Obituary: Kenneth Lyle Dorman Jr.

As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:

Kenneth Lyle Dorman Jr. (Ken) was born on February 24, 1951, at Munson Hospital in Traverse City, Michigan, to Kenneth Lyle Dorman Sr. and Charlotte Doris Dorman (Geyer), who preceded him in death. He was a long-time resident of Houghton, graduating from Houghton High School where he remembered fondly playing basketball in the state semifinals. Upon graduation, he attended Michigan Technological University.

Life did not escape Ken. Ken loved to dance whenever he got the chance. He was adventurous. He loved snowmobiling, boating, water and downhill skiing and traveling around the US with his family. Ken was industrious. He loved building cars and construction projects. Through his many small businesses, such as flooring installation and rental apartments, he enjoyed sharing his knowledge and teaching trade skills to others. Lastly, Ken was kind, patient, caring, and humble. He would help anybody in need, never speak ill of anyone, and never thought himself better than another. Upon Ken’s death from a cardiac arrest on May 17, 2023, at the age of 72, he was able to give his organs to help someone else in need.

He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Christie Gayheart (Brett) and grandsons, Adam and Riley of Midland, Michigan, his son, Lee Dorman of Odessa, Texas, and his partner Ayla Chiang and her daughter Arianna, the mother of Ken’s children, Clarissa Gaff, and his partner Sheri Thompson, whom he lived with most recently in Chassell, Michigan. He is survived by his sisters, Deborah Ennis (Bill) of Houghton, Michigan, Heather DeVos (Rick) of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Phyllis Green (Jay) of Houghton, Michigan, and Dr. Nancy Lindner (Jon) of Muskego, Wisconsin, and his eight nieces and nephews.

The family of Ken Dorman would like his care team at Portage Health and Marquette Hospitals to know that they appreciated the special care they gave to Ken over the years, and we know you did everything you could. At the request of Ken, he was cremated and a time to remember and share stories about Ken will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 27 the at Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel. Any condolences can be sent to his daughter Christie Gayheart, 1201 Glendale Street, Midland, Michigan, 48642.

To view Ken’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel has been assisting the family with the arrangements.