Glenn Roger Dorband

Glenn "Roger" Dorband of Astoria passed away in his sleep on October 5, 2025, He was 81 years old 

Roger was born to Alice Genora - Dorband and Elmer Frederick Dorband on May 26, 1944 in Brookfield Illinois... Soon afterwards the family moved to Grants Pass Oregon where Roger lived until adulthood. He spent much of his formative years exploring southern Oregon and spending much time on or near the Rogue River. 

Roger received a bachelor degree in psychology from the University of Oregon before earning a second degree in fine arts from Portland State University in 1575. He twice exhibited his sculpture in the Portland Art Museum's "Artists of Oregon" series. His sculpture eventually received both public and private commissions and exhibition opportunities in solo and group exhibitions he participated in before turning to photography. Photography became the art form he devoted himself to until he died. 

Roger traveled extensively, creating bodies of photographs from Europe, Mexico, Egypt, India, and from most of the Pacific North West. His photographs are included in numerous private and corporate collections and in the collection of the Portland Art Museum! One of his most noteworthy accomplishments was the creation and self publication of 3 books: "The ROGUE, Portrait of a River, with a forward by Governor John Kitzhaber, "OUT HERE" A book focused on the beauty of the high desert area around Steens Mountain; and the book " BLUE MOON OVER THURMAN STREET" a community Roger lived in for several years. Roger collaborated with the renowned West Coast author Ursula K. Le Guin, in the creation and production of two of these books: "Out Here" and "Blue Moon Over Thurman Street". 

In the last 15 years of his life Roger shifted his main interests and energy in order to support and join the local forest advocates/activists working to solve and resolve environmental Issues in Astoria and it's surroundings... Until the very end of his life, Roger was an advocate for the health of his community in Astoria and for the world at large. He communicated effectively through his writings, his photographs, his drawings, and his discussions with others. He focused on such issues as the obvious ongoing deforestation of our forests due to the unsustainable methods of big forestry such as wide spread clear cutting. Roger became interested in researching the chemicals that were used in aerial spraying and the negative health issues that poorly monitored aerial spraying can have on our air quality - possibly causing respiratory problems in humans. Such aerial spraying into our water sheds and runoff streams can negatively impact fish and other animals. 

Roger's co workers in these matters have found Roger's efforts to be very effective in part due to his excellent writing abilities, For instance, Pam Birmingham, Coordinator of North Coast Communities for Watershed Protection states it so well: "Roger had a unique gift in getting us to think with both our heads and our hearts, His well written, researched and documented facts gave our heads food for thought while his depiction of the trees, animals and organisms within a forest touched our hearts" Roger Dorband is survived by his sister and brother in law, Jean and Helmut Penderock who live in Germany, by his Niece Carla Penderock who lives in Tacoma Washington, and by his Wife, Patricia Barnes and many close friends, all of whom live in Astoria Oregon.

Close friends and family will have a Celebration of Life for Roger on November 16, 2025