John William Unruh

John William Unruh, 92 of Roseburg, Oregon passed away on August 1, 2012 at his home in Riverview Terrace in Roseburg. The son of Luella Rose (Tierney) Unruh (dec.) and George Overton Unruh (dec.), he was born February 23, 1920 in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska and grew up in Bushnell, NE.
Dr. Unruh's career as a physician and ophthalmologist began with his graduation from University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1944 and continued until his retirement from his medical practice in 1992. His medical career was comprehensive and included pioneering the use of lens implant surgery in Oregon in 1975; RK (radial keratotomy) in the 1980's and the purchase of a Yag laser to further advance the surgical treatment of cataracts. His constant passion to increase the quality of eye care for his patients led him to study techniques in the Netherlands, Norway, New York and Moscow, Russia where he studied a controversial new micro-surgery process for myopia (near-sightedness) under the late Dr. Svyatoslav Fyodorov. From 1985 to 1987, he was the first ophthalmologist to do cataract surgery in Wallowa Memorial Hospital, Enterprise, Oregon.
Dr. Unruh's passion for the arts began as a young man as he painted, drew and played the piano but decided to study medicine in Nebraska while working as a bell captain in upscale hotels of Omaha. As he retired from his medical practice, he became an ardent supporter of the arts in Roseburg and southern Oregon. This was further prompted by the tragic death of his then-wife Betty Long Unruh, married August 13, 1983 and tragically killed on January 22, 1985. Through this loss, he turned his energies into creating a legacy for her by establishing a trust in her name through the Oregon Community Foundation. The trust has contributed sums for many large and small projects to promote the arts and the community, ranging from providing band instruments for a school, supporting student scholarships, and the development of a new intensive care unit of Mercy Medical Center in his wife's name. This foundation also provided startup funds for the renovation of a building to house the Betty Long Unruh Theatre, giving the community a much-needed venue for plays and musicals.
Until fairly recently, Dr. Unruh lived an independent life. At the end, he lost a hard fought battle with pneumonia. The family is particularly grateful for the kindness, attention and support provided by two special caregivers, Wes Collins and Mary Pallen.
Dr. Unruh leaves behind his children, John Unruh of Fairbanks, Alaska, Regina Dukalskis of Eugene, Rebecca MacDonald of Bozeman, Montana, Tamara Liscia of Roseburg, and Melissa Wilson of Rimouski, Qubec, Canada; three sons-in-law, Robert Dukalskis, John MacDonald and James Wilson; and daughter-in-law, Alica Unruh; twelve grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. The Unruh children's mother, Doris Unruh, passed away on December 25, 2007 in Bozeman, Montana. After the death of his second wife, Betty Long Unruh, Dr. Unruh married Mary Kapka in 1992 but that marriage ended in 1994. He is survived by a sister, Mary Helen Secor of Bozeman, Montana. His fraternal twin brother, James, predeceased him as did his older brother, George.
A tribute to Dr. Unruh's devotion to the community will be held at the Betty Long Unruh Theatre, 1614 W. Harvard Ave., Roseburg. Tel: 541.673.2125, Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 3 p.m. with a reception to follow in the Arts Center in Roseburg. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.wilsonschapeloftherosesfh.com .
Burial will be a private internment at Roseburg Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Betty Long Unruh Theatre, The Arts Center or the Betty Long Unruh Intensive Care Unit. Wilson's Chapel of the Roses in Roseburg is in charge of arrangements.