This posthumous Spotlight was not able to be completed before John’s illness took over. John’s sister, Ruth, provided some additional information to complete this article. Please read about this extraordinary Member/Volunteer, who you likely saw at LSCO, but did not know.
John Unrau hailed from Coaldale, raised by German-speaking Russian Mennonite parents who married in 1944. His parents were not allowed to practice their faith in Russia, causing them to move to Canada in the 1920s but kept their roots by speaking Russian in their home until John and Ruth’s public schooling transitioned their household language to English.
Growing up secluded on a farm near Coaldale, only venturing off for school and church, John and his sister Ruth shared a tight bond, spending their days cycling, playing, and studying together. Despite Ruth’s attempts to convince him otherwise, John modestly dismissed his intellect, though Ruth emphasizes John’s common sense and numerous competencies that she does not have.
Tragedy struck early with their mother’s passing when John was 18, followed by their father’s remarriage, which both siblings embraced wholeheartedly. John graduated from Kate Andrews High School in the mid-1960s and delved into music briefly, mastering a few piano pieces before moving on.
His academic journey led him through science courses at Lethbridge Junior College and culminated in a Diploma in Chemical Technology (Biochemistry) from SAIT in 1968. His professional career bloomed at the Lethbridge Research Station, where he dedicated 29 years to soil technology before retiring in 1997.
Post-retirement, John found joy and camaraderie at Green Haven Nurseries and the Mennonite Central Committee Thrift Shop, developing lasting friendships. Despite facing multiple brain surgeries starting in 2006, John maintained a matter-of-fact attitude about it, never allowing adversity to overshadow his positive attitude.
While not a frequent traveler, John cherished his visits to Hawaii and Washington, D.C., particularly relishing his time at the Smithsonian. Described as a homebody, John poured his energies into various hobbies like gardening, stained glass, petit point, woodworking, and writing, showcasing a multifaceted talent. His skills were of a such a high quality, there was an exhibition of many of his petit point pictures at LSCO in 2011 (See Below)
His love for classical music permeated his home and workshop, where he indulged in refurbishing wood to install wainscotting in his home (as an example) and creating stained glass pieces used to decorate his house and others.
John was also known for his loveable features like wearing shorts all year round, reading dictionaries for obscure words, baking his renowned Christmas cakes, biking to work for years and recycling before it became the thing to do. He loved “old things” and living life “plain and simple.”
John’s playful nature also shone through his occasional pranks. He once auctioned off his sister’s ‘long lost coffee mug’ at a Christmas party and it cost her $62 to get it back. John liked cheese, peanut butter, and dill pickles, but especially loved hot sauces. A little hot sauce in anything could do no wrong, in John’s estimation.
Despite being rather shy, John forged deep friendships, especially with women from diverse backgrounds, embodying kindness, humility, and empathy. These traits made him an excellent volunteer at the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, as he was non judgemental and able to identify with marginalized people.
His commitment to community service earned him accolades like Lethbridge Senior of Distinction Award in 2014; a certificate from Canadian Blood Services for donating 200 times; and an Honorary Life Membership at LSCO for his thousands of hours of service. His loyalty as a volunteer to this organization was legendary as he could be found dishwashing regularly and would be called upon ‘last minute’ to fill-in for many years. He will be remembered as a kind, gentle, and caring man.
John passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit on January 31, 2024. To borrow from his special friend Anne, “Walk softly in the world, help others, be true to yourself & others, and keep a bottle of hot sauce with you whenever you eat out!” He is lovingly missed by his LSCO colleagues and friends.