Doyle Dormaier
courtesy photo
Doyle Dormaier
ST. IGNATIUS — Doyle William Dormaier went home to his Lord peacefully on July 20 surrounded by his three sisters, brother-in-law and niece. Doyle was diagnosed with brain cancer in April 2022. From then, his time with us was far too short. And yet, in that time, he was so well loved.
Doyle was born in St. Ignatius on Oct. 6, 1953, to parents, Benjamin Dormaier and Bessie W. Smyth Dormaier. He grew up there and started his paper route when he was in seventh grade. He graduated from Mission High School in 1971 and after graduation, decided to take a year to travel (hitch hiking), visiting relatives in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. He returned home and enrolled in DeVry Institute of Technology in Phoenix, Arizona, graduating in 1976. He was hired in early 1977 by Western Geological as an Engineer with the promise of a job on the North Slope in Alaska. He received that job in 1978 and moved to Eagle River, Alaska, where he purchased a home.
Doyle suffered a stroke in 1982 at the age of 29 and was hospitalized for four weeks in rehab. He had to learn to walk, eat and speak after his stroke. He was tenacious in his recovery so that he could get back to work and living life fully. In 1984, his Mom, Bessie, was awarded a job with the National Park Service in Anchorage and moved to join him in Alaska. Doyle went to work for Pace (Price Savers) in 1985 where he worked until moving back to Montana in 1992. He worked for a year in Mission’s elementary school and was loved by staff and kids alike. He moved to Colorado in 1994 and started working in telemarketing and enjoying the Colorado outdoors, biking and traveling.
Doyle accepted Christ at a Billy Graham conference while in Alaska. He lived to serve the Lord and was active in Stroke Clubs as well as various Bible studies. He never married but was included in family gatherings and vacations by his siblings and families who treasured his presence.
Doyle started working at King Soopers in 2003 and was still employed there when his tumor was diagnosed. He engaged staff and customers in the spirit of Christ. Co-workers described him as a kind servant, willing to help when and where needed.
He is survived by his sisters, Donna Getman (Steve) of Lafayette, Colorado, Dee de Yong (Ron) of Kalispell, Darlene Shea (Tim) of Couer d’Alene Idaho; five nieces; three nephews and 19 grand nieces and nephews. Doyle loved all of them and was loved by all of them.
There will be a graveside service at Lakeview Cemetery in St. Ignatius on Thursday, Aug. 4 at 10 a.m. to celebrate the life of Doyle.
Doyle was lovingly and compassionately cared for in his final days by the remarkable TRU Community Hospice Care Center team. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to: TRU Hospice Care Center, 1950 Mountain View Ave., Longmont, CO 80501.
