Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 12:00 a.m.
Donald Doram
Don is survived by his two children, Mark Douglas (Wanda) Doram and Kimberley Ann (Dale) Gorrill; grandchildren: Kayley Lynne (Matthew) Gorrill-Harrington, Scott (Larissa) Doram and Ryan (Madison) Doram; and great-grandchildren: Maxim, Hudson and Ardyn Grace.
Don is survived by his two children, Mark Douglas (Wanda) Doram and Kimberley Ann (Dale) Gorrill; grandchildren: Kayley Lynne (Matthew) Gorrill-Harrington, Scott (Larissa) Doram and Ryan (Madison) Doram; and great-grandchildren: Maxim, Hudson and Ardyn Grace.
Besides his loving wife, Lynne, Don was predeceased by his grandson Brendon William Gorrill, parents Hattie May Doram (née Jones) and John Thomas William “Bill” Doram, brother Robert William “Bob” (Elaine) Doram, father-in-law Dr. G.H. Forbes and brother-in-law David Forbes.
Born and raised in the Readymade District, east of Lethbridge, Don spent his early years on the prairies, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep sense of community. He completed his elementary and junior high schooling in Readymade, before moving to Lethbridge in 1957 to complete Grade 12 at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute.
That same year, Don began his long and distinguished career with the Lethbridge Herald. Starting as a mailroom clerk, he took on a variety of roles over the years—including circulation clerk, district manager, advertising sales, and commercial print manager—before ascending to senior leadership positions. From 1970 to 1973, he managed the Commercial Printing Department and Herald Printers.
In 1973, Don was appointed General Manager of the Lethbridge Herald, a role he would hold until his retirement in 1997. From 1980 onward, he also served as the newspaper’s Publisher. Concurrently, from 1979 to 1980, he was Publisher of the Calgary Albertan, serving both publications with dedication and vision.
Spanning four decades, Don’s career reflected his passion for journalism, community engagement, and the printed word. He was known for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to local news.
He will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for the lasting relationships he built and the positive impact he had on the communities he served.
A Memorial Service will be held at ST. AUGUSTINE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 411 – 11 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Canon James Robinson and Pastor David Hockley co-officiating. The Memorial Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Don’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Guestbook (7)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Donald.
It is with profound sadness that I learn of Don DORAM’s passing . I admired, respected and was proud that a home grown Lethbridge boy was able represent the community in such a distinguished way in the world of Canadian media. On a personal note, I relished our yearly visits with Lynne and Don when our children were young. In todays world people tend to drift apart, but respect earned, can never be dissolved. Our condolences to Mark, Wanda and family and to Kim and Dale and family. Anne and David Long and family.
Our condolences to the Doram family. We will miss Don, he is a true example of a "family friend". When my parents first arrived in Lethbridge Mr. and Mrs. Doram welcomed them, often checking in on my Mom in their first grocery store on 11 Street where she often worked by herself while my Dad delivered bread out of town for Honey Boy. I always enjoyed visiting with Don and we will miss him.
Lethbridge has lost one of its quiet community giants. Don Doram leaves behind a legacy of integrity, leadership, and a deep-rooted commitment to community service. More than the headlines, it was his priorities that made a lasting impression - it started with being a good person. Our sincere condolences to Mark, Wanda and family.
Even while Don's health was failing, he still sent entertaining and comical stories to his friends to keep us laughing; he was always thinking of others. A great guy!!! To the family we send our most sincere condolences. May all the great memories keep him close to all. We will miss him, may he rest in peace with his wonderful wife Lynne.
Doram Family, I got to know Don when he volunteered for the Lethbridge International Air Show. He was a real gentleman who I had great respect for. Please accept our condolences at this sad time.
I attended Readymade school and knew of Don. My grandmother was Edith Doram Jensen so my dad and Don were related. I got to know his father since he was the custodian at the school. Thinking of all of Don's family at this time.
As the first female photographer hired by the Lethbridge Herald, I was grateful for Mr Dorams support and confidence in me. He was a warm, approachable person who cared about the paper, and all of those who made it happen.