Robert Lyle Dorian

Robert Lyle Dorian, beloved husband, father, dentist and 94 year native of East Sacramento, passed away peacefully on 2-23-22.  He was born on August 3, 1927 and was raised near McKinley Park by his parents, Henry and Mable Dorian, who preceded him in death. He and his dear brother, Jim, also deceased and just one year Bob's junior, both attended Theodore Judah Elementary and Sacramento High School, where they excelled in sports, Bob's favorite being basketball. After graduating with honors, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Altamaha at the tail end of World War II, until 1947.  He wasted no time getting back to his education, attending UC Berkeley and then University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, where he graduated first and youngest in his class.  He practiced dentistry for forty-one years and was well-loved by his many patients.  Bob had a passion for the outdoors, playing golf regularly as a member of Northridge and Del Paso country clubs in Sacramento and De Anza Country Club in Borrego Springs, and also loved to hunt and fish.  He is one of the founding fathers of H-Pond in Yolo County, where he took an active role in maintaining and preserving the natural habitat of the birds, and was a lifetime member of the Audubon Society as well.  Bob always had a faithful friend in his Labrador Retrievers, from Maggie to Whinny to Molar.  He played bridge both socially and competitively throughout his life up until his final weeks.  Covid led him to adopt online bridge, where he and his life-long partners and friends teamed up to play regularly throughout each week.   

Bob was preceded in death by his first wife of 35 years, Edith "Joyce" Casey, and his second wife of 23 years, Edith Ruth Holland.  He leaves behind his truly beloved partner and friend of many years, Ann Turnacliff.  In addition to winning the love and devotion of these three wonderful women, Robert Dorian is succeeded by five adoring daughters, Rita Dorian Jones, Julie Rosenberg, Margaret (John) Anderson, Mary (James) Cunningham, and Carol Dorian.  (He may have been the greatest ladies' man ever!)  His legacy of love and goodness is continued by his twelve grandchildren and fourteen (going on fifteen) great grandchildren, for whom he never missed a birthday, Christmas or graduation.  All of his family cherish his memory and the wonderful times spent with him in Sacramento, Lake Tahoe and Borrego Springs, California.

Bob's life was exemplary in so many ways, from being a present, reliable and beloved parent and grandparent to sharing his time, knowledge and resources in betterment of the Dental Society.  His sincere and genuine love for humanity resulted in friendships all across the country.  

There will be a Rosary for Dr. Robert L. Dorian at 7:00 pm this March 9 at W.F Gormley & Sons Funeral Chapel.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on March 10, 2022, at Sacred Heart Church and will be followed by a private interment at East Lawn.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.