Jack Lorenz

John R. Lorenz (March 14, 1939 – March 2, 2009) was an American environmental activist who led the Izaak Walton League. He served the League for nearly two decades. Lorenz was a vocal advocate for ethical use of outdoor spaces and lobbied off-road vehicle manufacturers to avoid advertisements depicting and glorifying irresponsible treatment of forests and streams. An avid fisherman, Lorenz fished in all 50 states and all of Canada's provinces.

Life and work Lorenz was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 14, 1939, He attended the University of Tulsa, graduating in 1961, went on to work for the Falstaff Brewing Corporation in St. Louis, and became the leader of the Izaak Walton League in 1974.

Lorenz's work on behalf of fishing and hunting advocates as well as environmentalists and conservationists brought him acclaim in both communities, capitalizing on their mutual interests to advance programs that served both communities. He was active with many smaller groups, including Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, on whose board he served, an organization of activists dedicated to protecting their river from environmental degradation.

Lorenz's work reflected a keen sense of altruism and practicality, a desire to leave something behind him that would demonstrate to future generations the important role the wild places of the country played in his life. He had grown up fishing the rivers in Missouri and Arkansas with his father, and he wanted others to have that same kind of experience. He is quoted as often saying that the hard work and sacrifice of his job was worth it. "The gratitude of our children will be thanks enough for our work."

Lorenz, who lived in Woodstock, Virginia, died of a stroke on March 2, 2009, in San Diego, California.