The January 8th Memorial
Dorwan Stoddard - Victim
Symbols by artist Rebeca Méndez
Highway
Freeway builder / Foreman / Construction worker
Dorwan, aka Dory, was a member of the Operating Engineers Union Local 12 & 428 from the years 1954 to 1988. During this time he worked on numerous construction projects including the Nevada Test Site when they still did above ground explosions. As a grade checker, a blade man and as a foreman he built freeways, always keeping the heavy machinery running.
Saguaro
Tucson native / Child of the desert
Born on a ranch, Dory was a fourth generation Arizonan and a Tucson native. He was a football star at Tucson High (‘small, but quick’) where he met his first wife Arlene, who he wed in 1953. They enjoyed 43 wonderful years of marriage, becoming parents of four boys, until Arlene’s passing in 1996. Dory returned to Tucson where he met Mavy, his former sixth grade sweetheart, to marry her within three months, for — in Mavy’s words — a 15 year honeymoon to follow.
Giving Hands
Always giving, supporting and caring
Dory and Mavy cared for sick people, helping provide them with transportation, helping out with rent and maybe a utility bill or two. People credit them with saving them from lives of addiction and debt. In a final act of service, Dory sacrificed his life by shielding Mavy as a fatal bullet hit him.
Fishing
Avid fisherman
Together, Dory and Mavy travelled 50 states in their RV, with their dog Tux in tow, and visited 28 countries. Wherever and whenever possible, Dory would fish. Upon return to Tucson with a fresh catch, would hold salmon feasts shared with the church community.
Community
Volunteered 7 days a week at church
Dory and Mavy enjoyed meeting new people wherever they went, instantly finding common ground in a love for life, hospitality and community. Dory volunteered seven days a week at his church, where he was loved for his great sense of humor and big, generous heart.
Hammer
Mr. Fixit / Dory's room
In retirement, Dory also kept himself busy by volunteering to help his family and his church whenever needed, earning him the title “Mr. Fixit”. A hammer and screwdriver were never far from his grasp. He always carried a big pocket knife that he used to fix anything and was always bleeding from his hands, which he’d stop by duct taping his wounds.
Ichthys Sign
Born again Christian
Dory was a born-again Christian, baptized again at 60, and an active member of the Mountain View Church of Christ, where he was the administrator of the church’s benevolence and maintenance ministries. There is a small kids’ room at the back left corner of the sanctuary with a sign: “Dory’s Room,” built by him single-handedly.
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