States Air Force in Amarillo, Texas, also serving in the reserves. Along with his professional duties as an airman, and a dentist, he headed up their tennis team. Most importantly, Larry met and married his beautiful wife, Ann. They became life partners for 49 years. She passed in 2005 after withstanding lung cancer over a period of 25 years. Larry was a kind and caring man.
Upon Larry’s discharged they moved to Little Falls, NJ to open his dental practice and Larry was the newest unknown dentist in town. He didn’t know anyone. Dr. Laiks worked long hours with limited funds and equipment at the start. As his practice grew his reputation as a dentist also grew. He was highly respected for his skill level and his work ethic. Other dentists report that Dr. Laiks was way ahead of his time. He helped new dentists who came into practice after he did, while never considering those he helped as his competitors. Dr. Laiks expected no compensation or restitution for his kindness. Dr. Laiks served two orders of nuns among others, without charging fees. He was an active Rotarian and involved with many community organizations. There was one particular self-organized event that involved selling the most fruit cakes, with the proceeds going to the Rotary Club. Dr. Laiks work ethic was exceptional.
In time Dr. Laiks built a home in Caldwell, NJ. During this period he continued playing championship tennis and working 16 hour days. He could beat every tennis pro at every tennis club where he competed. He continued to play singles tennis every day to age 91. He was a strongly competitive sportsman.
At the center of Larry’s life was always plenty of room for ample love and abundant care for his dogs. He took great pride in his dogs. He and the dogs walked twice a day keeping dogs and master physically and emotionally fit. They even worked in a little game of ‘fetch tennis” most late afternoons. Larry was physically fit, playing tennis with his with partners many years his junior. His tennis partners were his close friends. His dogs were his primary concern when going about his day. Even teaching his fiancé how he cared for the dogs should the responsibility become hers in the event of his absence. Larry was a conscientious pet owner.
In 1995 Larry built his retirement home in the Oaks Clubside located in Sarasota Florida to continue his vigorous exciting life. He immediately became involved in the Oaks community. Because he was trustworthy and smart. He was elected the Board of Directors of the Oaks and the many committees, always working toward the continued progress of the quality of life for the membership and staff. He was playing Senior Tennis at this time. He won the Florida State Championship four times. Gardening was another passion. Larry did all his yard and tree work at each house where he lived, including flowers everywhere. He was known at the Oaks for his energy, sensitivity and unique sense of humor. Larry was one who never sat still for too long. He could repair most anything that went awry. He was dependable and he could be relied on to take care of things. Larry was a hard worker. When Larry did take time for himself he played the piano, followed the stock market, enjoyed cheering on the University of Florida in football, as well as the Tampa Bay Bucs. He watched tennis matches live and on TV. Larry played tennis every day. Larry was an avid reader and collector of great authors. He freely shared his collection with others, especially his ‘acquired’ family. He also was as impassioned with great music. He enjoyed listening to live music and appreciated recorded music that he played on his treasured AV equipment. Larry loved his electronic devices because they equaled the high quality that great music provides.
Sarasota provided Dr. Laiks with an opportunity to enjoy and sponsor the arts in the community. He was a season ticket holder to most performances enjoying his front row seats. He was a benefactor to the Sarasota Orchestra and the Sarasota Ballet. Larry was generous with his support of many organizations in the Sarasota area. He freely gave his time and his financial assistance, always looking for ways to help, especially with his charitable gifts. Careful life planning ensured this giving would continue for many years after he was gone,
Larry left to carry on while missing his tender genuine caring guidance his fiancé, Patricia ‘Patti’ Geruso Blumberg, his two amazing Golden Retrievers, Pheobe and Kingsley, Patti’s family who Larry bonded with immediately upon meeting them. Larry loved to have one-on-one chats with each of them. He welcomed them into his home and shared his life. The respect and love was mutual.
Larry will be missed by his close friends, George Zimmerman and EJ Lantos. They always made him smile to the end. His tennis folks that he saw almost daily, Katie and Tom. Our Angel helpers with the dogs, the trash, the mail, some food and cake, an ear and a shoulder, Katie and family, Tatiana, Neil, Lexie, Marushka, Olivia and Charlie Ginger, Brian and Linda Lane, Keith Gross, Mariann Cohen, Eve Goldberg, Patsy, and other Oaks neighbors who even now offer to volunteer to walk the dogs. Long-time friends Dr. David Ulanet, D.D.S. and Shirley Schmitt and family. Newer friends Ray Helkowski and sons, and Bob and Debbie Greiner.
All are invited to attend Larry’s Memorial Service at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd. 72, Sarasota, FL 34241 on Tuesday March 1, 2022 at 1:00 PM. The service will be led by Captain John J. West. John is part of Larry’s ‘acquired’ family.
Arrangements are being handled by Robert Toale and Sons - Wiegand Chapel, 7454 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231. For online tributes, please visit www.rtsfunerals.com
Larry, our lives were better because you were in it. Until we meet again…
Larry you are a terrific guy
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