William Guy Dorman's Obituary
Bill Dorman, born May 2, 1944 in Tacoma, passed away peacefully at home in University Place on September 28 at age 63. He grew up in Tacoma, attending Downing and Mason and graduating from Wilson High. He served in the National Guard from 1967-1972. Bill married Gayle Brewsaugh in 1969, recently celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary. Bill and Gayle have lived in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, and at Mason Lake, where Bill enjoyed water skiing, jet skiing, snorkeling, swimming, and especially racing his boat around the lake. Other favorite memories of the lake are, fireworks on the 4th, community dances, beach campfires, barbecues, and countless s'mores. He liked caring for the house and yard so much he often migrated right into neighbors' yards. Bill and Gayle treasured their lake friends and neighbors. He also enjoyed our visits to Safeco Field to watch a Mariners game. After battling lung cancer in 2006, he and Gayle made the difficult decision to move to University Place in January 2007. Shortly after the move Bill had a heart attack and bypass surgery, and in late July was diagnosed with highly aggressive lung cancer, which he faced head on, bravely, trying to beat it right until the end. Bill worked at the Tacoma Police Department Garage for 30 years, retiring in 1997. In retirement, he pursued competitive pistol shooting and began a monthly speed steel match, his favorite kind of shooting. He enjoyed the competition, but relished most the people, the camaraderie and the fun. The last ten years he worked part-time for Pierce County Public Works, where his coworkers nicknamed him "Big Dog." In Bill's mind, his job description was to make people smile and to remind them to chill out! Those co-workers will never know how greatly they enriched the lives of both Bill and Gayle through these difficult days. Bill leaves his wife Gayle, daughter Susan Mooney (Al), brother Val Dorman (Debbie), sisters-in-law Jan O'Brien, Christy Brewsaugh, Barb Denny; nephews Tom O'Brien (Barb), Sean O'Brien, Adam Denny, Chad Denny, Kenny Dorman, Michael Dorman; nieces Shannon O'Brien, Leslie Stanley (Jason), Kelly Thomas (Keith); five great-nephews; a new great-niece; and many cousins and aunts. He was predeceased by his parents Harry and Mildred Dorman, brothers Whitey Dorman and Dennis Dorman, three uncles, our dog Cookie, and cats Limmo and Chelsea. We thank our Hospice team, especially Tina, Kristin, Vickie, Tom, and Val, who exceeded all our expectations. We are very grateful for our wonderful, compassionate Dr. Janice Olson and her staff, who were with us every step through our recent trials, caring for Bill with gentle kindness and tenderness. Rembrances in Bill's memory may be made to MultiCare Hospice (Tacoma); Pawticulars Sanctuary, PO Box 585, Indianola WA 98342; or a cancer organization or charity of your choice. Viewing October 4, 10:00am to 9:00pm; service October 6, 2007 1:00pm Mountain View, Tacoma. Please sign online guest bok at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.
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