Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Dorwin Stoddard Obituary
When the shooting started Saturday, January 8, 2011 outside a Tucson supermaket, he dove to the ground, covering his wife Mavy, who was shot in the leg three times.
The couple had been grade school sweethearts growing up in Tucson. After their respective spouses died, they independently moved back to retire, became reacquainted and fell in love all over again.
Mavy Stoddard talked to her husband, who was shot in the head, for 10 minutes while he breathed heavily. Then he stopped breathing.
He had two sons from his first marriage, and Mavy has three daughters.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
245 Entries
Jamie Encinia (Stoddard)
January 8, 2021
Grandpa, You will always be a hero in my eyes. I know you are flying high with the Angels watching over everyone. Your memory will always live on.
Lynda Hayter
January 8, 2021
We can't believe that is has been 10 years since you went home to be with the Lord. We can still remember see your name listed as one of the victims from this tragic day, come across the TV screen. We sure miss you.
May you rest in peace. God bless. Love, Lynda, Greg, and family
Gail Stoddard
January 8, 2021
Dear Dad,
I will never be able to think of this day without reflecting on you . I watched a live dedication to you today . They have made a memorial In your name . It brought tears to my eyes of both sorrow and joy knowing your sacrifice for Mavy will always be remembered in this beautiful way .. Your home coming was one of horror and shock & was very hard on Dale , myself , our children & their spouses and your Great Grandchildren as well ..I’m so thankful though that we will now have a beautiful garden to visit in memory of You . We look forward to the day we will be reunited with you , & Mom and my parents in our Heavenly Father Jesus Christ presence . Thank you for the love you showed Dale & I and our children ,
I love and miss you and your sense of humor and your unique self ..
Your daughter in law
Gail Stoddard
Dale Stoddard
January 8, 2021
I do miss you Dad. I'll see you in Heaven with our Lord, Jesus! We are praying that our Lord will return soon
to carry his children home.
How you can show support
HAPPINESS
November 19, 2020
I'm sorry to know you in this way.You r a hero!!Gold bless you
Sherry
November 19, 2020
Hope you´re serene in the paradise,Dory.You are the great person, god bless you and your family.
D
November 19, 2020
I saw you on my English book. You are the hero of this era. Best wishes for you and your family.
Xinrui
November 19, 2020
Your husband love u 3000
Shirley
November 19, 2020
He loves god,and he loves you. You are his today and all of his tomorrow,although he left,but he didn't leave your heart.
Gorgeous
November 19, 2020
Remenber,you're the one who can fill the world with sunshine.
Justin Bieber
November 19, 2020
U know his love will always accompany with u,always.Although he is died,but his love will live 4ever
sinan
November 19, 2020
May God be with you,you make me know more about love
2w
November 19, 2020
be happy dear
LSY
November 19, 2020
hero forever
ZOU
November 19, 2020
He just keeps you company in another form
Justin Bieber
November 19, 2020
Everything will goes well as you wish.
super star
November 19, 2020
wish you happiness in heaven
Bias
November 19, 2020
Say yes to be each other's angel, you are a real man,a hero
Okimo
November 19, 2020
You will always live in our hearts.
Hu
November 19, 2020
His behavior told you that love you as love your life,so please love your life as love him.
Wu
November 19, 2020
angel with you
hyk
November 19, 2020
May your light be transmitted in the world.
YTG
November 19, 2020
You are a good man.
Robinson
November 19, 2020
How sympathy are you!You are my idol
Akong
November 19, 2020
Everything will be ok!
Xie Yong Qiang
November 19, 2020
you are very good
Asta
November 19, 2020
I had known you from my english class,Please except my all admiration and appreciation.We'll always be your side,you know,everyone has a dream when danger comes we could stand out from crowds,but you really did it.Thank you for you did and never will our appreciation overdue
YYH
November 19, 2020
Good luck and God bless you
ppppr
November 19, 2020
you shield your wife when shooting happened.your action warm my life and your grace make me deeply.respect you
Best wishes to you and your family
Yan
November 19, 2020
Fighting.
When I hear your story ,I am moved.
GOOD LUCK.
lin
November 19, 2020
grandeur love
your commitment were respeacted
by us
Robin
November 19, 2020
What a tender and grace person!Hope you can happy forever in the paradise.
Q
November 19, 2020
Wish you rest in peace
Avon
November 18, 2020
I'm glad that I know you from my English class.You are the embodiment of an ordinary hero in reality. In today's society, it's rare to find someone like you who loves his wife and is willing to give his life for her. I admire you, and I hope that I will meet someone with your beautiful qualities. Thank you for your story, it has brought warmth to my life.
uS2
November 18, 2020
Angels are with you,and we all are
L
November 18, 2020
I heard your stories in the English class. I was moved by your love for your wife.Wish you will have a good time in the heaven.
