Devon Sorensen's Obituary
Devon Douglas Sorensen was born on March 31st, 1988 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the first of five children for Elizabeth and Douglas Sorensen. Living in five states in his early childhood, he followed his father through medical school, residency, and fellowship training. Washington was his home, where he permanently landed at the age of eleven. Devon was devoted to his younger brothers and sister. Devon was the epitome of a big brother. He stirred the pot and gave a lot, through loving, nurturing, play sword fighting, hours of Legos and make believe. He had many wonderful friends in the community of Puyallup. His friends were more like brothers and sisters as well, names too numerous to mention. At the age of fifteen he faced a battle with cancer. He soldiered through three years of cancer treatments, including two stem cell transplants. The treatments eventually cured the cancer, but took a toll on Devon’s body, including his heart. Despite the odds, Devon did not let cancer define him. Some never knew he was a cancer survivor.
Devon studied for the GED throughout his illness, taking it the same day he left the hospital after his first stem cell transplant. He passed with high marks on each subject. Driven by his intense curiosity, he was a voracious seeker of knowledge, reading math books just for fun. With his boundless enthusiasm and desire to foster learning in all, he tutored his 4 siblings, neighbors, and community members. Devon eventually became a tutor in the sciences at Washington University, Tacoma, where he spent many years gaining minors in multiple subjects. In collaboration with his professor he received an Erdös level of 2. He completed a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, and was adept at mathematics, physics, chemistry and environmental sciences.
Devon loved. He loved animals, especially his Labrador retriever, Huxley. He had a raunchy sense of humor which he toned down for Mom, but he played with morbid satire. Not to mention his love for word games and dad jokes. He loved to hide and startle people, prompting a scream, and huge laughter together would follow. He loved puzzles, the Rubik’s cube, leading family and friends in board games, cards and video games. He loved being in charge. He dubbed himself “in charge” of always reading the rules for all to hear. He played some basketball, water skied, and snow boarded. He loved watching NBA games with his family, and the Utah Jazz, and Denver Nuggets were his favorite teams. He loved laughing. While hanging out with his family and friends, he was joyously caught in uncontrollable laughter. His penchant for the drums, and trombone promoted his love and passion for his music choices, listening to Pink Floyd, Elton John, Metallica, Nirvana, Danger Mouse, That 1 Guy, Wax Fang, Tool, Queens of the Stone Age, They Might Be Giants, and David Bowie. Attending some of these rock concerts with his brothers and father brought him pure joy.
While picking up fried rice in a nearby mall, he noticed a new Mathnasium next door, he picked up a flyer and immediately became employed. He worked at Mathnasium tutoring math, which led to greater responsibility over time, as his boss recognized his many talents. He loved computer programming, creating, and finding solutions. In his final years Devon met the rigorous demands of his full time job, and did so with skill and grace. Countless associates agree he was a phenomenal mentor and caring friend. His example of courage, grit, and good cheer, despite difficult odds, inspired doctors, nurses, teachers, friends, family, and co-workers. He was devoted to the virtues of humanitarianism, a humanist outlook, and a philosophy of generosity.
Devon passed away on March 15th, 2026, just before his 38th birthday. His final words were “I love you Mom, tell everyone I love them.” He never took his life for granted, always saying I love you to his family and friends at the end of a conversation. (Try it, it’s beautiful.) We, his immediate family have been changed for the better. Many thanks to all of our friends, family, and medical providers who helped us in our fight to keep Devon on earth for as long as we could. We can’t imagine life without him.
Devon is survived by his mother Elizabeth Ann (Martin)Sorensen, father Douglas Melville Sorensen, brothers Kipley, Clayton, Slater, sister Maria Sorensen Cox (Matthew) and nephew Harvey J. Cox. An enormous amount of aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins. Family meant the world to him.
“John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”
In lieu of flowers, donations in Devon’s name may be made to Make -A -Wish Foundation, and Seattle Children’s Hospital.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Devon’s Honor on April 25th 2026. From 4-7pm at This Is The Place, Heritage Park, Pioneer Center, 2601 East Sunnyside Avenue Salt Lake City, Utah.
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