Former Des Moines Mayor John Patrick “Pat” Dorrian Passes Away at 83
Former Des Moines Mayor John Patrick “Pat” Dorrian, a beloved figure in the city’s history, has sadly passed away at the age of 83. Dorrian, an avid bicyclist who led the city during the devastating floods of 1993, died on Monday, January 15 at MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center, surrounded by his loving wife.
During his tenure as mayor, Dorrian played a pivotal role in Des Moines’ response to the Iowa floods of 1993, which caused widespread damage and displacement across the state. His leadership and dedication to the city’s residents during this challenging time earned him the respect and admiration of the public.
Dorrian’s dedication to public service extended beyond his role as mayor. He worked tirelessly to secure funding for trail maintenance and new trail connections, leaving a lasting legacy in the form of the John Pat Dorrian Trail. This trail spans nearly 3.5 miles and connects Pete Crivaro Park in south Des Moines to Birdland Park and Marina in the downtown area.
Notably, Dorrian was a champion for labor rights and served as the executive director of the Central Iowa Building and Construction Trades Council. His commitment to ensuring fair treatment for workers made him a respected figure within the local labor community.
Throughout his time in office, Dorrian earned the admiration of the public, with an impressive 82% approval rating among city residents in a 1992 poll. His warm and approachable demeanor, combined with his dedication to serving the community, made him a beloved figure in Des Moines.
Details about Dorrian’s survivors are not immediately available at this time. However, his impact on the city and his contributions to Des Moines will be remembered for years to come.
Funeral Arrangements and Final Words
A visitation for John Patrick Dorrian is scheduled for Sunday, January 21 from 1-4 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines. The burial will be held at a later date.
As the news of Dorrian’s passing spreads, the city of Des Moines mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant and a beloved community member. His legacy will live on through the trails he fought to establish and the positive impact he made on the lives of countless individuals.
Virginia Barreda, the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register, reflects on Dorrian’s life and career, stating, “He will be fondly remembered by many as the good-looking man who greeted everyone with a beaming smile. He rode bicycles, drove race cars, and scooped the downtown loop late at night.”
In this time of grief, the Des Moines community comes together to celebrate the life and accomplishments of John Patrick Dorrian, a true champion for the city he loved.
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