George Earl Van Dorn

September 19, 1934 - January 4, 2017

"... but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

George was a disciple of Jesus Christ, family man, father, husband, mentor and friend. He is survived by his loving wife, Gay, children Susan E. Van Dorn (Joseph) James and The Reverend Doctor Mark George (Olga Luna) Van Dorn, and grandchildren Abigail, Gloria, Justin, Colby, William, Calvin and Amanda. He also had step children Mark Corey, wife Chelli and Marilyn Garcia. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Hilda Van Dorn.

George attended Union County College (formerly Union Junior College) where he studied Electrical Engineering and served as President of the Iota XI Omega Fraternity. George served in the US Navy for 9 years and was deployed on the USS Bache destroyer for 2 years during the Korean Conflict. He served as Vice President of the Singer Corporation and in 1979 moved to Colorado where he served as President and General Manger of Johnson & Johnson’s ultrasound division. George was an integral part of designing and manufacturing the first ultrasonic scanner utilized for human ultrasound scanning. He later moved to Palo Alto, California, where he helped establish Dyasonics and is credited for manufacturing and shipping the first MRI machine (called NMR at the time) publicly utilized on a human. George had a profound personal and professional call in serving people and the Lord. His career almost always focused on technology and health care. As an entrepreneur, he helped establish and implemented many start-ups and eventually retired from Cochlear, a company that is credited with hearing implants that have helped over 450,000 people hear.

George’s legacy is characterized through his profound Christian faith and selfless, loving character. He was rarely seen without a Bible close at hand and an American Flag pin proudly displayed on his lapel. George lived for his love of God, his children and family. He was first married in 1957 to Janet Sauer and they raised two children, Susan and Mark. He was always an active participant in his church where he served as a Deacon and Elder in a variety of ministries and traveled internationally on several mission trips. George was a dedicated athlete and as a young adult was frequently found with his family on the Jersey shore or Pennsylvanian waterskiing. He was known for wearing a leather jacket and launching into the water on waterskies from a dock. After several slalom runs, he would glide up onto the beach with leather jacket dry and a smile on his face. George embraced every aspect of our Colorful Colorado heritage, he was an avid skier and enjoyed many winter and summer sports. He proudly displayed his national park pass and loved hiking, 4X4, rafting and horse back riding in all US national parks. Over the last 15 years he even took-up kayaking with his son in Ft. Lauderdale. George’s encouraging, supportive nature brought people to Christ and inspired many in their professional and personal endeavors. George’s infectious character, laugh, smile and eternal love are culminated in his catch phrase: “It is well with my soul.” He will be dearly missed and forever present in our hearts. God Bless George!

Testimonials

“He was a loving soul. George was a positive influence in our young lives and continued to be so as we grew our family. We will never forget the sound of his big laugh and his ever present smile.”

– Paul and Jeanne Sauer

“…When I think of George the words that come to mind are kind and teddy bear. I can honestly say after 20 years of knowing George that he is the kindest man I've ever met. He is also the epitome of big lovable teddy bear. I can honestly say as well that George truly has love in his heart for everyone he meets and that love shines brightly for all to see. George's bright smile lights up a room, his jovial laugh makes you feel at ease and he always has a handshake, a warm hug, and a "how are ya" to make you feel welcome. If you are blessed to be in his company he feels equally blessed to be in yours. Everyone should have a George in their life to brighten their spirits and warm their day.”

- Scott Patten