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Julian S. Lorenz Chico, CA QCWA # 15875 Chapter 127 |
Julian Scott Lorenz, MD, passed from this life into eternal rest on April 14, 2016, just one week shy of his 95th birthday. A resident of Chico and Butte County since 1963, Dr. Lorenz died peacefully in his home after a short illness. His wife Betsy was at his side.
Julian Scott Lorenz was born April 21, 1921 in Washington, DC. He was the third son of Max Otto Lorenz and Nellie Florence Sheets. His older brothers, Roger and Fred, predeceased him. Julian graduated from high school in Washington and attended the University of Chicago. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Illinois. During World War II, he was a Lieutenant Junior grade working stateside in recruitment.
Dr. Lorenz completed his residency in San Francisco at St. Mary.s Hospital and Napa State Hospital working in obstetrics and gynecology. Eventually, he moved to Chico and practiced obstetrics and gynecology with Dr. Heath and Dr. Ritter. He joined the Butte County Health Department to work in the Child Health and Disability Prevention program and as a health officer. His work touched the lives of many residents of Butte County, particularly parents and children.
Intelligent, warm, and compassionate, he was interested in people and their lives. He sponsored several foreign exchange students from Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia, and learned to speak Arabic so they would feel more welcome. The current conflict in Syria caused him great sadness and concern. This interest in the world and its people began early . he became a ham radio operator at age 12 and continued this venture throughout his entire life. His ham radio friendships span the globe.
He was a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a member of the Table Mountain Masonic Lodge. A faithful Christian, Julian was active at Trinity United Methodist Church for many years, joining New Vision Congregational United Church of Christ in 2006 after marrying a member of that church. Both congregations benefited from his energy and wisdom.
Julian married Viola McCurdy, who died in 1985. They had three sons, David and John, who reside in Chico, and Stephen, who lives in Magalia. One grandson, Stephen Jr., one granddaughter, Nicole, and one great-grandson, Patrick, complete Julian.s family.
On May 27, 2006, he married Elizabeth .Betsy. VanLaan of Chico. They brought great happiness to each other, with the years marked with travel (including a cross-country train trip), and pleasant times with family and friends. Always ready to learn, Julian and Betsy participated in book groups and Bible study groups, and could often be seen nurturing growth in a garden.
The service celebrating Julian Lorenz.s life will be held Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 2:00 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Chico. Pastor Jim Peck of New Vision Congregational United Church of Christ will preside. Memorial gifts can be made to the Torres Shelter in Chico in care of Brusie Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Brusie Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made to www.brusiefh.com