Dorsey Gayle Farris

DORSEY GAYLE FARRIS 1940-2024

I never met a person who didn't like Dorsey, who was known for his warm, welcoming smile.  He was a Marine Corps veteran, a skilled racer of Hobie Cats, a San Ramon Little League legend and the love of my life.

Dorsey Gayle Farris was born on May 25, 1940, in Newman Grove, Nebraska.  His family moved "out west" and settled in Oakland, CA.  After spending summers at the Beckman Farm throughout his childhood, he always considered Elgin his shelter.  "Gayle" made lifelong cherished friends: Arlyn, Jan, Alan and Dorris, here.

Somewhere along the way he saw the famous 1945 photo of marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima. It inspired the little boy. He graduated from Castlemont High School in 1958 and immediately enlisted in the Marine Corps where he began using his first name, "Dorsey". The Corps instilled a sense of pride, commitment to fidelity and honor; that never left him.

Dorsey enjoyed a long, successful career with Pacific Gas and Electric. Working in the electric department he ran crews, spent years as a trouble-man and finished with the "knock and lock" program. (This may have been his favorite assignment).

Dorsey married Susan Bates in 1965, it was a successful marriage that ended when she passed away following her journey with cancer.

Dorsey married Susan Rogers in August 1988. He returned to the adventure of raising a family all over again. They were happily married until his passing in December 2024.

Dorsey was an involved dad.  He enjoyed sailing and racing hobie cats with his family in his younger days. Later he focused his attention on Little League. Our son, Zachary Rogers Farris was there to greet his dad on the other side. Dorsey is survived by daughters, Sandra Ann Farris (husband, Michael Behnke), Deborah Lynn Farris; and sons, Eric James Farris (wife, Holly Farris), and Nathaniel Rogers Farris. He had five grandchildren.

In retirement Dorsey was well known for his cribbage expertise. He anchored two groups in Reno and enjoyed playing for years with the Lincoln Hills Club.

Semper Fidelis, Dorsey.  Semper Fi, Marine.

The family will hold a small graveside service at the St Boniface Cemetery in Elgin.