Words of remembrance from the Class of 1978

Dr. Ron Fulton:

I always thought of Don as our “Class Father”, and found him to be an inspiration to us all. My condolences go out to Lou and the family. Warmest regards, Ron Fulton

Drs. Graham & Loretta Lee:

Loretta and I would like to extend our condolences to the Lauriente family and we are sorry for their loss. We had the extreme pleasure of spending everyday next to Don in our cubicles for 3 years of dental school. Don was a good man and a very professional colleague. It was our honour to call him friend as he counselled Loretta and myself. Don, you will be missed!

Dr. Barbara Finlayson:

I am so sorry to hear about Don’s passing.  This is very sad news not only for his family, but for the dental community as well.  He was so ready to help everybody all through dental school, and I understand that his generous contributions continued throughout his career.  I am sure his patients and colleagues all have wonderful memories of him.

Dr. Stanley Soon (and wife Judy):

We are so sorry to hear this announcement.  Our condolences to the Lauriente family in memory of a wonderful gentleman and colleague. He always advocated for all members of the CDSBC, dental students & alumni. He has our deepest respect.

Dr. David Sweet:

I certainly agree that Don was a wonderful man.  He has had such an influence on all of our careers.  I would go so far to say that he had an influence even on my life and the way I conduct myself.  For many years, he was at the BCDA showing outstanding leadership, advice and most importantly a down-to-earth approach to problem solving within the profession.

Dr. Amanda Maplethorp:

Don was a wonderful man and always an inspiration.

Dr. Ed O’Brien:

I studied with Don during dental school. We were both in married student residence and studied in the top floor study area of the residence tower. My favourite story from that time was the morning he came into school with  big smile on his face. Don and Lou had three daughters within 2 years of age. They had decorated the Christmas tree the night before and “the Birds” (his name for the three) loved it so much they got up early and undecorated the tree so they could do it again. Don did an amazing job as the Director of Member services with the BC College of Dental Surgeons, he loved the job. I visited him fairly often for lunch and listened to his stories. He was the person who talked me into getting involved in organized dentistry. We were both Metallurgical Engineers originally, both spent time in Trail so we had the same language/dialect. A great guy, sad passing, miss him.

Dr. Janet Thom:

When I was in dental school everyone knew Don. We also knew that if you had a problem you could go to his office at the old college and be welcomed with open arms. I had a difficult patient once shortly after I graduated so I went in to ask Don about it. When I was finished blathering away he said he just had one question for me “did you do your best?”

I said that I had and it took all my worries away. I can still hear him saying it, and I’ve lived by that mantra ever since.

What a legend!