Chris Doran Obituary

Chris Doran, 57, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on June 14, 2008. Chris was born in Macomb, IL, and moved to Phoenix with his family when he was 2. After receiving his degree in special education, he directed his energy towards helping physically and emotionally disabled children and their families to grow and learn through music, movement and nature. He was awarded "Teacher of the Year" for 2006 - 2007. He taught in Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico City, and was deeply involved in community service for over 40 years. Chris was an accomplished musician, master percussionist and skilled practical joker. He loved organic gardening and a good game of pitch. Chris believed in the shared connection of all living things and he had a profound love and respect for nature. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Jeanne, his brother Dan and their border collie Molly. Chris is survived by his wife Fanny, sisters Sherry, Pam and Mary Beth, nephew Kevin, niece Tee, many great and great-great nephews and nieces and his special cat-friend Buddy. A celebration of Chris' life will be held on Saturday July 12, 2008, from 2 pm until 6 pm. Please bring some memories to share. For location information please call 602-944-2928 or 602-943-4472. In May, Chris was asked what he would like planted in his garden at home. His sisters volunteered to plant and care for anything he liked. His response was "Plant more sunflowers." The family asks that in lieu of sending flowers, please plant some in Chris Chop's honor.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Jul. 6, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Chris Doran

11 Entries

Tony Ribera

November 20, 2024

So sorry to learn of Chris´ passing.. I was a childhood friend of Dan (my teacher), through the OK Community/phx. I was introduced to the whole Doran family in Phoenix. I have found memories of fishing with Bud & Dan. In fact, Dan taught me to fish. That´s where I met Chris, Chris made me feel like a little brother & we shared Spanish at times. Great memories. Dan nicknamed me "tonybear." T

Janet Othman

July 16, 2008

Chris,
You arived in my life 2 years ago at CCNS. You touched every childs heart in our classroom and mine. Your jokes!! The jokes you played on me and the other staff will be remembered. Your love and understanding that you brought to our students. You opened their hearts and minds with your music. Especially, your drums. I love you my friend and will keep you close to my heart. Jatuee!!!! as you also said to the students at the end of the day. Love you my friend..
Janet Othman

Jennifer Hammerman

July 14, 2008

Chris, My Friend, You will always be remembered by my family and friends. Well Amigo, I hope you are at rest and peace high in the heavens. Ryan and I will especially miss you along with Grandma Nancy and Vicki. Ryan shared his best times with you when you taught at CCNS. It was you that inspired me to take more of a lead at the school and join the Board of Directors along with keeping a positive attitude with Ryan. He is not the easiest child to handle at times, but you hung in there with him through his good days and the dreaded bad. Your music with him inspired him to create many songs on his drum and guitar at home. You became part of our family and we will be lost without you. We will pray for your family and plant the sunflowers that you always loved so much and we will think of you every day when Ryan water's them or I should say water's "us"! I believe that special children such as Ryan, can see the angels high above that are always looking down upon us to protect us and guide us to make the right decisions. I know how you loved your "Ry Guy" and that you will always be with him, to help him, to love him and to guide him. I truly believe he can see the angels above us. We love you buddy and you will always, always be part of our hearts.
Jen and Ryan, Grandma Nancy and Vicki

Janet Webster

July 13, 2008

Chris was my son Jacob's teacher for several years at CNS. Jacob loved going to school everyday and loved being with Chris. He was a great teacher...he always paid special attention to what was going on with my son and would contact me when problems arose. During special events that i was able to attend, Chris and Jacob were always together and having a great time. He treated Jacob with great respect and dignity ....like he was a normal kid and he wasn't gonna get away with any trouble while Chris was on duty...lol. We will miss you very much!!!!!!!

Love,
Jacob's mom, Janet Webster

John Davis

July 12, 2008

Chris left an everlasting impression on me even though the time I had to spend with him in this world was limited. I pray that GOD comforts his wife and family and strengthens them all during this time of reflection.

Zane and Brenda Gray

July 12, 2008

Chris,
What joy and love you brought to our lives and to the lives of so many others. We are so fortunate to have been touched by you and to have had some very special memories and times with you. Zane's love for you will live on with your memories. You were so kind to him and taught him so much. You brightened his day every day you were a part of it and you made all of us feel so incredibly special, as if we were the only ones in your world. You beat to your own drum, literally and the world is a much better place because you were in it. Our lives are richer for knowing you. I wish your family peace and will pray for them. You are so loved and never far from our thoughts! Sunflowers will grow in your honor in our back yard! We'll water them and smile with thoughts of you. Brenda and Zane Gray!

Kevin Overbay

July 12, 2008

Uncle, Brother in Spirit, Friend..... I hope you are making good use of the Jacks I sent with you. So many good times, shared in the hills or across the card table. Tell the gang I'm comin'!!! As usual, I'll probably be late (I hope). Then the Three Amigos will ride again!! Love and Miss you Chris. Your Nephew, Kev.

Holly Sokol

July 11, 2008

You will be greatly missed. Your contribution for many children and families are countless. You also inspired me to continue the work I do as a music therapist. Your devotion and dedication toward all of your "kids" (students) is the greatest legacy you leave behind in my eyes.

Jacqui Adinolfi

July 7, 2008

I will miss you my friend, we have had many years of friendship. You where my favorite hiking buddy. We had a date when we were eighty five to hike a mountain; we will meet again to climb. I will see you then.
Love Jacqui

Don Danforth

July 6, 2008

I am saddened by Chris's death we were college friends at ASU.

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