Lorenz was born in Friesach Austria, the sixth child in a family of eight. As a child he helped on the family farm. By the time he was 14-15 years he had completed his training for the trades of wheel-wright and cart-wright, building wooden bodies for automobiles. He worked in wooden ski factories in Austria and Switzerland before emigrating to Canada in 1957. In Quesnel he worked for the PGE, the pipeline, Weldwood, and the Department of Highways before opening his own cabinet making business in 1974.
Lorenz loved life and participated in many sports including badminton, golf, skiing and fishing. He was associated with numerous clubs and particularly enjoyed helping out with carpentry projects for the Blackwater Paddlers, and the cross-country ski club at Hallis Lake. He loved and respected nature.
His philosophy of life lead him to be an active member of the NDP. He dreamed of a Canada where post secondary education was affordable, the public health care system was strengthened, liveable wages were guaranteed, and a strong social support system was maintained for times when people experienced misfortune. Most of all he wanted Canada’s involvement in war ended.
Lorenz enjoyed many hobbies including building cedar strip canoes, wooden boats, and campers, all of which were included in family camping expeditions. Every year he had a big organic vegetable garden. Three years ago he took up bee-keeping. He loved working on his lathe to produce wooden bowls and peppermills. His life was spiced with laughter and he loved a good joke.
Lorenz died in a traffic accident on December 10th. He will be missed by his wife Mary and children Stephen and Linda, brothers Roman, Bartholomaeus, Gerhard and Winfried, sisters Hedwig and Annaliese and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Lorenz lived his life fully and with kindness.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Quesnel Child Development Centre, Seasons House or the Food Bank.