Daniel (Dan) Dorotich

Born in Novi Sad, Dan endured much hardship in his early years. Having survived
World War II, he escaped communist Yugoslavia in October 1945, first as a
Displaced Person in Greece, then to live and work in various European countries.
Dan made his way to France and studied Theology in Collonges-sous-Salève before
emigrating to Canada in 1953. At MacDonald College in Quebec, Dan continued his
education in Teacher College. There he learned to speak English, to go along with
the other 5 languages in which he was fluent. Early in 1958, he met Elizabeth
(Betty) Scarlett. They married a year later and went on to have three children, all of
whom survive them. Michael, born in Montreal in 1960, married Maureen Krol and
settled in the Lower Mainland of BC with daughter Nastassja. Andrea, born in
Calgary in 1962, now lives in Edmonton, Alberta, with husband Michael Ward and
daughter Rachel. And Paul, who was born in 1964 in Vancouver, makes his home in
Cochrane, Alberta, alongside his wife Céline Orieux and children Danielle &
Stéphane.
Shortly after Dan’s marriage, and exhibiting his characteristic determination, Dan
completed a Master’s in Education, followed by a PhD in History. And so began his
career in academia, with positions at UBC (1962-69), Selkirk College (1969-70), and
the University of Saskatchewan (1970-1989). He and Betty were able to share their
passion for travel, and its value for education, with their children on 1-year
sabbatical leaves to Yugoslavia in 1967 and again in 1976. After a third sabbatical
to South Asia in 1984, Danny and Betty eased into retirement, ultimately settling
in Summerland, BC, to enjoy life in the Okanagan.
The German occupation of his homeland and the aftermath of the war years left
their mark on Dan. He was a complex man, with a desire to promote world peace, a
passion for philosophy, and a love of nature. He and Betty introduced the family to
Nordic skiing, canoeing, and backpacking at a time when not many people were
venturing into the backcountry. Dan was also an avid photographer. As a member
of the Central Okanagan Photographic Society, Dan even staged an exhibition at the
art gallery in Summerland.
Dan died peacefully in his sleep in Osoyoos, BC, with his daughter by his side. He
will be lovingly remembered by those who knew him. The family wishes to thank the
staff at Mariposa Gardens for their commitment, care, and compassion, in easing
Dan’s passage from this life.

In Lieu of flowers, donations to the World Wildlife Federation or Amnesty International would be appreciated.