Mi manchi
November 18, 2020
I've never met you, but I know your story. I think the furthest distance is between life and death, but from you I finally know the difference between life and death can also be very close.Wish you happy and wish your family will happy every every day.
Kindora
November 18, 2020
You will always remain in our hearts.
Chen
November 18, 2020
Dear Dory,you are a graceful people,and I am so admire Ms.Mavy,because she has a so nice husband.And hope you will meet again.
Lanyue
November 18, 2020
I know from the study materials that you are a sympathy and gentle person.
Jay
November 18, 2020
You are a hero.Rest in peace.
Yue Zhou
November 18, 2020
You are so grace .Although we haven´t met each other before I´m respect for you .Hope the light of the lord forever keep you .
Qianchi
November 18, 2020
I sent you an angel yesterday, but she came back angrily. She told me an angel can't look after another angle.
Angel
November 18, 2020
hope you can get rest in the heaven
Dong
November 18, 2020
I am so admire your wife, so lucky a woman she is. Best wishes to you all!
HANETTZ
November 18, 2020
God bless you!Learning you from English class ,and I know you are a very grace people. You with your wife are so sweet. You are just like a shield protect us. Loving you.
ØKœc
November 18, 2020
!
cc
November 18, 2020
Your love will stay forever.
Wƒ
November 18, 2020
I like you very much, I want to be a person like you.
Ariel Lee
November 18, 2020
May god always bless you and the loved people.
wang qin
November 18, 2020
angles with you
Chuan
November 18, 2020
So tender you are.We will miss you for ever.
li xin
November 18, 2020
He is selfless!
Survivor of 1/8/11
James Fuller
March 12, 2019
Bright be the place of thy soul, no lovelier spirit than thine, in the orbs of the blessed to shine.
Gao Una
October 29, 2018
May flights of angels waft thee to thy rest, and may the light of the Lord forever keep you.
April 10, 2015
Almost five years since held you as you died, telling you I love you,I still do as much as ever but know I will join you one day and you are out of pain. God needed you more. I have built a life but never as good as we had. Now you are Tux and my angel and you join us quite often. Miss you so much, darling. My jife and love always. Your Mavy
Erika Stoddard
April 10, 2015
Thinking of you more and more every day Grandpa. You would be proud of all the changes I have made since you've been gone. I love you and miss you dearly. I do agree that that our loss/your departure has had a severe impact on the lives of many. And I'm glad I can see the positive through it all. I love you!
March 22, 2015
It has been almost five years, darling and I still have such a hole you left in my life when you were killed. I love you and the girls and family do too. I have given many interviews to tell of you heroism for saving my life. I could not let you die in vain. Your life has touched many. God needed you more and I will be with you before too long. Tux misses you too. All my love your wife, Mavy
February 5, 2015
Time and unforeseen events befalls us all so we must live each day as if the last because we never know what anxieties of the next day will bring us.
J C Stoddard
October 6, 2014
Hi Grandpa. I was just thinking about you and thought I would come visit. Its been a rough few years since your passing. Who knew a family could endure so much loss and severe health issues in such a short amount of time. I guess what they say about stress and the effects of tragic death of the family patriarch is really true. Now that uncle Dan is with you and grandma, please do me a favor and ask big boss the let dad stay with us for several more years. I have so much more to learn from him. Love always...
December 19, 2012
Thinking of you as Christmas nears. This would have been our year to travel to AZ to be with you and Mavy.
December 19, 2012
It't that time of year again. The time we are supposed to share as a family. As with last year, and for the years to follow, we will rejoice in the memories we share of you. We love you and miss you dad. Knowing you've reunited with mom helps ease the pain we feel daily.
Charles Stoddard
August 28, 2012
Grandpa, you were the one to show how life is. You gave me your wisdom, love, and hummor. I love you. your first grandson, Chuck
Lee Cooley
January 10, 2012
Stod, You were such a gentleman to work with. I will always remember your kindness. Tender blessings of peace and comfort to your family.
Sincerely, Lee Lewis Cooley
January 10, 2012
LAST NIGHT I LIT A CANDLE FOR YOU GRANDPA, AND I KNEW THAT YOU WERE SMILING DOWN AT ME AND IMMEDIATELY MY SORROW WAS LIFTED! I MISS YOU. LOVE, ERIKA LEE.
Greg Stoddard
January 9, 2012
Dorwan, you are always in our hearts. You showed us how to be brave.
Janice & Frank Molina
January 9, 2012
Mauvy, we continue to grieve with you and for you as the anniversary of this tragedy is upon us. We so wanted to know Dory better than just the time we met at Fairbank, AZ. We want to continue to be your friends as you struggle to make a new life without the love of your life. I'm sure Dory is watching over you and encouraging you each day. We pray for your strength.
Love,
Janice & Frank Molina
James Stoddard
January 9, 2012
First, I wish to thank all who wrote such touching words about my father. A father who is greatly missed and has left a void in so many who knew him and myself. I am so proud of you father! Your youngest son!
