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Larry Gene Leiske M.D.

1937 - 2015

BORN

1937

DIED

2015

Larry Leiske Obituary

Larry passed peacefully on December 18, 2015. He was born October 14, 1937 to Sam and Mary Leiske in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. His early years were spent on the family farm in Beiseker where he learned the meaning of a hard day's work. Larry showed an affinity for the piano and started lessons at age 5, eventually achieving grade ten in The Toronto Conservatory of Music, a music and performance education program. He said that at age 15 "he could really play" and realized he must make the decision of a career in music or medicine. Deciding on the latter, he attended Walla Walla College, WA graduating with a physics degree. He received his medical degree from Loma Linda School of Medicine in California and continued on with his internship and ophthalmology residency at White Memorial Medical Center.

He was a pioneer in phacoemulsification and also developed an intraocular lens, both used in cataract surgery. He was a founding member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons as well as the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He was a guest lecturer and instructor throughout the U.S., Egypt, Israel, UK, Canada, Mexico, Columbia, South America, Spain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Africa and also was a professor at USC School of Medicine. He had a private practice in Glendale, CA for many years and was on staff at Glendale Adventist, Glendale Memorial and Verdugo Hills Hospital. Having a fondness for the desert, he sold his practice and moved to Rancho Mirage joining the Milauskas Eye Institute where he practiced for many years. He was a dedicated, caring ophthalmologist who enjoyed his patients and was instrumental to many in helping preserve the precious gift of sight.

Larry was a long time member of the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles and also Desert Island Golf & Country Club where he resided and enjoyed many years of golf and camaraderie. He continued with his passion of the piano and entertained many friends and family.

He is survived by his wife Robbie; brother Wayne (Gail) Leiske of Lacombe , Alberta; three children of whom he was very proud, Kelly (Rick) Riley of Somerville, AL, Kerry (Greg) Lentz of Lexington, NC and son Kevin (Crista) Leiske of La Quinta; along with step-son Garrett Saurer; 11 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 1 niece and 1 nephew.

He will be deeply missed by so many whose lives he touched. Donations may be made in his honor to either http://www.orbis.org

http://www.lbda.org

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: desertsun.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Desert Sun from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Leiske

18 Entries

Martha Lydick

December 13, 2016

My husband Larry and Larry were great friends. I will always remember all the wonderful and funny dinners we had together. He had a wicked sense of humor with his quiet ways he would sneak in a great funny quip.

February 16, 2016

I will always cherish your friendship. Thank you for the memories. You will be missed. Rest in peace.

Love you,
Pushpa

January 30, 2016

Larry was a dear friend to our family for many years,and he will live on in our hearts.Our condolences and prayers to Robbie.
Love,
The Spagnolas

Isabel Alvarez

January 27, 2016

Dr.Larry Leiske will be missed by many, he was a kind and generous person. He always turned a bad day into a good one, he was a very Happy person. With deepest sympathy you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bob Fitzsimmons

January 27, 2016

What a privilege to have a steadfast friend in Larry for so many years. Larry dedicated his life's energy to his family, profession and those friends near and dear to him. As a man of all seasons, hallmarked by wit and charm, Larry made everyone in his presence feel special. Larry brought the music of his life to all within earshot of his concert grand piano - it was part of his life, part of his positive attitude. Memories of Larry's music will live in my heart and mind forever. I want to thank Larry for sharing his life with all of us. My heart goes out to Robbie and family during this very difficult time.

Love,
Bob Fitzsimmons

P.S. See you on the 19th hole...

Jim and Jan Keatts

January 26, 2016

Larry, affectionately know as the BIG GUY will forever be missed but not forgotten. What a brilliant, world respected ophthalmologist, kind and caring individual, gifted pianist, and an impossible to replace friend this man was. He will be remembered with love and a smile, when we reflect on the great times and stories that he provided to us all. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his children and loving wife, Robbie.

simon elloway

January 20, 2016

so sad to hear of my canuk friend going to his rest .......c.u.c. wwc. llu were memorable years for our years together.....His Legacy lives on

Evan & Leslie Jones

January 18, 2016

Larry's whimsical sense of humor was without equal. When we visited him in California, he appeared at the airport in a chauffeur's cap and limo, took us to his favorite restaurant and introduced us to what quickly became one of our all-time favorite wines, and entertained us mercilessly until we were in tears from laughing so hard. He will always have a special place in our hearts. See you on the other side, Larry.

January 13, 2016

A good classmate and friend he will be missed
Al and Diana Pusavat

Lamont Murdoch

January 13, 2016

Larry was an outstanding member of the LLUSM class of 1963 and a credit to the medical profession. His classmates will miss him.

Dan Tinney

January 13, 2016

What a brilliant man. He will be missed by many. Heaven is a little brighter now.

Judy Rush Constantino

January 12, 2016

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Larry's family. He was my classmate in medical school and then he was the first ophthalmologist I took my children to see when they were having vision problems. More recently my husband and I enjoyed the company of Larry and his dear wife Robbie on class trips. We will miss you but will always remember you, Larry.

Debbi

January 11, 2016

Dr.Leiske was a wonderful caring man who was always smiling and telling jokes. He always made the room light up when he entered. He made a huge difference in many lifes.He was an outstanding doctor and truely cared about others.He will truely be missed by all. He is now one of the angels watching over his family and friends.

Coi McWilliams

January 10, 2016

Dr.leiske was one of the kindest caring most easy going doctors I've ever had the pleasure of working for. He was so kind to everyone he came in contact with. I'm so grateful I was able to work under him as his tech for so many years. You will truly be missed.

Steve Smith

January 10, 2016

Larry was a long-time and dear friend to my mom, her late husband, Bucky Green, and our family. He was a highly intelligent and accomplished person and also had a great sense of humor. Our deepest condolences to Robbie and family.

With love,

Steve Smith and Amy Lundeberg

ROBERT sODERBLOM

January 9, 2016

Larry will not be forgotten by our class of 1963. His contributions to his family, to his myriads of patients, to medicine in general, to society have been numerous and will be remembered. His beloved wife has been at his side untiringly and is to be so admired. God's blessings.

TERRY TAFT

January 9, 2016

If the good Lord created a friend, Larry was the ultimate. I enjoyed the relationship for
many years and never tired of his gracious company. God Bless.

Sandee Curry

January 9, 2016

RIP. You will be missed by many.

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