Dr. Lucian Gregor Dworatzek M.D.

He will be missed dearly by his children, Hans (Sandra), Daphne, and Alan (Paula); his grandchildren, Jak, Peri (Austin), Shauna, Kate, and Samantha; and his niece, Dagmar in Colorado.

Predeceased by his wife Johanna Alida Dworatzek in 2024 and his brother, Joe, and Joe’s wife, Carmen, Lucian will be missed by his many friends and extended family.

Lucian was a family physician in North York, Ontario with a busy practice and affiliations to the North York General and North York Branson hospitals. He also worked part-time for the Coroner's Office in Toronto.

Lucian and Johanna were happily married for 66 years, raising three children. He enjoyed family activities including spending time at the cottage, downhill skiing, and travel. A devoted supporter of the arts, he attended the Opera and Symphony regularly for many decades.

Lucian was born December 12, 1929, in Chorzow, Poland, the second son of Alois and Hedwig Dworatzek.

Displaced by World War II the family settled in Landshut, Bavaria. He completed High School and began University in Germany, studying law. In 1951, he emigrated to Canada to embrace new opportunities with his older brother, Joe. He worked for a mining company in Noranda, Quebec before moving to Toronto.

In Toronto, he began a Medical Laboratory Technology program at Wellesley Hospital and at the same time, he took Grade 13 courses at Harbord Collegiate Institute. After graduation and passing the C.S.L.T. examination, Lucian worked at Mount Sinai Hospital and Toronto General Hospital. In 1956, he began pre-med studies at the University of Toronto while working part-time at Toronto General Hospital.

He married Johanna (Hanni) Biesheuvel in 1958 and they made their home in Toronto. He graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine in 1963 and completed his training with an internship at St. Michael’s Hospital in 1964.

He began practising family medicine in association with Dr. N. Kelly on Bathurst Street in 1964. He also joined the hospital staff of North York Branson Hospital in 1964, and served at North York General Hospital from its opening in 1968 until his retirement. He was appointed a Coroner in 1969 and served for 30 years.

In 1964, Lucian moved his family to Bathurst Street in Downsview, living in the home where he also had his medical practice. Lucian and Hanni later purchased their home in Thornhill in 1966, where they lived until 2016.

Lucian was a regular fixture in Thornhill, taking first Rex (the very large silver standard poodle) and then Bluenose Max (the larger black newfoundland) on long walks. When not walking the dogs he spent time getting the kids to their sports and other afterschool activities all the while working the long hours of a doctor’s private practice. Lucian was a beloved family doctor to many patients over a long career which he retired from in 2007.

He spent summers at a family cottage where he enjoyed watersports, board games, chess, card games (including Rummy 13) and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed many vacations with the family with trips to Florida, Europe, South Carolina, Barbados and more. Other pastimes included tennis, hiking and spending time in nature.

From 2016 to 2025, he lived at Arbour Trails, and from 2025 to 2026 at The Elliott, both in Guelph and close to his eldest son, Hans. Special thanks to his caregivers at both residences, where he was fondly known as Dr. Lucian.

A private family memorial will be held. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Baycrest Health Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family—specifically to the Bike for Brain Health team “Berry Point Spinners.” Donations and condolences can be made below.