My wife & I only recently learnt of Bruces's passing when ringing to make an appointment, what a great loss, we have been seeing him for 30 years or so & he made the trip to the dentist enjoyable. When our kids were young he would sit them in the chair & look in their mouths to get them used to the dental experience. Like many others we felt our kids grew up together as they were about the same ages & we always used to swap stories about their travels & other adventures. We felt rather sad at our appointment seeing his door open but no photos or anything there that was Bruce except for his name one the door & his photo on the wall. We feel we have lost a friend not just a dentist. Our belayed condolenscences to Bruce's family

My wife and I only just learned of the news, and I know it is cliche, but we were truly shocked and very saddened. I too had a fear of dentists, and he easily helped to overcome those fears. We had been patients since the days of the Mt Alexander Rd clinic where the nurses manage to fly up and down those creaking stairs. I will always remember his love of Photography and felt that our family had grown up with his family. It has been well over 25 years and we will miss him dearly. Our deepest condolences to Kay and the kids (all grown up now). Ros, Martin, Jo, Geoff and Ben van Mierlo

I have just found out of Bruce's death and was both shocked and saddened by the news. We had been a patient for 8 years (after moving to Melbourne from Serbia) when we were given his name by reputation as a great dentist. He trully was a special man and excellent dentinst. Always full of humor and interested in what's new in your life. We are going to miss him. We send our deepest condolences to his family

I have just found out of Bruce's death and am saddened by the news. I had been a patient for 6 years (after moving to melbourne from scotland) when i was given his name by reputation as a great dentist. He trully was a credit to the profession. i send my condolences to his fmily

Just as Bruce would always say at the end of a consultation, "If you have any problems give me a call." Well, this morning I called the clinic to make an appointment as I lost a filling last night. I was totally shocked to learn of his passing. My memories of this great quiet and humerous man will be with me forever. I will remember how we shared our common love of the Geelong Football club especially its recent success. Angels will be receiving the best dental care they've ever had. My prayers and thoughts are with the Hambling family and all staff at the Moonee Ponds Dental Group.

I have just heard the news and I am very saddened. I have been a patient of Bruce since he bought the practice from A. Aylett in Mt Alexander Road. He was also my daughter's dentist. My sincere condolences to the family Margaret Slattery

I am very saddened by the passing of Bruce. Both my sister and I were patients of Bruce when he was on Mount Alexander Road, I first went to him when I was a child and I am forty now. He was a lovely man and a family man, he always had gorgeous photos of his family in his surgery. He was down to earth and honest and always interested in what we were doing. Over the years both my brother in law and my husband also became patients of Bruce. Sincere condolences to Bruce's family. J&M Watson

We have just learnt of Bruce's tragic death and we extend our sympathy to his wife and family. We were among his first patients when he purchased the business from Allan Aylett and he quickly became not only our dentist but a friend who made our trip down from the Mornington Peninsula for our check ups and treatment very worthwhile, these visits were always fun, Bruce had an unforgetable personality and we enjoyed his stories of his winery and his latest adventure with his plane. His memory will live on and thoughts of him will always bring a smile of happiness and a tear for his loss to our world.

We just find out today. My family and I were shocked of Bruce tragic passing and sadness. I feel like I lost a brother, and I feel privilege to have known Bruce,Specialy my family. We will miss this greatest dentist. Our deepest con dolence to the entire family.. Noel,Pin, Christine, Carolin, Joshwa

I only just heard of this news so am shocked and very saddened to hear of Bruce's passing. Bruce has been my one and only dentist for nearly 3 decades, so I have grown up knowing Bruce for a large part of my life. I feel like I have lost a member of my family. He became family dentist to my husband Matt and children Ben and Sarah. We never feared our our trip to the dentist - Bruce always made our visits fun, welcoming and as relaxing an experience as possible. He had a special way with the kids, so they too are very sad that they will not see him again. I feel privileged to have known Bruce. I will truly miss this great, caring, family man, who always worked with such professionalism. My deepest sympathy and condolences to your beautiful wife and family and to all the staff at the Moonee Ponds Dental Group. RIP dear Bruce - I know you are looking over us all as you always have. Love Rose, Matt, Ben and Sarah Lyneham xx

I had a lifelong fear of the dentist, that was until a friend recommended Bruce to me..He was the loveliest most reassuring man, who always talked about his family soo dearly, particularly his wife. He became our family dentist for over 15 years, with both my girls always happy to visit the dentist and see the always smiling Bruce..All our family are deeply saddened and shocked to hear of his passing and wish nothing but the most sincere condolences to his whole family..

