Douglas Franklin Dorst

It is with great sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Douglas Franklin Dorst, better known as Frank Dorst. He ascended into heaven April 28, 2023, surrounded by family, following a difficult battle with dementia, at the young age of 67 in Victoria on Vancouver Island.

His legacy includes an exciting career as a young brash trumpeter. His musical talent opened many doors and ultimately led him to find his life’s calling as a Minister after traveling with Merv and Merla Watson and Shekina, a Christian performing arts ministry. Through Shekina, Frank met Karen, a shy redhead who shared a similar love and passion for Christ. Frank energetically shared the good news from the pulpit and sounded praise through his trumpet. Over his lifetime he planted many seeds and touched countless lives.

One of his most unforgettable traits was his boisterous belly laugh that could be picked out of any crowd. Frank had an uncanny ability to turn complete strangers into lifelong friends. It was because of this natural charm that he was often found surrounded by a group of people, telling one of his knee-slapping, larger than life stories or wrapped up in enthralling conversations.

In his free time, Frank often sought after the freedom and solitude of skiing down mountain slopes, feeling the breeze on a sailboat or walking along forest trails. He would never pass up a good espresso, or a well-cooked meal. It did not matter if you were friends or family – Frank was always game to break bread.

He will be lovingly remembered by his many friends and most especially his caring wife of nearly 45 years, Karen; children: Risa (Mike), Joel, and Amanda (Mike), and his grandchildren: Nolan, Stella, Adrianna, Alexander and Jackson, through whom his memory will live on.

Psalm 34:17-19 (King James Version)

17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them

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Condolence Messages

  1. Oh Frank how heaven must be delighting in you! The memories of your warmth, laughter, gentleness and kindness continue to nurture my heart. Thank you.

    Karen and family may your sorrows become sweeter over time and may you know the veil is oh so thin.

    Blessed are those who weep.
    You have known a great love.

  2. Merv & Merla Watson

    We will always ALWAYS remember dear precious Frank whom we’ve known for many many years!! We valued his great trumpet playing, but more than that, his contagious laugh! A kind super guy in every way! May the Lord sustain Karen, as well as the kids and grandkids during this sorrowful time, and assure them they will see him again in glory!

  3. Maha & George Shannon

    May Karen and the children find peace as Frank now enjoys united & renewed with God. Frank’s deep faith empowered his wonderful perspective to reach out to lift the needy & engage new friends, enrich old ones with wise words & warm smiles. While ever missed, the impact of our memories of Frank is his legacy & pride of his family.

  4. Bruce Val Lorenzen

    Frank there are no words, we so loved & cherished your friendship. We look forward to seeing you again in Heaven. Bruce & Val.

  5. Jennifer Goodrich

    I am very saddened to hear of the passing Of one of my very best Friends and my mentor Frank Dorst, I know that God Allowed Our paths To cross and Many Times Frank Was There For Me, In the Darkest Valleys of my Life My Thoughtscand Prayers Are With Karen and Her children , Heaven Just Welcomed A true Saint

  6. Ted Northcott

    Frank used to live on Farmview Cres.in Toronto. I lived 2 houses away and was a year younger . You could often hear him practicing his trumpet down the street … but no one minded because he was so
    good ! He was such a very friendly and happy guy in high school participating in dance band, tennis, wrestling etc. And as everyone has mentioned his wonderful laugh brought a smile to everyone’s face.
    Our grade 10 class ( think he was in grade 11) went to Europe. I remember Frank went skiing in Switzerland and almost skied off a glacier ! And then one night in London England,while most of us were in bed, Frank told us the next day that he had been in a bar and had jammed with some members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He got along with everybody and everybody loved his warmth and friendly manner !
    My sincere condolences to you Karen and family. May his warmth and laugh and trumpet sounds stay with with you forever ! Peace be with you. Ted Northcott ( former Toronto neighbour and fellow student at George S. Henry High School)

    • Thank you for your lovely message. You described my Dad so perfectly.
      I loved hearing of his adventures in his youth.

      Amanda Frank’s youngest Daughter

  7. Susan (McKerron) Carlton

    I had the pleasure of playing trumpet beside Frank in our high school concert band (George S. Henry S.S.) for three years. It was such fun. His trumpet playing was magical and his musicianship was a model for others. And that infectious laugh of his! It’s a joy to hear that he has blessed so many by his extraordinary spirit. May you be comforted by many cherished memories.

  8. Jack and sandi Rekis

    Dearest Karen snd Family.
    Our deepest condolences to you and your family. We were so shocked to hear of Franks passing.
    Frank had such a huge impact on Jacks acceptance of Christ back in 1982! He will be missed but not forgotten. May God be your comfort and peace in this time. 💕

  9. Carolyn (Wiens) Passiniemi

    I’m so sorry to hear about Frank’s passing. May God console you, Karen, and your family with His loving and gentle comfort, strength, and peace.
    Some memories of Frank: warm visits with Frank and Karen with lots of laughter in the ’70’s and ’80’s; joining a trip to Israel that Frank led. It was enriched because of Frank’s experience there. And, of course, Frank was the one who married Eric and me. So thankful for his life.

  10. Very sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. I was in the senior band with him. Even then you knew that he had a gift of music and you could tell he loved it and often would be walking down the halls playing a tune.
    It was around that time our band went to the States to play a couple of concerts. He was a new Christian and was happy to share his faith with anyone who he talked to. He loved the Lord and it changed the course of his life.

  11. Very sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. I was in the senior band with him at George S Henry. Even then you knew that he had a gift of music and you could tell he loved it and often would be walking down the halls playing a tune.
    It was around that time our band went to the States to play a couple of concerts. He was a new Christian and was happy to share his faith with anyone who he talked to. He loved the Lord and it changed the course of his life. My condolences to the family. Joan

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