Wayne Evan Dorman

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wayne Dorman - beloved son, treasured brother, loving father, respected dog trainer, mentor, and friend. He passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025, at Hospice House in Kelowna, BC, surrounded by love.

Born on June 22, 1973, in Cape Town, South Africa, to Pam and Stanley Dorman, Wayne was the youngest of four boys. He spent his childhood in Cape Town and his summers working at the family business, Mariner’s Wharf in Hout Bay - a world-renowned seafood emporium. Those early experiences helped shape him into the devoted and hardworking man he remained throughout his life.

Wayne gained invaluable experience traveling the world from a young age. He attended the prestigious St. Andrew’s College in Grahamstown, South Africa, and after matriculating, pursued a career in hospitality by studying at the Hotel Institute Montreux in Switzerland. He went on to work in Australia, England, and South Africa before eventually settling in Vancouver, BC in 1999, where he worked in various hospitality establishments.

His journey into the K9 world began after a life-changing car accident in 2003 led him to his true calling - dog training. Wayne had always loved dogs, and they remained an integral part of his life. After successfully rehabilitating his own “untrainable” Beagle, Kingsley, he founded Dogzies in 2005, serving Kelowna and the Okanagan area for 20 years.

Over the years, Wayne trained more than 15,000 dogs, traveled the world learning and teaching cutting-edge training methods, and became an internationally recognized expert. His work gave hope to struggling dog owners, often saving dogs from euthanasia. His passion, knowledge, and dedication changed countless lives. Wayne’s legacy will live on in the dogs he saved and the people he inspired. As Dogzies’ fearless leader always said, “Don’t blame me. Train me.”

Wayne is survived by his parents, Stanley and Pam Dorman of Cape Town, South Africa; his brothers Lance (Southampton, England), Garth (Cape Town), and Anton (Cape Town); he will lovingly be remembered by his son Jacob Dorman and forever missed by his daughters Kayla and Morena Dorman. He also leaves behind aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends around the world. And last, but certainly not least, his faithful companion, the English beagle George.

In a testament to his legacy, Wayne entrusted his lifes work to Laurie, Dayna, Kandi, and the Dogzies team, who will continue providing top-tier training and care for dogs and their owners. He meticulously trained and mentored his team in his methods and philosophies, ensuring that his impact will endure.

Wayne’s family and team would like to extend their immense appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Kaethe Clarke, Dr. Richard van der Ross, the staff at BC Cancer Kelowna, and the Kelowna Hospice House. A special thank you as well to Harjot, Manpreet, and Harman from Nurse Next Door for their compassionate care during Wayne’s final days. Wayne and his team will always be grateful to Trent Phillips for his unwavering support for more than the past decade.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 1:30 PM at Lakeview Memorial Gardens. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the livestream at the time of the service (see link below). A recording will also be available to view shortly after.

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony/?c=6649315e-6cdc-429c-b3ec-f516438b785f

In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayne’s memory can be made to Hospice House Kelowna.

“Consistent training leads to success”

Wayne Dorman, Founder, Dogzies.