John Doran Obituary

February 16, 1945 - February 29, 2024

Kennewick, Washington - With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of John Doran (79) on Thursday, February 29, 2024.  He was truly a beloved father, husband, and "Pop" (to his grandchildren and great grandchildren).

John was born on February 16, 1945, in Colfax, WA, to John and Billie Doran (Graham). He grew up in Kennewick and graduated from Columbia High School in Burbank, WA, in 1963, where he excelled in all sports. He then attended Columbia Basin College in Pasco, followed by Eastern Washington College in Cheney, WA, where he graduated with a Masters Degree in Education.  While attending EWC he was a starting Offensive Guard and Kicker on their national championship football team which went to the NAIA football championship game in Morgantown, West Virginia in 1967.

In 1965 John married Gerry Vos (Anderson) in Kennewick and they had two children, Jill (Paul) Kennedy and David Doran. They divorced in 1989 but remained good friends.  In 1991 he married Kathryn (Kathy)  Battershell in Kennewick, where they built a home and shared so many fun vacations and family gatherings. Their home was the place we had family BBQ's and celebrations. He loved hosting these events.

Upon graduation from college, John first started teaching in Burbank, WA but then found his true home at Riverview High School in Finley, WA, where he remained for almost 50 years, as Vice Principal and Athletic Director, as well as Girls Softball Coach for many years. He attended just about every Home and Away sports game ever, often with his good friend Larry Ayres, even in the years after he retired.  His love for the school and students had an undeniable impact over the years; and he never seemed to forget a face, even years later, any time he ran into them in town.  And most of them probably have a good "trick" or joke he played on them that they won't forget. This was a life-long passion for him, much to the dismay of many a "victim".  So sad that now we will miss these annoying tricks so very much!  In 2006 Riverview High School honored John by naming their gym the "John Doran Gym". He was so humbled and proud of this show of appreciation.

When John wasn't at work or school, he could be found playing Men's Softball or officiating softball or baseball.  He didn't know how to sit still.  Only Perry Mason could get him to sit down (usually late at night) and watch tv.  Once the great grandkids started playing sports, their games were not to be missed.

John is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Kathy Battershell-Doran, mother-in-law Jean Battershell, brother James Doran (wife Renee), sister Kathy Portsmouth (husband Jim), sister-in-law Pam Doran (Tom's wife), kids Jill (husband Paul) and David, granddaughters Kendra Phillips (husband Kyle) and Katie Newman (husband Austin), and great grandkids Kamden and Kaleb Phillips and Emily and Connor Newman. John was predeceased by his parents John and Billie (Wilma) Doran, father-in-law Bill Battershell, brother Tom Doran, and grandmother Clara Graham (Jackson) who is surely so happy to greet John and collect on their $1 bet that he would outlive her.

We will have a Celebration of John's Life on Sunday, March 10, at 1 p.m.at the John Doran Gym in Riverview High School, 36509 S Lemon Drive, Kennewick, WA 99337.