Christine Burns
January 8, 2012
Thinking of you and your family today, Mr. Stoddard. My husband and I often talk about your devotion to your wife. We did not know you personally, but your story will forever be personal to us.
January 8, 2012
One year has passed, but the pain is still intense. The loss of you has left a huge void in my life. Love always
Ron and Terry Stoddard & family
January 8, 2012
You are loved so much. Your legacy and the countless lives you've touched will be remembered always. We all miss you more than the words here or the tears we shed can begin to even suggest.
Dad & Mavy
gail stoddard
November 30, 2011
Dale, dan, Ron, and Jimmy with there dad (dorwan) on father's day, last time they were all together.june, 2010
gail stoddard
November 30, 2011
dale walking Veronica down the aisle on her wedding day. Nov.11, 2011 Sorry grandpa wasn't there.
gail stoddard
November 30, 2011
gail stoddard
November 30, 2011
Veronica and her daddy, on her big day.
Missed having you there..
picture of family at memorial time for grandpa..
November 30, 2011
Dale in his element,Like father like son...
gail stoddard
November 30, 2011
Melissa & Jay
gail stoddard
November 30, 2011
gail stoddard
November 30, 2011
Ardrenna & Jim's family!!
Gail Stoddard
November 30, 2011
Our Grandchildren. Tyler Logue, dustin Logue, Paris Logue Shannen and Jerrod's children. Daile Scott and lil Jim Scott, Ardrenna and Jim's children. Grandpa's Great Grandchildren
President of the united states, honoring Grandpa, in his bravery of dieing while protecting Mavy.
Gail stoddard
November 30, 2011
Dale & Gail's grandchildren, Grandpa's great grandchildren.Tyler, dustin, Paris, Logue (Shannen's.) Daile, Jim scott
Gail stoddard
November 30, 2011
gail, dale & Veronica Scott stoddard
November 30, 2011
gail stoddard
November 30, 2011
gail stoddard
November 30, 2011
Your beautiful girls..
dad& shannen stoddard
November 3, 2011
Dale & Shannen
November 3, 2011
erika stoddard
June 29, 2011
missing you grandpa
Rachel Stoddard
April 28, 2011
We hold you in our hearts Dorwan. You will be missed. With much love, Rachel, Kane and Kassie Stoddard. We miss you great grandpa!!
Shannen Logue
March 18, 2011
Remembering my Grandpa who loved to be silly and tease us just to get a smile across our face. The most memorable prank he used was he would motion to our shirt and say "What's that?" we would always look down and get his finger swiped across our nose. Grandpa was a great man who grew more sincere each day about expanding God's Kingdom, about the wellness of other lives, about loving his family, and he took the role of caretaker for so many. He will be missed but not forgotten. Knowing how busy my grandpa loved to be I just hope there are some leaky faucets and duct tape in heaven!
Jerry Hardy
March 15, 2011
May flights of angels waft thee to thy rest, and may the light of the Lord forever keep you. Until we meet again my friend.
Veronica Scott
March 10, 2011
Dear Grandpa,
I have so many wonderful memories of you and even though you are gone you will forever live in my heart. You've given me joy and laughter. But the most special thing you have given me is my father. My father has been loving, compassionate, and a wonderful spiritual leader; and I know that he was a reflection of you. I will always love you and it gives me peace knowing you are up in heaven with our Lord and Savior.
March 7, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. God promises to “...wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.”—Revelation 21:4.
Mickey Stoddard
March 6, 2011
You will be missed Dorwan. Please tell the rest of the Stoddards up there hi for me.
Gail stoddard
March 6, 2011
My dearest Dad,
I loved you so much. Thank you for being such a great role model for Dale. You taught him how to be a great provider, and I'm so thankful for that. In your last years of service for the Lord, you taught us all what was really important, the Lord Jesus Christ and giving your all for your loved ones. It is just like you to do this act of selfless sacrifice for your wife. You know I had a hard childhood. Until you,, I didn't know I could be close with a father.Your the first man besides Dale that I could really talk to I loved you very much, and will miss your sweet face, and teasing, and joking ways. Can't wait to praise the Lord with you in heaven. Keep it in shape up there for us, and give mom our love..Until we meet again, your daughter,Gail
We are so grateful for all the kind statements, they truely warm our heart.
Poppy and Dorwans great granddaughter Daile
Dale Stoddard
March 6, 2011
Dale Stoddard
March 6, 2011
March 06, 2011
To all of those who send prayers to the "Stoddard Family". Thank you all for your kind and encouraging words. My father loved people and hoped all would come to Christ and know the peace that only He (Jesus) can give.
My wife Gail and I thank you all. We love your words of afformation. Keep them coming. Sincerely, In Christ, Dale
Showing 1 - 100 of 245 results
Make a Donation
in Dorwin Stoddard's name
How to support Dorwin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Dorwin Stoddard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored