1950
Gary
2021
Gary Dorr Catherman
March 22, 1950 — April 9, 2021
It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of Gary Dorr Catherman. With his wife and daughters by his side, Dorr Catherman, 71, passed away on April 9, 2021, from an inherited heart condition at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dorr was born on March 22, 1950, in Farmington, MI to the late Elmer and Betty (Geary) Catherman.
Despite Tolkien’s trilogy almost taking priority over his studies, Dorr successfully graduated from Western Michigan University in 1979 with a Specialist Degree in School Psychology. He was a dedicated advocate for families and children with special education needs in the Kalamazoo Public School system for over 30 years, where he was fortunate enough to meet his old (but wise) friends Rich and Lynn Pattison.
As a life-long tennis enthusiast, Dorr enjoyed years of playing with his daughters and friend Mike Rosner, volunteering for the Nats at the Zoo and memorably attending a US Open with his wife. He was a proud supporter of the youth tennis programs at both Mattawan High School and Greenville High School, earning the titles of “team mom” and assistant coach.
An avid camper, hiker and general lover of the outdoors, Dorr’s nature adventures included visiting as many state and national parks as possible, taking motorhome trips out west with his family, camping (in mostly inclement weather) with the Munsons, “golfing” with the Wormburners, hiking Blood Mountain and other sections of the Appalachian Trail, surviving an almost waterless trek through Bryce Canyon and taking sunrise cruises on the Betty Ford II.
By far the most important aspect of Dorr’s life was to love and support his wife and daughters. He was an extremely devoted and nurturing husband, father and friend who infused life with love and most notably, laughter.
Left to cherish his memory are wife Kathryn, daughters Amanda and Leah, father-in-law and wife George Solomon and Georgianna Richner, special niece Lisa Stoddard, brother and sister-in-law Scott and Mary Solomon, sister and brother-in-law Margie and Dan Fox, dedicated friends and housemates Pat Rothi and Ellen Kisinger-Rothi, sister Jane and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is also preceded in death by his dearly missed sister Susan and mother-in-law Jane. Private memorials will be held in Greenville and Kalamazoo at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to The Momentum Bike Clubs of Greenville, SC and Housing Resources, Inc. of Kalamazoo, MI.
Despite Tolkien’s trilogy almost taking priority over his studies, Dorr successfully graduated from Western Michigan University in 1979 with a Specialist Degree in School Psychology. He was a dedicated advocate for families and children with special education needs in the Kalamazoo Public School system for over 30 years, where he was fortunate enough to meet his old (but wise) friends Rich and Lynn Pattison.
As a life-long tennis enthusiast, Dorr enjoyed years of playing with his daughters and friend Mike Rosner, volunteering for the Nats at the Zoo and memorably attending a US Open with his wife. He was a proud supporter of the youth tennis programs at both Mattawan High School and Greenville High School, earning the titles of “team mom” and assistant coach.
An avid camper, hiker and general lover of the outdoors, Dorr’s nature adventures included visiting as many state and national parks as possible, taking motorhome trips out west with his family, camping (in mostly inclement weather) with the Munsons, “golfing” with the Wormburners, hiking Blood Mountain and other sections of the Appalachian Trail, surviving an almost waterless trek through Bryce Canyon and taking sunrise cruises on the Betty Ford II.
By far the most important aspect of Dorr’s life was to love and support his wife and daughters. He was an extremely devoted and nurturing husband, father and friend who infused life with love and most notably, laughter.
Left to cherish his memory are wife Kathryn, daughters Amanda and Leah, father-in-law and wife George Solomon and Georgianna Richner, special niece Lisa Stoddard, brother and sister-in-law Scott and Mary Solomon, sister and brother-in-law Margie and Dan Fox, dedicated friends and housemates Pat Rothi and Ellen Kisinger-Rothi, sister Jane and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is also preceded in death by his dearly missed sister Susan and mother-in-law Jane. Private memorials will be held in Greenville and Kalamazoo at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to The Momentum Bike Clubs of Greenville, SC and Housing Resources, Inc. of Kalamazoo, MI.
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