David Dorsey
January 8, 1931 - January 20, 2025
On a cold but sunny Monday afternoon, January 20, 2025, our father David J. Dorsey, beloved husband and grandfather, passed in the comfort of his home in Wenatchee, Washington, surrounded by his wife and family. Born January 8, 1931, dad hailed from Waterville, Washington, where he was the eldest son of David T. and Hazel "Mac" Dorsey. After graduating high school in 1949 he attended the University of Washington in Seattle where he earned his law degree graduating in 1955, following which he was called up to serve in the Korean War.
Following his service in the Army dad returned to Seattle where he began his legal career as an Assistant United States Attorney General from 1958 to 1963. During this time he met the best thing that ever happened to him, Nancy L. Cope, and had the good sense to marry our mom in 1959, beginning a love story that spanned over 65 years and gave life to three children (Dean, Brian and Kim), six grandchildren (Nicole, Connor, Matt, Leah, Brennan and Brooke), and one great granddaughter on the way (and counting).
In classic Dorsey fashion, after promising mom a life in the big city, dad did the old "switcheroo" and moved her back to the Wenatchee Valley in 1963 where they have lived for over 60 years. Joining the law firm of Harvey Davis and Jim Arneil in 1963 dad's legal career spanned over 40 years in Wenatchee as a partner in the law firm which became Davis, Arneil, Dorsey, Kight & Parlette. Of his many accomplishments he was particularly proud of his contributions as senior counsel to the Chelan County PUD in the 1970s and 80s. His work on the PUD's federal licensing for the dams and the related "Exhibit-R" project served as the genesis for the development of the Wenatchee waterfront park and trail system we enjoy today. Dad also served as senior counsel to Central Washington Hospital during the 1980s and 90s, playing a key role in the hospital's growth and construction of its current campus.
Outside of work dad was devoted to his community and served on numerous boards and foundations including the Wenatchee School Board, Chelan County Bar Association, and as a member of Exchange Club. His love of the Wenatchee Valley, his community, and the people in it was only rivaled by his love for his family and the joy he shared with all of us. Dad set an example serving God, his country, his community and his family which we can only hope to follow and strive to live up to. We will miss him beyond the ability of these words to convey. We love you dad.
A celebration of life for our father will be held later this Spring at a date to be announced.
Please express your thoughts and memories on our online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com.
Arrangements are by Jones & Jones - Betts Funeral Home.

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

Published by The Wenatchee World from Feb. 7 to Feb. 15, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for David Dorsey

Sponsored by Jones & Jones-Betts Funeral Home.

4 Entries

Joan Dorsey

March 5, 2025

My father, Geoffrey A. Dorsey, Jr., moved us to California when I was very young. I finally had the joy of meeting his cousin David Dorsey in August of 2021 when he helped resolve many questions about my grandfather's trust. I am grateful to have met Cousin Dave and think fondly of the afternoon we spent out on his back patio. He was a wonderful man. I send my condolences to his lovely wife Nancy, and to his children.

Michael Feser

February 18, 2025

Dear Nancy, Dean, Brian, & Kim,

So many beautiful memories of Dave & you, at the house, at the lake, at Seaside...
You were a second family to me...
You probably knew I lost my dad at 13 and you all were there
Thank you for everything
Dave was always so positive and happy....
Such a beautiful person and character to be around. So good to us and so thoughtful and kind....
Dean and I were so busy doing our thing we failed to take the time we should have to spend with Dave....
We are all sad losing him but I think of the Lords Second Coming and my heart is filled with joy because I know Dave will rise again to live forever with us

Dean & Brian you might remember the fishing trip we took in Seaside....
You might remember the big breakfast everyone ate that morning. I was the only one who had nothing to eat and I was the only one that didn´t feed the fish LOL

You all are in my thoughts and prayers always....
I love you all...