John and Lorena Woronuk Family

John, the youngest member of the Woronuk clan, was born in Rycroft on November 18, 1928, and raised on the farm. He obtained his schooling in Rycroft.

Unlike his older brothers, who grew up in close companionship with Lazoruk boys, John's growing up years were closely associated with those of his cousin, Evelyn Lazoruk. He is absolutely certain that Evelyn's remarkable culinary capabilities date back to their mud pie days in which he played a significant part, although occasionally he inadvertently stepped into them. Her vocal response was so frequent and sustained that, as a consequence, she developed the singing voice that everyone in the community has had the pleasure to hear.

In 1947, John interrupted his grade XII studies to accompany his brother Bill on a combining expedition, harvesting crops from Oklahoma to the Canadian border. Although this involved taking several months off school, it turned out to be a very profitable venture, as the funds assisted in financing John's education in the U.S.A.

While taking pre-dentistry at the Universities of Stanford and Washington, John enjoyed the instruction and opportunity of playing baseball on the University teams.

During his second year of pre-dentistry he had the good fortune of studying violin under Karla Kantner and Emanuel Zetlin in the Conservatory of Music at the University of Washington.

John was accepted into Dentistry at the University of Oregon in Portland, one of the most excellent schools in Dentistry on the west coast.

During his studies there, he met Lorena Ennor, daughter of Varley and Doreen Ennor of Portland. Lorena (Rene) and John were married in Portland on July 14, 1956. A reception was later held in the Rycroft Hall.

In the fall of 1956, while still attending University, he received the sad news of his father's passing.

He graduated from dentistry on June 20, 1957 with a degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine. The young couple moved to Fairview, Alberta that same year, where John joined his brother, Merose, in practice. Together they enjoyed three years of dentistry and participation in community activities. Both men loved playing violin duets and later string quartet music with Otto Bernstein and Mrs. Dormer. John was also active in the Fairview Drama Club.

In 1960, Dr. Don Braden of Dawson Creek moved to Victoria and Dr. John took over his practice. He has continued in private practice in Dawson Creek to the present date.

Rene is a very versatile and talented craftswoman. In 1969 she established the Yarn Barn, a yarn and needlecraft shop where, in addition to offering a complete selection of merchandise, she offered instruction classes for many of her crafts. Although very successful, she closed the business in 1982, preferring to assist John in his practice.

John is a dedicated dentist whose interest in his profession has never leveled off. He advanced his knowledge and skills by attending numerous post graduate studies in various points in the United States. Thus, he studies General Anesthesia in Toledo, Ohio in 1959 and 1960 and took several extensive courses in Full Mouth Reconstruction in Portland. John's high standards in dentistry and advanced knowledge in the profession were recognized when he was accepted into the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry on February 2, 1969. He was the fourth Canadian to be granted this recognition in the Academy.

Apart from his involvement in dentistry, John participated and contributed significantly in the community Arts and Cultural areas. Of his many interests, music and especially playing the violin, rank among his highest. He participated and helped to organize the Dawson Creek Symphonette and actively pursued violin studies. Today he enjoys quite an extensive repertoire of classical music and plays on a violin over two hundred years old, crafted by Italian masters.

Rene and John enjoy a family of four children: Nichalus Dean was born August 10, 1957. David Varley was born March 6, 1960. Susan Lynne was born February 20, 1961. Douglas John was born February 26, 1965.

Nichalus and Sharon Smith married July 1, 1979 in Vauxhall, Alberta. David and Diane Jungwirth married June 28, 1980 in Dawson Creek, Columbia.