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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
DORMER, John Larry - It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of John L. Dormer, a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Known for his infectious smile and boundless energy, John passed away April 14, 2017 at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops surrounded by family, and holding the hand of his loving wife of 48 years, Marjorie, after suffering a stroke earlier in the day.
Born in Arcola, Sask. on May 6, 1944, John was raised in Pincher Creek, Alta. by his adoptive parents, Wellington and Maxine Dormer. He moved to Calgary as a teenager, where he joined the Royal Canadian Navy.
After completing training near Halifax, N.S., John met his wife, Marjorie, while stationed at CFB Esquimalt in Victoria in 1966. They were married in 1968 and were together for 48 years, having four children, John Jr., Stephen (deceased), David and Julie, along with one grandchild, Emily.
He is also survived by his two sisters as well as numerous nieces, nephews and a large extended family in Saskatchewan.
After completing his service in the navy, including a posting at NRS Aldergrove, John worked for BC Tel (Telus) as a warehouse supervisor in New Westminster, Prince George, Dawson Creek and Cranbrook, before coming to Kamloops in 1979 where he worked in public relations. He transitioned to the British Columbia Lottery Corporation for a short time and in 1986, John was elected mayor of Kamloops, serving one term.
His time as mayor will be remembered for a successful referendum to construct Riverside Coliseum (now Sandman Centre), helping solidify Kamloops as a provincial and national sporting hub. He also served as director of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District as well as on the executives of the Union of B.C. Municipalities and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
In 1988, John went to work for himself, creating his own businesses, Dormer Consulting then Pacific Bentonite, a mining operation near Hat Creek. He was also vice-president of the Kamloops Exploration Group. He was also president of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce for a time.
John believed strongly in volunteerism giving back to the community, serving on a number of boards and advisory committees, and was a longtime member of the K-40 (Kinsmen) service club.
He also continued his involvement in politics through the B.C. Liberal Party and served as campaign manager for Kevin Krueger’s successful run in the 2009 provincial election. He was also a longtime regional director for the party, travelling to Vancouver monthly for meetings.
Family meant everything to John and being a father and grandfather was something he truly cherished. His final morning was a happy one, spent making breakfast and smiling with his granddaughter, Emily.
Outside work (John didn’t have spare time as he didn’t consider time to be spare) John was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hiking, hunting and camping. He also loved animals, Harley the dog being one of his favourites.
He was an exceptional, one-of-a-kind person who was loved dearly and will be missed.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on April 29, 2017 at the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre. (submitted by John Dormer Jr.)
DORMER, John Larry - Known for his boundless energy and infectious smile, John L Dormer passed away at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops on April 14, 2017, surrounded by family and holding the hand of Marjorie, his wife of 48 years, after suffering a stroke earlier in the day.
John is also survived by his children, John Jr., David and Julie, and a granddaughter, Emily.
John left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.
A public, celebration of life will be held April 29, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home in Kamloops, an organization he supported strongly. (Ashcroft Cache Creek Journal 14 Apr 2017)
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