James Ernest Dorian

None James Ernest Dorian December 15, 1938 - November 15, 2012 James, 73, a lifetime resident of Olympia died peacefully Thursday, November 15, 2012, surrounded by family and friends at Providence St. Peter Hospital, Olympia. He was born December 15, 1938 in Olympia to Thomas & Marguerite (Huber) Dorian. He graduated from Saint Martin’s High School where he excelled on the high school football team. Shortly after graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served six years. He received his basic training in San Diego and worked as an aircraft maintenance mechanic after receiving training in Memphis, TN. He spent the majority of his time in the Navy as an aircraft crew member of a P2V submarine patrol aircraft. He was stationed in Adak, AK and the Philippine Islands. He was honorably discharged in 1963. Mr. Dorian was an industrial mechanic for Georgia Pacific for 39 years and took early retirement in 2000 after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Even while battling the cancer, he continued to hike and refused to let it take away his freedom. He enjoyed being with his family, and had a great appreciation for nature. He loved spending time in the outdoors and on many occasions would go hunting, fishing, and hiking. Gardening was a hobby he enjoyed for many years with his wife and he took great pride in his many vegetable plants and trees; especially his fig tree that he nurtured and cared for. He tried for years to grow a Madrona tree from seeds he collected from Priest Point Park and was especially proud when he finally succeeded. He was fascinated with a wide range of subjects and was an avid reader collecting hundreds of books and magazines over his lifetime. His collection included every subject possible; medical terminology, gardening, fishing, wildlife, aircraft, medicine etc. Mr. Dorian is survived by his wife Hongcha Dorian whom he married on Sept 22, 1984; three daughters; Ramona, Marcelene, and Elsa, a son; Alex, two step-daughters; Yookyoung and Yoomi, two step-sons; Seung woo and Seung hyun, four brothers; Mike, Garry and Tom of Olympia, and John of Richland; three sisters; Teresa Dorian of Seattle, and Joan Dorian and Patty Matthews of Olympia, 22 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Dorianna, parents Thomas and Marguerite Dorian, and son Anthony. Please leave memories and condolences for the family in the guest book below.