Kevin Earl Dorning

April 22, 1950 – March 22, 2024

Subdeacon Luke Kevin Earl Dorning passed away from cancer at home, his wife Susan by his side.

Kevin was born to Floyd (Hap) Dorning and Pauline Delanoy Dorning in Everett, WA, and moved to Lincoln City with his family as a boy. Following high school, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving in Vietnam and the Indo-Pacific. He was discharged in 1974. He married Gail Sethney in 1969 and together they had a daughter, Christy, in 1969, and a son, Jason, in 1973.

He married Susan Brady in 1988; son Benjamin was born in 1992.

After his naval career, Kevin earned his associate degree in forestry and was hired at Bonneville Power Administration, Portland Oregon. He spent early years as a power line danger tree surveyor. Rising through the ranks at BPA, he last worked in cybersecurity, retiring in 2015 after a 30+year notable federal career. He had many longtime friends at BPA.

Kevin was a talented musician, singing and playing the guitar for both his own enjoyment and professional sideline gigs. He never lost his love of nature, hiking and camping with family and friends. He tended the Church of Annunciation blueberry bushes for several years, enjoying the quiet and peaceful surroundings. An avid birdwatcher, his last weeks of life were sweetened by watching numerous species of birds feeding in his backyard.

Subdeacon Luke was devoted to his faith, having found a spiritual home in the Eastern Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Milwaukie, Oregon. The church’s congregation and liturgical worship sustained Kevin and Susan through his illness.

Kevin was predeceased by his mother and father, half-sister Glenna, and son Jason. He is survived by his wife, Susan, brother Patrick, and half-brother Jim (Melinda); his daughter, Christy (Patrick), his son Benjamin (Sarah), and grandchildren Sarah, Rachel (Danny), Waylon, Maisie, step-grandchildren Hunter, Tanner, and Braiden.

The family asks that donations be made in Kevin’s memory to organizations assisting veterans.