Dorn Sr., Chuck Walter Obituary

Dorn Sr., Chuck Walter attended Elk Grove High School in Elk Grove, CA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Dorn Sr., Chuck Walter.

Graduation Year	Class of 1966
Date of Passing	Feb 06, 2015
About	Charles Walter “Chuck” Dorn, Sr. passed away on Friday, February 6, 2015 in Monterey, CA due to complications resulting from pancreatic cancer. Chuck was born in Niskayuna, NY to Charles and Mary (Morrell) Dorn on July 14, 1948. While Chuck was still a toddler, the family loaded up and headed west to Elk Grove, California at a time when the “town was so small, you could hit every house on Halloween.” Chuck graduated as part of Elk Grove High School's Class of 1966. He briefly attended Sacramento City College, where he studied Police Science. He also was a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Center's Land Management Police and Criminal Investigator Training programs, and the Yosemite National Park Horse Patrol Academy. Chuck had to step in and be the “man of the family” as a young boy when his father passed away. He began his working career while still a lad, feeding calves at the Lindsay Jersey Dairy in Elk Grove. He continued working as a dairyman to help his mother with household costs throughout his high school years. Chuck's next career was as a lumberman with Diamond National, where he enjoyed helping do-it-yourself folks and contractors alike with their projects. As his family began to grow, Chuck sought a position in county government, becoming a Contra Costa County Animal Control Officer and Reserve Sheriff's Deputy in 1970. Chuck rose to the rank of Lieutenant with CCAC and was the President of the California Animal Control Officers Association. He pioneered the creation of county spay/neuter/vaccination clinics, the “Learn to Care” pet education program, “Adopt an Animal” pet/family evaluations, and public outreach/information programs. He was regularly heard on the radio with the “Pet of the Week”, and worked tirelessly to improve state humane laws. He was a true “Friend to Animals”, and through his efforts he saved the lives of many dogs, cats, horses and other creatures. While on a vacation to Yosemite National Park, Chuck was inspired to work for the National Park Service (NPS). In 1986, he went to work at Grand Canyon and Death Valley National Parks as a short order cook and retail sales clerk with the Fred Harvey Company. He also spent time as a telephone lineman for Henkels & McCoy, and in a variety of seasonal park ranger and maintenance positions at the Grand Canyon. Chuck secured permanent federal employment in 1987 as an emergency services dispatcher and was known as the “Voice of the Grand Canyon”. His quiet, steady, and confident presence on the radio assisted patrol rangers in resolving many serious incidents. Chuck also served as a Court Liaison and South Rim Patrol Ranger. Chuck transferred to Petrified Forest National Park in 1992, working his dream job as a horse and road patrol Ranger. He was legendary for his passion in upholding the mission of the National Park Service preserving and protecting park resources and providing for visitor enjoyment. Throughout his years at Petrified Forest, Chuck could as easily be found delivering an interpretive program to kids as preventing fossil wood theft. Chuck was happiest on the days he saddled up for patrol into the beautiful Painted Desert on his favorite park horses Morgan, Sunny, or Pintado. As he rode away, he often could be heard to sing “The most amazing thing is I get paid for doing this!” He was a true “Ranger's Ranger”. After a 20 year career as a “top kick” ranger for the NPS, Chuck reinvented himself again, becoming an Investigative Assistant with the Federal Office of Personnel Management, Investigative Services division when he followed his wife's career to the Seattle, Washington area. As in everything he did, Chuck threw his all into doing exceptional work. Memorial services will be on Monday, February 16, 2015 at 1:00PM at Sacred Heart Church, 5th and College Streets in Hollister. A reception will follow at the United Methodist Church, 5th and Monterey Streets in Hollister. Private cremation will be followed by private family inurnment. Donations are preferred to Community Foundation Cancer Outreach c/o the funeral home or Mary's Meals USA, 590 Bloomfield Ave. #280, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 (800 385-4983) Rooms are being made available at San Benito Inn (Best Western) 660 San Felipe Road @ Hwy 25, Hollister, CA 95023. Telephone 831 637-9248. Discounted rates for the Dorn services. To contact the family please call or email David Dorn: 925 997-3122 or dorn@k9stac.com