John d'Arc Lorenz III

John d’Arc Lorenz III, a proud resident of Portland, Oregon, stands as an inspiring embodiment of resilience and defiance against convention. A graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the esteemed Marylhurst University, John's life is a testament to discipline and determination. This endurance is evident in his participation and completion of over ten marathons and duathlons. His intriguing life journey spans the globe, with experiences ranging from the bustling streets of Vietnam to the rugged terrains of Mongolia. Additionally, he has confronted and triumphed over personal battles involving addiction, incarceration, and homelessness, demonstrating an indomitable spirit.

Beyond his personal pursuits, John is a passionate lover of animals, a keen follower of politics, and a devoted history enthusiast. These diverse interests have been instrumental in molding him into a creative force. He has penned the "Beyond Blue Earth to the French Prairie Trilogy," a three-part series that vividly brings to life the adventures, challenges, and achievements of his fascinating ancestors. The wide-ranging and comprehensive scope of the trilogy sweeps across varied geographies, from Bohemia, Luxembourg, and Ireland, to Acadia, Quebec, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, and France, and even to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Through the trilogy, John masterfully explores key historical events, dissecting them with an in-depth analysis that adds depth and context to the narrative. He celebrates the accomplishments of his ancestors, like Etienne Lucier, who was instrumental in establishing the Oregon Trail and casting the pivotal vote to form Oregon's provisional government. Other notable figures include Jacques Bourgeois, who founded Beaubassin, the second Acadian settlement, and Eloi Cyr, a pioneering Montana rancher. John pays homage to his lineage of industrious kin, such as real estate tycoon and timber baron John Cyr, who mined gold in Deadwood, and Frank Lorentz, John F. Lorenz, and John Mahowald, who journeyed in steerage to the New World and established themselves in Mankato and Bird Island, Minnesota.

John's story delves into the lives of Oregon pioneer Metis family Joseph Rocquebrune & Lisette Wallawalla, as well as Andre Picard and his lineage of Honore & John Adolf, And Mable - a pioneer Metis family. He also tells the tale of his grandfather John d'Arc Lorenz, a war hero who survived a harrowing ordeal in the Pacific Ocean during the Battle of Midway, saving a crew member's life and earning the Navy Cross for his heroics.

John's resourcefulness extends beyond writing. He taught himself to use publishing software proficiently, even designing the captivating cover for his book series. The driving force behind his talents? His extraordinary ancestors, who not only form the subjects of his trilogy but also serve as his greatest source of inspiration. Each page of John d’Arc Lorenz III's work is an unforgettable journey through time. As a dedicated historian and skilled author, John's trilogy is a compelling exploration of the past, an homage to his forebears, and a testament to the enduring human spirit.