Zebulun Downey
By Creede McClellan
Zebulun Downey
Zebulun (Zeb) Downey, 28, a bus driver for the Superior School District, passed away on Nov. 27 when a fire engulfed his home. Downey worked as a full-time bus driver for three years and was a substitute bus driver previous to that.
Chad Jensema is the Director of Transportation in the school district and said Downey will be remembered by all who have had the honor to know him. “Zeb possessed a humbleness, positive attitude, friendly smile and willingness to serve the community and students,” Jensema said.
During the three years he worked for the school district, Downey met and was able to know Janna Stevens, the Superintendent of the school district. “Simply put, Zeb cannot be replaced,” Stevens said. “We can fill his position, but Zeb was a unique man that is and will be missed.”
Stevens had a long conversation about life with Downey after his mother passed away last fall. “He believed in living life to the fullest, being thankful for everything in life and helping out your fellow man,” Stevens said.
School bus driver Heidi Lindell trained Downey every day for a month when he first started working in the school district. As fellow bus drivers, Lindell and Downey saw each other daily. “He was very caring, willing to help anyone and he had a great love for animals,” Lindell said.
Outside of bus driving, Downey spent a lot of time with his horses. Along with giving carriage rides to family and friends, Downey also drove carriages in Canal Park in Duluth.
Fellow bus driver Tina Brand said that Downey was always willing to lend a hand whenever possible. “Zeb was outgoing and very active in the community. He spent time volunteering in a local rodeo, ministry opportunities with his dad, along with other volunteer activities,” Brand said.
The school district and community lost a man of many talents who lived life to the fullest and will be missed.
Dr. Pat Dorin
By Madison Newman
Dr. Pat Dorin
School board member Dr. Patrick C. Dorin passed away Nov. 18 after a lifetime of dedication to education in the community.
Dorin was first hired by the school district in 1982 as an assistant principal. Over the next 21 years he served as principal, community
education coordinator and director of research, assessment and staff development for the district. Dorin retired from teaching and administrative work in the summer of 2003.
“Pat’s mild manner and soft demeanor was apparent in everything he did, from his teaching, administration and his time on the board,” Christina Kintop, vice president of the school board, said.
Dorin was elected to the school board in 2004, making him a member for almost 10 years. He was head of the Policies and Rules Committee the entire time he was on the board, working closely with Superintendent Janna Stevens on reviewing and rewriting school policies.
“He cared about every level of the school organization, from students to administration,” Stevens said.
An established writer, Dorin authored 35 books, the majority of which were about trains, his lifelong passion. His departing phrase to his friends was always, “See ya later! Stay on track!”
Dorin enjoyed spending time with family and attending his grandchildren’s various activities. Dorin left a lasting impression on those he knew, from the students he taught to his peers.
“He had a deep level of caring for everybody and a real passion for learning, along with a real sense of humor,” Principal Kent Bergum said.
