Genest De Larbre ’46
Genest de L'Arbre died July 14, 2003, in Reno, Nev., where he lived with his wife of 55 years, Jean.
A native of Belgium, he came to America in 1940 as a refugee from World War II, to study a year at Lawrenceville before starting Princeton in 1942. As a premedical student he transferred to Stanford University Medical School, finishing surgical training in 1952. He joined the Army and became chief of surgery at various hospitals until establishing a practice in Stockton, Calif. He was president of the State Board of Medical Examiners in 1968-69. Active in politics, Genest served on the California Republican Central Committee as finance chairman.
Genest enjoyed gardening, travel, and his daughters, Frances, Victoria, and Patricia as well as their husbands and his two grandchildren. He is survived by them and by Jean. The class extends its sympathy on the loss of a fine professional, exemplary family man, and esteemed classmate.
The Class of 1946
Paw in print
March 2026
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Comments
Melissa Sanchez
1 Month AgoFrom a Grateful Patient
I was only three years old when my life changed forever. I suffered third-degree burns from hot water and was rushed to the burn unit at Dameron, where Dr. De Larbre was in charge. I was so young, yet the care I received there became the reason I am alive today. If it were not for Dr. De Larbre and the extraordinary compassion, skill, and dedication he showed, I truly believe I would not be here to tell this story.
Even now, decades later, I can still remember the smell of the burn unit—it is etched into my memory, a reminder of the most fragile time in my life. That place, filled with pain and healing, became a turning point that shaped who I am today. What could have been the end of my life became a beginning because of him. I carry endless gratitude, and respect for Dr. De Larbre, whose hands and heart saved a little child and gave them a future.