We all have other interests in life other than our primary jobs. Although I have been mining mineral specimens since 1991, I've also been blessed (or cursed as sometimes is the case) with many other interests.

I'd like to just say, I enjoy writing and painting, but I know that doesn't suffice. Here are some particulars on my life.

I grew up in McCall, Idaho, one of the nine William and Katherine Dorris children. I graduated in 1970 from McCall-Donnelly High School where I was an active athlete, competing in football, skiing, and track. I competed in the (now) junior olympics in cross country skiing, which greatly aided me in following my older brother to the Air Force Academy. I graduated in 1974 with my Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences (pre medicine). I served 20 years, beginning my career as a Minuteman Missle Launch Officer at Malmstrom AFB in Montana. During my career, I taught at Squadron Officer School in Montgomery, Alabama where I was also aide to the Air War College Commandant. During that time, I completed my Masters in Business Administration and Management from the University of Montana. My next assignment took me to the Air Force Academy where first, I was the Director of Second Class Cadet Military Training, next the Director of Curriculum and Evaluation for the Military Training Branch, and then, Air Officer Commanding for Cadet Squadron 12. I returned to Montgomery to attend Air Command and Staff College. Afterwards, the Academy requested my return where I took charge of the Military Training Branch. Shortly afterwards, they requested I become the Director of Honor and Ethics. I never intended to stay at the Academy; it just seemed that's where the Air Force wanted me. I retired in 1994.

While serving in the Air Force, I was also very active in Boy Scouts. I was Scoutmaster for a number of troops, including one of all Eagle Scouts that participated in the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration in Washington D.C. and for a Colorado Springs Contingent Troop to the National Jamboree in 1997. I taught numerous merit badges to an untold number of Scouts and proudly watched many of my Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle. I was a second generation Eagle, my father having achieved his in 1938. Both my sons have become Eagle Scouts.

I was blessed in 1978 when I met my wife to be, Susan Anderson, an Air Force captain and nurse. We were married in December of 1979 and had our first son, Scott, in 1982. Timothy arrived in 1984. Krystle was born in 1986. From the moment of my marriage, my life changed incredibly and wonderfully. My life became dedicated to my family.

In addition to Scouting, all three children often accompanied me while on our rock-hunting adventures. As the boys grew older, they became avid backpackers and we spent many long trips together. All three children became accomplished athletes and students. All three children are graduates of the University of Wyoming. Scott now serves as a captain in the Air Force. Tim has his own business, "T. D. Minerals" and helps me mining.. Krystle married Abraham Velasco in Oct of 2009. They now live in Omak, WA where Abraham is a member of the Army National Guard.

As the children were growing, among other things, I had the opportunity to coach them in soccer. Shortly after retirement, I took a job as a high school science and math teacher. I put together curriculum for math, earth science and biology, including honors programs. Today, James Irwin Charter High School, ranks as one of the top in the country. While there, I also began both the boys' and girls' soccer programs and coached both teams until recently when I decided to leave teaching and coaching to return to some of my other interests.