L. Sean Key

1958 - 2025

L. Sean Key
October 24, 1958 - March 24, 2025
Loren Sean Key was born October 24, 1958, to James G. and Lorraine M. (Anderson) Key, at Mercy Hospital in Williston, ND. From birth he was called "Sean." His friends later assigned him the moniker "L Sean" because that's how he signed his name. Sean was the fifth child in a family of eight siblings. He attended Our Redeemers Kindergarten, St. Joseph's Grade School, and Williston Public Schools. He served as WHS Student Body President and as ND State Student Council President while earning his own walk-around money at KFC. As a natural leader and speaker, Sean had the honor of speaking at his high school graduation and serving as Master of Ceremonies at all 1976 WHS Class Reunions after that. His programs were well-rehearsed, funny, and unforgettable.
Sean attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and a minor in Geology. He was the president of the UND Computer Science Club and was named 1980 Outstanding Student in Computer Science. At UND, Sean made life-long friends to whom he was "Gey LeKey." After college, Sean worked as a programmer for the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center in Grand Forks, but soon returned to Williston to work with his father. He computerized the family's oil property documents and became a knowledgeable oil and gas landman and title man. With his brother, Patrick, he formed The KEY Company, Inc., a custom programming company. Together they developed the first LAND system for the Williams County Recorder, advancing its technology before the rest of the state of ND had done so.
In 1992, Sean joined Gaffaney's of Williston as a technology products consultant and network designer where he helped to implement networks for Williston State College, the Williston Police Department, and other local businesses. In 1997, Sean joined Mercy Medical Center/Catholic Health Initiatives as the Director of Information Technology to lead the facility through the Y2K frenzy. Sean relocated to Fargo after his scope expanded to that of Regional IT Director for critical access hospitals across North and South Dakota, and Minnesota. He was subsequently asked to lead his division as the national Chief Information Officer within the Fargo Division. Sean was widely respected within his organization for his collaborative leadership style. After a 25-year career with Catholic Health, Sean retired in 2021, concluding a 40 plus year career in Information Technology
In 2003 while working at Mercy Hospital, Sean made a resolution to donate blood. On his eighth donation, the United Blood Services notified him that his liver enzyme labs were abnormal. He was eventually diagnosed at Mayo Clinic with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), an autoimmune disease which destroys the liver's bile duct system. In Sean's case, a liver transplant was necessary. In 2006, Sean's sister, Theresa Whisenand, gave Sean the Gift of Life by donating 70% of her liver. Sean's case was only the 58th living donor liver transplant performed at Mayo Clinic.
Loren Sean Key and Norma Jean (Fettig) Dockter were married on June 27, 2015, in Fargo. ln addition to Norma's love and support, Sean also received an abundance of love and respect from her three children, Cameron, Matthew and Katie Dockter and their respective spouses Markelle, Katie Nicole and Brian. The Dockter family fully embraced Sean and to each of his five Dockter grandchildren, he was "Papa Sean." He was blessed with his newest grandchild (Graeme's daughter), Brexley Ann, while in Hospice. Sean and Norma and her family filled their lives with fun excursions and memorable holiday get-togethers with family and friends.
Sean was a sports enthusiast and forged lasting memories with his college mates through a mutual interest in UND Fighting Sioux hockey, Minnesota Vikings, and Minnesota Twins. Sean was left-handed and tall, and was a perfect fit for first base on his city league while living in Williston. He also played volleyball for the WISCO co-ed volleyball team for about 20 years. In collaboration with friends, he designed the board game, "Total Depth," which was a fun and challenging spin on Monopoly based on the oil industry and its business strategies. Sean was a member of the United Way Board, and the Fort Union Association Board of Directors serving as president for his third and final term. He enjoyed reading, music and traveling with son, Graeme, on annual "Key Boyz" trips to California national parks, Alaska, and Boston. He traveled with his brothers to Amsterdam and Madrid, and to many live concerts and points in between with his wife and blended family.
Sean will be remembered as a gifted photographer. He first bought a camera to document his life as a liver transplant recipient and later became adept at capturing the Northern Prairie in beautiful images. As one of his critics wrote, "Photography became more than just a hobby for Sean, it was a passion that defined his life. He had an extraordinary eye for detail and composition, which set him apart in a crowded field... [He turned] everyday scenes into extraordinary works of art."
Sean often referred to himself as just a lucky guy when, if fact by God's grace, he was an inherently intelligent and intentional man with a kind soul and a penchant for diligence. He was the product of his environment. "Go big or go home," he'd often quip, like the son of an impactful father might say. On March 24, 2025, life came full circle for our beloved Sean when he died in the care of Hospice. Sean has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew him and who loved him.
Sean's life will be celebrated on Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Williston, ND. The public is invited to all events. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the charity of your choice, or to one of Sean's preferred charities, The Gift of Life Transplant House, Rochester, MN, or Sanford Hospice House, Fargo, ND. Sean's family would like to thank the capable staff of Mayo Clinic in Rochester who helped him so greatly over the years, as well as the kind and knowledgeable staff who demonstrated excellence and compassion at the Sanford Hospice House in Fargo. We are forever grateful.
"To everything there is a Season, and a time for every purpose under Heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1.
Refer to the Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home website www.eversonfh.com for the July 12, 2025 schedule of events, to leave condolences and a complete list of survivors.