John D’arc Lorenz

John d'Arc Lorenz II, a man of remarkable spirit and diverse talents, passed away leaving a legacy of courage, strength, and honor. Born on July 23, 1943, at a US Navy base in Norfolk, Virginia, he was the first of three children born to John d'Arc Lorenz Sr., a decorated World War II veteran who was awarded the Navy Cross for heroism at the Battle of Midway, and Delight (McHale) Lorenz, a prominent Oregon theater actress.
Growing up in post-war Portland, Oregon, John developed a strong work ethic early on. He attended Central Catholic High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree with honors from the University of Portland while cofounding the fraternity Sigma Tau Omega. He would continue on to earn a master's in political science from the University of Chicago and pursue his doctorate at Georgetown University in Washington DC. His early career included a foray into government service, culminating in a run for Portland City Council. Politics remained a lifelong passion.
In the 1970's, John started working with Ira Keller, a famous business owner in the Portland area and in 1986, John co-founded Environmental Waste of America, Inc. (EWA), marking a turning point in his career. As a leader at EWA, AC&R Inc., GlyEco Inc., Restoration Builders Inc., and several other companies, he inspired those around him to embrace the journey of life, prioritizing growth and experience over a sole focus on outcomes. His dedication to learning and his tireless work ethic served as an inspiration to many.
John's interests extended far beyond the business world. He was an accomplished fencer, sailor, marathon runner, and triathlete. He was also a political analyst, history enthusiast, trusted advisor, avid traveler, comedian, mentor, adventurer, teacher, an Adjunct Professor at ASU, and even a skilled juggler. He possessed an infectious personality, readily engaging others with a joke, a fascinating fact, or simply his genuine warmth. John had a gift for making everyone feel comfortable.
Family was paramount to John. He inherited strong family values from his mother, which he nurtured in his relationships with his brothers, Ronn "Keek" Lorenz and Dwight "Bumpsy" Lorenz. He instilled these same values in his four sons, Troy, John d'Arc III, Edouard, and Cory-Alexander, creating a generational legacy built on the three pillars of the Lorenz family: courage, strength, and honor.
John's humor, zest for life, and mentorship will be deeply missed. A celebration of his life will be held in the Pacific Northwest in the spring of 2025.
John is survived by his wife, Janet; his sons, Troy (Alejandra), John d'Arc III (Andria), Edouard, and Cory-Alexander (Elizabeth); and his grandchildren, John d'Arc IV, Jacob, Caleb, Alexander, Sienna, Alia, and Lilly. He also leaves behind his brothers, Ronn and Dwight; his sisters-in-law, Patricia and Nancy; and a large extended family who will cherish his inimitable spirit. He was predeceased by his parents, John d'Arc Sr. and Delight Lorenz.