Keith Forest Dorsey

Keith Dorsey, 102, passed away on July 4, 2026, three days after celebrating his 102nd birthday. He was born on July 1, 1924, in Outlook, Washington, to Eleanor and Forest Dorsey. Throughout his life, Keith was known for his soft voice, quiet manner, caring heart, and unwavering faith in God. Keith and his twin brother, Kermit, were born on a day that held the record for the hottest July 1 for many years afterward. Family legend has it that the tiny babies survived only because the entire house served as an incubator during the intense heat. Keith grew up with his twin and his older brother, Harley, on the family farm in Outlook. He attended Outlook Grade School, graduated from Sunnyside High School in 1942, and enrolled at Washington State College. When World War II began, however, he returned home to help operate the family farm. Together with his father and brothers, he managed a wholesale potato business before transitioning to farming 250 acres of grapes under contract with Welch's in Grandview. He farmed alongside his brothers and later with his son, Jeff. He continued farming his Outlook property until the age of 97. On December 27, 1947, Keith married Dona Schrantz. Their marriage spanned 69 years. Keith lovingly cared for Dona through her battle with Alzheimer's disease until her passing in 2016. A devoted Christian, Keith became a member of First Christian Church in Sunnyside at the age of four. After the church closed, he faithfully attended Englewood Christian Church in Yakima for the remainder of his life. He served in numerous leadership roles, but more importantly, he lived his faith every day—helping others without hesitation, conducting business with honesty, setting a Christ-centered example for his family, and giving to anyone in need. Keith had a lifelong passion for Scouting. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout while in high school and later served as Scoutmaster for 20 years, spending many summer weeks at Camp Fife. He went on to serve on the Eagle Scout Board of Review for four decades, helping guide generations of young men toward Scouting's highest achievement. In the late 1960s, he was awarded the Silver Beaver, Scouting's highest honor. Keith loved the water throughout his life. He learned to swim in the Sunnyside Canal and taught himself to dive from the Outlook bridge. He delighted his grandchildren and great-grandchildren by diving into a pool every year on his birthday, continuing the tradition until he was 98 years old. Family vacations often took him to the Oregon coast, where he swam in the Pacific regardless of the temperature. In later years he enjoyed the warm waters of Hawaii and spent many relaxing hours in his hot tub at home. At age 97, Keith sold his farm. His family is especially grateful to José Luis Lucatero, who purchased the property but generously allowed Keith to remain in his home until he moved to assisted living. The Lucatero family embraced Keith as one of their own, bringing him tacos and tamales for lunch and including him in family celebrations. Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Forest and Eleanor Dorsey; his brothers, Harley and Kermit; his sister-in-law Jean and his beloved wife, Dona. He is survived by his children, Jill Dorsey, Gaynelle Dorsey (Mike Poppoff), and Jeff Dorsey (Janice); sister-in-law Myra Dorsey, grandchildren Melissa Christianson (Brad), Todd Hilmes (Caryn), Julie Poppoff, Matt Poppoff (Amber), Chris Voorhees (Kayla), Tony Voorhees (Jennifer), Casey Dorsey (Ebany), Jessica Van Doren (Erik), and Adam Dorsey; 18 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren. The family is being cared for by Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside. Memorials may be sent to Camp Fife at campfife.org or to Englewood Christian Church at englewoodchristianchurch.breezechms.com Graveside Service Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens. WA.   Those wishing to sign Keith’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com

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