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Donald Dornan Obituary
May 10, 1931 - September 9, 2011
Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Don passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada, on September 9th after a courageous battle with cancer.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley, of 51 years and their five sons: Brian, Donald Jr., Kevin, Matthew and James and six loving grandchildren: Conor, Shanea, Meghan, Breann, Erin and Colleen.
Born on May 10th 1931 in New York City, New York, he was the eldest son of Harry and Gertrude Dornan and brother of former U.S. Congressman Robert K. Dornan and Deacon Richard Dornan.
After moving with his family to Southern California in 1943, Don attended Loyola High School in Los Angeles. Following service in the U.S. Air Force, he attended the University of Southern California studying radio, television and film where he developed a passion for filmmaking and politics. He traveled the world as a photojournalist, eventually establishing a successful career as a film director and political consultant. He served as a consultant for many prominent republican political campaigns at the national, state and local levels. His efforts included service in the campaigns of Barry Goldwater, Ronald Reagan, Bruce Herschensohn, Mike Antonovich, and of course his brother Bob.
An accomplished scuba diver, Don was a pioneer in underwater photography and cinematography.
Don touched the lives of many people in his long life. His great sense of humor, natural Irish gift of gab and larger than life personality complimented a strong devotion to family, God and country.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 17th at 1pm at the Chapel of the Risen Christ, Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 West Slauson Avenue, Culver City, California.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that a donation be made in Don's memory to the Society of the Little Flower, 1313 Frontage Road, Darien, IL 60561.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Dornan
Jeb Rosebrook
September 20, 2011
Dearest Shirley and family - if ever three families met and became one, it happened, by God's hand, on Barrington Avenue, with the Dornans,the Navons and the Rosebrooks. A trio of friendship that has lasted over four decades has meant so much to all of us. It is the very meaning of love, Memories of our families, of my work on the road with Don, will remain forever. With prayers of gratitude for Don's life and great love to the Dornan family, Jeb and Dorothy Rosebrook
September 19, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Dornan family, I will remember Don fondly, his bigger than life personality and our numerous discussions.
Julie McCain and the staff at BofA Gardnerville NV
September 19, 2011
Hi Shirley-So sorry I did not get a chance to say hello and give you a hug. I was at the service at Holy Cross but left while Bob was speaking. I loved Don very much He and his mom and dad were very special to me.
love,
Ronnie Mayo
September 16, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Dornan family in this time of sadness - my memories (and those of my sister) of his humor and larger-than-life presence go all the way back to when we attended grammar school together in Beverly Hills, and later to the Loyola days -- the Lord has received a true 'One-off'' into his loving arms...
Alan Mowbray Jr. -- Luquillo, Puerto Rico
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Katherine Rosebrook Goode
September 16, 2011
Sending love and prayers to the Dornan family...I have so many wonderful memories of our families together, along with the Navons...such special times.
September 15, 2011
Deepest sympathy to Matt and the Dornan family. from the family of Darin Collignon, Sandra Collignon and family, Santa Claus, In.
Dorothy & Jeb Rosebrook
September 15, 2011
Dear Shirley and families......We have so many incredible loving memories of Don....sometimes we just smile thinking of all of you and the great times raising our families. We send love, prayers and biggest hugs to all the Dornans. Love Dorothy and Jeb
Steve Basso
September 15, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Dornan Family, my thoughts and prayers to all. God Bless.
September 15, 2011
Shirley
So sorry to hear about Don.Besides being a cousin he along with his brothers were our best fiends.Some very pleasant and funny memories will always be with us.
Donald and Sheila McFadden
Susan Sater
September 15, 2011
Aunt Shirl and Family..Although this ia a diffucult time for all of you, I know that your faith will carry you throgh this time, and my hope is that in time, you will be able to celebrate the life Uncle Don lived and cherish the memories. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you.
Fondly,
Susan (Bonnie's daughter)
Dan Green
September 15, 2011
Dornans: My deepest and sincerest sympathy. May God bless you at this most difficult time. Your Dad will be missed.
Veronica Gustafson
September 15, 2011
Dear Shirl and Family, May god bless you at this difficult time. I regret that I am unable to attend the service, but please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Don.
Love Bonnie
Adrienne Becker
September 15, 2011
My,dearest don and bob and dick as i said to myself u are the most amazing three cousine and i said u were the three dudes, God bless you always and forever,I am always and forever going to love and miss you very much,follow the yellow brick road, Love your cousin adrienne oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Richard Kjeldgaard
September 15, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Dornan family on the passing of Don Sr. Husband, father and a man who I remember used to make me laugh whenever I was in his home visiting son Brian, a friend of mine since high school. To the Dornan family, death ends a life, it does not end a relationship.
September 15, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Dornan family. God Bless and Keep the Faith. Scott, Terry, Bobby & Laney Micheels
Brinton Marsden
September 15, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Dornan Family. I grew up with Don's children, Brian, Don Jr. Kevin, Matt, And Jimmy. My father Jerry and Don were close friends, and I have fond memories of the times our families had together. Mr. D. to me was the "most interesting man in the world". I would sit and listen to his stories, and the way he told them made you feel as if you were there with him, they were so vivid. I will miss him terribly, however, I take comfort knowing he now joins my father Jerry in heaven. May he rest in peace.
September 15, 2011
My thoughts prayers and best wishes are with the whole Dornan family. Don was an amazing guy. My childhood memories of him and the rest of the family are of a simplier time. May he rest in peace in the arms of our Lord.
John Wagenbach
Shirley Panek
September 15, 2011
My sincerest condolences to the Dornan family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carol Dobbel Fulton
September 14, 2011
Rest in peace Uncle Don, and may God bless Aunt Shirl, Brian, Donny, Matt, Kevin, James, and the rest of the family during this especially difficult time. I will always remember Don's larger than life personality and passion for life. Love to all.
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