Herein with deep regret and sadness, we acknowledge the death of Larry J Wallace DVM, MS, DipACVS on April 1, 2026, in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 88 years. He passed peacefully from this world with his wife, Nancy, and daughter, Cheryl, by his side. Larry was a noted teacher and accomplished surgeon, known and much respected nationally and internationally; and who influenced the careers of many in the veterinary orthopedic community.
Larry was born in South Lyon, Michigan in 1937 and obtained his DVM degree from Michigan State University in 1962, Internship in 1963 and a MS degree in Pathology in 1964. He held a position at the University of Florida, Department of Veterinary Sciences until 1966 and was briefly employed in practice at the well-known Hollywood Animal Hospital, Hollywood, Florida. Following obtaining a faculty position at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1966, he completed a surgical residency in 1969 and American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) certification in 1970. Following his employment at Kansas State University from 1966 -1972, he obtained a faculty position at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine where he was progressively promoted to Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, a position he held until his retirement in 2009.
In his faculty positions, he performed both orthopedic and general surgery but soon focused exclusively on orthopedics and developed noted expertise therein. Larry was an accomplished and diligent surgeon with precise and meticulous technique. Just as great or greater passion was his zest for teaching. Many of his students and residents went on to obtain world renowned recognition. Larry always took great pride in learning of their accomplishments, accolades and successes. While teaching, Larry developed a reputation for being a tough, stern teacher to his students and especially his residents, however, in reality, this behavior belied his personal striving for excellence and subsequently the same expectation for his students/residents. Of interest and notably, many of his residents went on to achieve great success in teaching and orthopedic surgery in their individual careers. Larry was selected by Bruce Hohn DVM, the founder of the AO courses in the United States, to be an initial member of the faculty of the AO/ASIF courses for internal fixation of fractures, a position he continued in for 3 decades. He was a zealous advocate and passionate teacher of the AO principles over the world and a noted lecturer in numerous countries.
Early in his pursuit of orthopedics, he proposed the benefits for pectineus tendon surgery procedures as treatment for the alleviation of pain from hip dysplasia. Later, he progressed to the use of triple pelvic osteotomy, unilateral and bilateral, as a more beneficial procedure to treat hip dysplasia and ultimately endorsed the attributes of total hip arthroplasty in salvaging hip function and relief of pain. Larry realized the benefits of research in orthopedics and advocated the same for his residents. To this end, he obtained a joint appointment as a professor in the University of Minnesota, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, and concurrently the University of Minnesota, College of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, a unique accomplishment at that early time.
Over his career he authored or co-authored 208 publications consisting of book chapters, abstracts, and journal articles. As a life-long learner, Larry continued to attend veterinary and human orthopedic and research meetings staying abreast of new techniques, clinical results and new innovations throughout his career. Through his affiliations with many veterinary organizations in the United States and in Europe, in particular ESVOT and SCIVAC, he taught, learned and enjoyed visits with his many friends. During his career, he received numerous awards and honors which he held in genuine appreciation, especially his presidency of the ACVS 1976-1977. Other recognitions he held in high regard were appointment to the AVMA Council on Education 1990 – 1996, recipient of the “Norden Distinguished Teacher Award” in 1990, and recipient of the MVMA “Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award” in 2007. Like many in our profession, Larry was consumed by orthopedics. However, he also enjoyed reading, sports, fishing, photography, travel and most of all camaraderie with friends.
He is survived by his wife Nancy Roget Wallace, and three adult children Steven Alan, Cheryl Lynn and Kathryn Marie and two grandsons Alan and Seth.
To some Larry was a father, husband, teacher, mentor, researcher, colleague, or associate but to us he was dear friend who will be greatly missed but warmly remembered.
Thomas M Turner DVM
Marvin L Olmstead DVM, MS, DipACVS
Donald A Hulse DVM, MS, DipACVS, DipECVS