Our heartfelt sympathy to Bruce's family and work colleaugues. My family and I just became aware of Bruce's tragic passing and are in deep shock and sadness. Bruce was a lovely man and was my family dentist for over two decades. A trip to the dentist was never something daunting but something we actually looked forward to because we would see his friendly smiling face and know that we were in good hands. Bruce always spoke with pride of his family and we know he will still be looking out for them. Our deepest condolences .

We're in shock to hear the sad passing of a dear man full of life and kindness. Bruce has been my dentist for 28 years and once I married and become a mother Bruce became my husband's and children's dentist too. We all loved him. Visting the dentist will never be the same. You always made us laugh and feel incredibely comfortable. Rest in peace lovely man you will be dearly missed. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Theo, Paras, Adam and William Tsiamis

I was always scared to go to dentist but a friend recommended Bruce and he took away my fears of the dentist. So sad to hear the news I am in total shock

I didnt go to the dentist very often but Dr Hambling always always so cheerful and friendly - he always spoke of his family so proudly. Very sorry to hear the news Greg Millsom

Heartbreaking. A true kind, caring man with a great sense of humour. My deepest sympathy to his family and work colleagues. Rest well...

Bruce was our family dentist for more than 30 years. We were truly heartbroken to learn of his sudden passing. I was only 10 years old when I attended my first appointment with him and, at now almost 41, I simply can't imagine a trip to the dentist without seeing his happy smiling face. We will never forget his kindness, genuine care and concern, or his sense of humour. Our heartfelt sympathy to his family and work colleagues. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. God bless you Dr Hambling.

The McCaull Family who were patients of Bruce before moving to the Mornington Peninsular are saddened by Bruce's sudden passing. Our deepest sympathies to his family. We were never afraid to go to the dentist when we knew Bruce was there to joke with us, talk to us and ask questions even though our mouth was full of cotton wool and instruments ! May the wings of flight which you loved so much carry you to the blue heavens above. Rest in Peace dear Bruce.

I was a dental patient of gorgeous Dr Bruce for 32 yrs. His family had an old english sheepdog when I had my old english sheepdog. He went to Broady TAFE to learn welding, I saw him there when I was learning furniture making. He showed me his beloved yellow monaro when he first got it & spoke of his new love flying a gyrocopter. I never ever dreaded going to 'the dentist' because I wasn't going to the dentist, I was going to see Dr Bruce. I considered him a friend and I will miss him terribly. My very sincere condolences to his entire family and extended family. I will remember him with very fond memories.

What will we do without you? 30 years our family dentist and friend and we just can't believe you won't be there anymore. Who am I going to ring from Italy when my next tooth breaks? Our children grew up to be not afraid of dentists thanks to you. You wre just a wondeful person who died too young, albeit doing what you loved. Our sympathy goes to your family and also your Dental Group family who will find it so hard to replace you. The MIller family (you know, the attention seeker and the princess!!!)

I worked with Bruce and the crew at MPDG for approx 7 years. My deepest sympathy to Kay and the children and to all the crew at MPDG. Bruce you were young at heart and you obviously left this world doing something you loved. Rest in Peace Brucie. Glenda Hesketh.

bruce wasnt my dentist but every time i was there he always said hi and spoke to me he was always nice even though i wasnt his client RIP Bruce you will be missed

Mima and family, As we sit in the chair waiting for our wonderful Bruce to check us and tell us we are fine for another 6 months we stare and comment on his loving family shots that adorn the wall. We remember the 20 plus years we have shared with your family. We send you our love and deep felt sadness at your tragic loss. My sister Michele was a dental nurse with Bruce many years ago and is traveling at the moment but she sends her love too. There are no words but I want you to know we loved Bruce, my children loved Bruce and within his profession he was gold. We are grateful for knowing him Trudy Turner and family

Mima, We are so saddened by the tragic loss of your wonderful father. We are thinking of you and our prayers are for you and your family. Much Love, Frank, Anthea, Jessica, Eliza and Hugh