Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Alfred ‘Al‘ Doorn Memorial
Alfred ‘Al‘ Doorn Memorial

Alfred ‘Al‘ Doorn

Alfred ‘Al‘ Doorn

Sunday, June 7th, 2020

Alfred R. ‘Al‘ Doorn, 94, a longtime Sedro-Woolley businessman, passed away in Mount Vernon on June 7, 2020.

Al was born in Paterson, New Jersey on March 12, 1926, the son of John & Jennie (McDonald) Doorn.  He was raised and attended school in Paterson, NJ.

On January 27, 1944 at the age of 17, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy Air Corps and trained as an aerial gunner in fighter planes.  Al was stationed at NAS Whidbey in Oak Harbor and one evening at a dance at the Seven Cedars Dance Hall in Mount Vernon he met Dorothy Fahey; they were married on September 11, 1946.

Al and Dorothy made their home in Sedro-Woolley where they raised their family, two sets of twins, John and Jane born in 1947 and Kristopher and Kristen born in 1958.

Al began working for the C.E. Bingham & Co. State Bank in the banking industry then started selling insurance under the umbrella of the Bingham Investment Company. He bought out the other partners in the mid 1960’s renaming the company Doorn and Associates which he operated until his retirement in 1991.

Al was very active in the community; he served on the Sedro-Woolley City Council  and Planning Commission; he served as President of the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary, was on the Hospital Commission Board, served as Director for EDASC and was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

Al was always one for a good laugh and holding court with family telling stories of his many experiences. His ability and experience as an emcee for local events often produced an array of jokes from which to choose. If the joke worked, it’s likely you’d hear it again sometime in the future. He enjoyed tending to his roses, reading, photography, boating, singing his favorite swing tunes and watching his family swim in the backyard pool. His annual travels to Hawaii with his wife Dorothy were always special to him. He loved to visit his many grandchildren and had a special place in his heart for his brothers’ family in New Jersey.

Al is survived by his children and their spouses, John Doorn, Kristopher & Nancy Doorn of Sedro-Woolley and Kristen & Glenn Ash of Mount Vernon; eleven grandchildren, Nicholas Doorn (fiancé Emily Cann), Myles Doorn, Olivia Doorn, Noelle Jacobson (Jeff), Jessica Berg (Larry), Tiffany Buchinger (Jade), Jeremy Doorn (Krystina), Jane Kellard, Jason Ruhl (Julie), Stefanie Lindquist (Joe) and Brittany Ash; fourteen great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Dorothy in 2003; daughter Jane Ruhl in 1988 and brother John Doorn.

Family Graveside Services will be held at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery.  Memorials to Hospice of the Northwest in honor of Al are suggested.  Share memories of Al and sign the online guest register.

Guestbook

  • Lemley Chapel Post author

    Allyson Doorn06/12/2020 at 5:57 pm
    Uncle Bud,
    I enjoyed the times that you visited New Jersey. I remember laughing at your jokes, which also reminded me a lot of my dad’s. Your smile was infectious and we loved having you around – especially my cousin, Kait! When you visited after our Pop-Pop died, it felt like a piece of him was back with us.
    I also have great memories of you and Aunt Dot sending us applets and cotlets, which my dad and I would eat in one sitting. I know that he came out to Washington to stay with you for a bit when he was younger and that he loved you very much.
    In fact, all of us “East Coast Doorns” loved you very much and we will always remember you fondly.

  • Lemley Chapel Post author

    Rosie Robles06/12/2020 at 9:05 pm
    Al and Dorothy were among my favorite people. Have had Al on my mind a lot lately wondering how he was doing. Lost contact over the years but he always remained in my heart and in my prayers. I had the privilege of being Dorothy’s Hospice Chaplain and stayed close to her and Al during her illness. I offered the Eulogy at her service. They are united once again. Rest peacefully my friend. Holding you and your beloved Dorothy in my heart always. Prayers for the family during this time of letting go. Blessings!

  • Lemley Chapel Post author

    Jane Doorn Bradley06/13/2020 at 9:52 am
    I will cherish the memories of my dear Uncle Bud forever. I am so glad that he was able to visit a few years back to experience an East Coast Doorn Christmas. He will live on in my heart forever.

  • Fr. Paul Magnano

    I remember Al and Dorothy so well when I was pastor up here in the Skagit Valley some 30 years ago. I’m back in the Valley now as a senior (“parish”) priest. I will remember Al at the 5:00 pm Mass tonight at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Love Dorothy and Al! Love you all! May Al rest in peace with all the saints.