29 entries.
He taught me History, taught me how to be a responsible senior and proctor. And he taught me how to run a classroom and a basketball team. He demonstrated deep devotion to his family and to learning. I will always be grateful for the positive influence he had on my life, and the lives of so many others.
It is hard to find the words to express how I feel through the tears and flood of memories. Grief runs deep. Friend, father, mentor, coach, teacher…the most kind, most generous, most loving…so funny, so talented in so many ways, so intelligent, so wise… Unlike Lisa, I hated history, always anxious for what the future held, and I loved to tell Dick how I hated history…and he loved me anyways, he loved me for it, always. Dick taught me many things but the most valuable thing he taught me, and the greatest gift he gave me, was love, how to love unconditionally and always…and I will always love him.
The pictures document what was obvious to Richard’s and Deb’s neighbors. A great love and respect existed in their relationship . Both of them were very lucky to have each other .
My heart just aches for all of you and our collective community of those who knew Dick. He was warm and gentle and lighthearted and kind and generous and funny and talented and I always felt comfortable in his presence. He was a role model to so many at Deerfield and clearly an amazing Dad and husband. All my love to each of you as you move through this crazy world without him physically as there is no doubt he will always be with you. May the memories keep you whole. Hugs. PS. this website is just amazing, thanks for sharing his story and pictures
I spent 4 years with Richard as my advisor, dorm parent and basketball coach. Richard was one of the few adults that I looked up to and will forever recognize as a mentor . I was a terrible student and never had the pleasure of taking a class with Richard, but his opinion mattered to me. My fondest memory of Richard is sitting in he and Debrah’s apartment listening to bootleg CCR and the Grateful Dead recordings . Peace Richard, you clearly have had a profound influence on so many.
All my other Deerfield advisors gave me cookies or cake on my birthday. Not Mr. Dohrmann. He took the time to figure out my favorite treat was a Mcdonald’s Big Mac and when I turned 17, he presented me with a candle-lit, perfect burger. He was the most thoughtful man, a beacon of calm patience and kindness to all the unruly teenagers around him. He will be so sorely missed. His spirit lives on in his loving family and I know he will never be far away, looking out for them and everyone else, as always.
7:30 pm
I am sitting courtside in the Gould field house, hanging with a group of students playing basketball—masked, in cohorts, and just enjoying tossing a ball at the backboard and upping each other’s layups. I am flooded with memories of basketball games with Coach Dohrmann in a white shirt, hip tie, and khaki pants respectfully advocating for his athletes to the refs and helping the players figure out how to work together to grab a shot, steal the ball, be the best they could be on that night. Deb, always close to court-- a mom’s eye on two great kids running around, hugging students, making people smile —and perhaps, now that I really dig into my memories, Ben is courtside—eager to shag a ball or lend a hand to Dad.
Chances are Dick would head to duty after a game or Deb had invited a few people up to the house to replay the game, connect, and kindle friendships that sustain hard times and laugh together in times of joy.
The Dohrmanns—always one unit with four distinct loving people—are the bedrock family and have lit the path of kindness, generosity, and laughter for so many. You shared a great person with so many and helped to shape what family means. In these crazy times, that is a double immeasurable gift — like a John Lewis’ call to make ‘good trouble’, the Dorhmann call was to ‘make good family.’
Dick, although you are “gone and nothin’s gonna bring you back”, your influence and spirit live on. I imagine you accepting each note to you with such grace and gratitude, reminding us all that we too can lead with grace and gratitude.
Deb, Anna, and Ben your homes are now filled with an eternal, powerful, and spiritual love from above.
And, I end with a bit of a smile—Dick will never again bump his head on a doorway or low ceiling for he walks painlessly with Coco in vaulted skies.
My deepest love. I lost my dad this fall and it is hard. He comes to visit and I know they are with us. It is different. It is hard.
So, from the late-night duty shift in Gehring, my love. My hope for strength in these sad moments, and my promise for a pesto harvest to share.
I love you each across years —grounded in small family moments anchored by your dad and celebrated with your mom’s loving smile.
My love and with a doodle curled up next to me after a night 'of duty' Sara
I am so sorry and shocked to hear this news. I only met Dick once, maybe twice but sensed that he was a wonderfully intelligent, fun and kind soul. He was someone I would have liked to have known better. My heart goes out to you all. Much love, Kate.
I was not a fan of history class until Mr. Dorhrmann’s class my sophomore year. He told the truth. He explained the reasons why certain historical events were significant and did not focus simply on dates! He made me love history which is still do today and have passed that along to my daughter. He was supportive and inspirational as both a teacher and a coach and I will never forget that helped make into the woman I am today! One of my favorite funny stories about him was being in what I think was a four point group with him and having to go around the circle and use and adjective plus our name to describe ourselves. We got to Mr. D and he said “Happy Dick”. First there was silence and then there was uproarious laughter from us all to include him. I will never forget that as long as I live. Thanks for the inspiration and smiles!