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Friends gather to tell stories about Dean Dornan 1938-2009. Dean Wark Dornan, age 70, of Douglas, MI, died Saturday, May 9, 2009 at his Douglas home. Born August 4, 1938 in Holland, MI, he was the son of Adrian Dornan and Grace Wark Dornan. He attended elementary school in Douglas while living on Union St. and Holland High School. Grace Dornan taught school in Holland as well as in Sarasota, Florida, where Dean spent part of his youth. After graduating from Michigan State University, Dean attended Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California. In his subsequent industrial sales career Dean worked for Texaco and UniRoyal Inc., in various midwest locations. His marriage to Myrna and birth of two daughters followed early in his career. Near the end of his work life Dean and Myna returned to Douglas to expand his mother’s home overlooking the Kalamazoo River. He was known for his vast knowledge of the area and of those who lived there during his life. It was common to meat Dean at the Douglas Post Office and lose considerable time. Immediately following the funeral and lunch for Dean Dornan, who had passed three days prior, a large group of Dean’s friends came together at Frank and Joan Lamb’s home to share stories about Dean. From childhood friends and college buddies to more recent acquaintances, all identified his character strengths and foibles as well as his personal impact on their lives. A video camcorder recorded 15 of these stories, providing a wonderful portrait of a man who spent his youth and later adult life in the Saugatuck-Douglas he loved so deeply. Dean was a man of clear convictions and routines, compulsive habits, idiosyncratic social skills, and deep loyalty and empathy for his friends. Many friends reported ways in which Dean went out of his way for them or how he deeply he would mourn the loss of friends and relatives. Those who could raise laughter of recognition when describing Dean’s compulsive habits, were quick to comment on his generosity and athleticism. A serious cyclist, runner and skier, Dean kept himself in exceptional shape. Among his physical feats was running the Chicago Marathon in his mid 60s, cycling across Iowa and to the Mackinaw Bridge from Douglas numerous times, and skiing in the Rockies over many winters. His home is filled with photos, awards and artifacts from these experiences. The year before his death, Dean realized a his dream to drive the Al-Can Highway from Michigan to Alaska. With his good friend, Frank Lamb, he enjoyed numerous adventures. His was a life of challenges and self discipline. Text by John Shack

Winthers, Sally

https://sdhc-collections.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/videos/303-DornanDean-FriendsRemember.mp4

05/02/2025

10/05/2025