Editorial: Finding inspiration in a life, as we grieve its loss

Last week was a very hard week for many on Vashon, in the wake of the death of a beloved community member, Nathan Dorn, Jr., whose brave and notable life ended when he was killed by a hit-and-run driver.

April 13, 2022 1:30 am
(Dorinda Kopp Photo) An empty chair, and a table set with cards and flowers, marked the death of a faithful customer, Nathan Dorn, Jr., at Sporty’s last week.
(Dorinda Kopp Photo) An empty chair, and a table set with cards and flowers, marked the death of a faithful customer, Nathan Dorn, Jr., at Sporty’s last week.

Note: This editorial has been updated from the version of it that appeared in The Beachcomber’s April 14 print edition.

Last week was a very hard week for many on Vashon, in the wake of the death of a beloved community member, Nathan Dorn, Jr., whose brave and notable life ended when he was killed by a hit-and-run driver while walking home to his house, wearing a bright yellow reflective safety jacket.

Those who knew Dorn reacted in grief and horror, a shock compounded after islander Michael Irwin Henderson was swiftly arrested as a suspect in the heinous crime, and charged with felony counts of vehicular homicide and hit-and-run on Tuesday.

Here at The Beachcomber, it is our sad duty to report as many factual details as we can about the accident and crime going forward, but we will do so within strong ethical boundaries.

We do not intend to put Henderson on trial on the pages of The Beachcomber — that is not the place to do so. That duty belongs to the justice system, which we hope works swiftly in this case. We will, however, continue to report fully on how this case, which has torn so many hearts in two, proceeds in the courts.

But this week, our first and most important duty is to honor Dorn by sharing the remarkable story of his life as fully as possible.

This is what matters, and this is what we lost on the terrible night of April 4, on Vashon Highway.

It has been our deepest honor to speak to his loved ones and friends this week, and then recount their stories and remembrances of Dorn as someone who lived simply, helped others, and faced the lifelong impacts of his military service in Vietnam with quiet fortitude.

We hope that Dorn’s story inspires others to be the kind of hero he was — a person who listened, talked and laughed with strangers and friends alike, who freely shared what he had to give, who was patient and kind with children, and who stepped up when he saw other islanders in need.

This was the hallmark of his service too, as a Navy Hospital Corpsman in Vietnam.

According to the 2020 United States Census, Vashon is home to 611 veterans — a number that includes one World War II veteran, 54 Korean War veterans, 257 Vietnam veterans, 114 veterans who served in the first Gulf War, and 14 who served in the second Gulf War, after 2000.

Make that 256 Vietnam veterans, now that we have so sadly lost Dorn, Jr.

There are numerous resources here on Vashon for veterans, and we applaud the work of our local Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, and Vashon Veterans Retreat Center. These groups provide community and help for veterans, and those of us who are not veterans should help them more. To contribute to these groups or be in touch with any of them, visit vashonvets.org or email info@vashonvets.org.

And while you’re at it, pay it forward in a different way the next time you are in Sporty’s, and leave a really big tip for your server. Pay for a stranger’s lunch, too, while you’re at.

Nathan Dorn, Jr., who loved Sporty’s, would love for you to do that.