Richard Scott Dorman

On Saturday morning, 23 December 2023, Richard Scott Dorman died quietly in his sleep at his home in Kansas City.  There was no sense of disturbance – only calm.  Known as “Scott” through most of his life, he had faced many medical challenges.  But there was no indication that any of them was a specific cause of death.  He died in peace at home.

Scott was born on 9 August 1962, and he was 61 when he died.  He had been adopted as an infant by Paula N. Thoburn and her then husband, C.K. “Chuck” Dorman, owner of C.K. Dorman & Company in Kansas City’s West Bottoms.  Scott attended schools including Shawnee Mission South High School and took his bachelor's degree in advertising at the University of Kansas, completing his studies after already starting work with The Sunflower Group, specializing in marketing.  In the early 1990s, he managed Sunflower’s work in the greater New York City area, while living in Stamford CT and making many lifelong friends there.  On returning to Kansas City, he played a role in advancing customer relations for Sunflower in Kansas City, Chicago, and elsewhere.  He was later the owner and president of Paws & Claws in Lee’s Summit MO.  Then, until retirement, he worked first as a sales associate at Macy’s in Overland Park KS and then in Macy’s administrative support.  

Among his charitable interests were the Hope Care Center, the Nelson-Atkins Museum, and the Kansas City Symphony.  He was also co-contributor of more than 350 works of art to the Beach Museum in Manhattan KS and the Zimmerli Museum in New Brunswick NJ.

Since 2007, Scott had shared his life with his domestic partner, Don Mrozek, formerly of Manhattan KS.   Scott also shared with Don his lifelong love of cats and dogs, and in recent years the household included dachshunds, which Scott especially favored.   Scott kept several aquaria.  And he was keen on trains of all kinds.  On the ground level of their house, he maintained a large set of model trains.  He also prized travel and discovery.  His most recent distant travel was to Salt Lake City, Park City, and other places along the Wasatch Mountains.  Scott and Don had intended to visit coastal Alaska in 2024, partly to take the White Pass & Yukon railroad.

Scott greatly valued family relationships and delighted in his aunt, Lucia Jenney, of Wichita KS; cousin Charlie Jenney and his wife, Melanie Jenney, of Wichita KS; cousin Michelle Jordan and her husband, Dan, of Evanston IL; and cousin Linda Cordova and her husband, Steve, of Pueblo CO; as well as the sons and daughters of his cousins including Anna Jenney, Zora Jenney-Newkirk, Evan Jordan, Graham Jordan, and Charlie Vance.  Scott was also grateful for warm relationships with partner Don’s family, including Don’s brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Barbara Mrozek of Scotch Plains NJ; his nephew, Joe, and Joe’s wife, Kristin, of Warren Township NJ and their son and daughters, Robert, Danielle, and Kaitlyn; and his niece, Dianne Patterson of Plymouth Meeting PA, and her daughter, Courtney Patterson.

Scott was clear-headed, calm, and in good spirits late on the night before he died.  Even then, he had a positive way about him – his smile was a natural part of him, and it was contagious.

Those wishing to take special note of Scott’s passing may contribute to Great Plains SPCA Pet Adoption Center, KC Pet Project, or Nebraska Dachshund Rescue.

A memorial service including a virtual meeting component will be held within the first months of the new year.