Tom Dorgan

Tom Dorgan was a man with a good memory, a huge heart, and a deep love for the people close to him. He was a polite, gentle man, who doled out “please” and “thank you” as often as his trademark phrase, “That’s true.” Tom was a man who faced many challenges in life, yet found so much happiness; surrounded by the family he loved most of all.

Tom’s story began on a cold winter day in 1954, as the snow fell in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Those were times of great change in this country and around the world. The U.S. was entering the Nuclear Age and was never to be the same again. On December 13, 1954, Daniel and Winifred (Scheiern) Dorgan had changes of their own; with the birth of a baby son they named Thomas Albert Dorgan.

Tom joined his brother Tim in the family’s Kalamazoo home. His father provided for the family by working at Upjohn and ran a small shoe repair business on the side.

Early on it became clear that Tom had mental deficiencies. As was common in those days, Tom went to live in a State Facility in Coldwater, Michigan. In the early 70’s the state closed down the Coldwater facility and Tom went to live in the former convent at Saint Joseph Church. He lived there for a short time before moving back home with his parents at the age of 18. Tom spent summers up north at the cabin in Sharon, Michigan with his parents. He would spend his days riding motorcycles and hunting Petoskey stones with his Dad. He especially liked going to the fair.

In 2004, after the death of his parents, Tom went to live, full time with his brother Tim in Richland. Tom loved it there, and enjoyed helping take care of Tim’s horses and playing with his dogs. His brother Tim was a longtime Portage Northern High School educator and later became Principal. Tom became a staple at the school. He helped out in the office, and enjoyed attending Portage Northern Huskies’ athletic events.

Tom loved sports of all kinds, and enjoyed cheering for the Western Michigan Broncos, the University of Michigan and all the Detroit sports teams. He also loved to participate in sports too. He was involved in the Special Olympics and he loved to run in the Borgess Run and the Peacock Run.

Tom had many other sources of happiness in his life. He was a great friend, with an impeccable memory, and never forgot someone’s birthday or important events. He was a very outgoing man, and a great talker, too — he loved being part of the conversation and was always up on all the news. Tom made friends with people wherever he went. Tom was well-known by many people, and beloved by all who knew him endearing himself to those around him.

Tom enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles, going to Sam’s Club (he called it “Crazy Land”), and going to Wendy’s for chili. His family was always dearest to him. Tom loved his brothers and their families. He loved going to his nieces’ sporting events. He also enjoyed making latch-hook rugs, and spent hours creating them and then giving them to his family and friends.

Tom was a very faithful Catholic and tried not to miss going to St. Joseph Church. He was involved for many years in the Friday night Fish Fries at the church during lent. His also helped out as an usher.

Tom went to live with his brother Terry and his wife Joanne in April of 2007. Even though Tom was suffering from terminal cancer and his health was declining it didn’t stop him from being involved in family activities. He went to sporting events, concerts, and spent time at the family cottage boating, fishing and tubing behind the boat and down the river. He remembered fondly his trip to Chicago, on the train with his niece Mallory, to visit his cousin Vicky. He enjoyed Chicago style pizza, visited Navy Pier, had his eyebrows threaded and received a henna tattoo.

Tom was a man who faced many challenges yet found so much happiness in life. He loved his family and they loved him. He will be greatly missed.

Learn more about Tom, view his life story film, and visit with his family and friends on Friday from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the LIFE STORY FUNERAL HOME, Betzler, Kalamazoo, MI, 375-2900. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday 10:00 AM, St. Joseph Catholic Church followed by food and fellowship in the church hall. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Winifred and by a brother, Timothy Dorgan. Members of his family include his brother, Terry (Joanne) Dorgan of Mattawan; and four nieces: Kaitlyn (fiancé Brad Hoogterp), Molly, Mallory, and Kelsey Dorgan. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo of Tom, sign his online guest book or make memorial contributions to West Michigan Cancer Center or Hospice of Southwest Michigan.