Barnstable:

Dr. John C. Doriss B.S., D.C., of Centerville MA, a lifelong practitioner of natural healthcare and ardent environmentalist, died January 3 surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was 75.

Born on April 4, 1948 in Baltimore MD, he grew up in Greenwich CT and graduated from Greenwich High School where he set the CT state discus record which he held for many years.

John earned his B.S. in Business at Boston University. He played college football in the position of offensive lineman and made it to Pasadena's fabled Rose Bowl Stadium in 1969.

After college, he married Elizabeth (Mitnik) Doriss and traveled to India on a spiritual quest. By that time, he had already started performing chiropractic adjustments on friends.

Inspired by growing up in the home of his Chiropractor grandfather who was a pioneer in his field, John went on to study at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport Iowa. While pursuing his study, he opened a health food store and had his first 2 children. He developed a lifelong commitment to natural food, a vegetarian diet and natural healthcare.

In 1976, John and Betsy moved to West Barnstable, Cape Cod, where he opened Great Marsh Chiropractic and had a third child. For nearly 50 years, John practiced Chiropractic and Applied Kinesiology from his beautiful building on 6A in West Barnstable where he had a dedicated following of patients.

In addition to natural healthcare, John had many passions. He was an environmentalist and deeply cared about the health of the kettle ponds, natural springs and riverways on Cape Cod. He was a longtime member of the Massachusetts Waterworks Association. He was a bird watcher and loved swimming and boating in the ponds and ocean on Cape Cod.

His passion for healing was equally matched on the dance floor. He was an excellent ballroom and tango dance partner and up until his death, could be found out dancing several times a week.

John was a true original, with stories and lessons about life that he shared with his community. He was proud of his three creative children, Oliver Doriss of Tacoma WA, a glassblower, Rachel Doriss of NYC, a textile designer and Nicholas Doriss of Jamaica Plain, a carpenter/sculptor. In addition to his children he is survived by three grandchildren, Coco Hamilton, Aurelia Ruth and Cecelia Sue Doriss and his two brothers William and Robert Doriss.

John truly dedicated his life to helping others and we can all be proud of his positive contribution to the quality of life for many thousands of people who benefitted from his wisdom and his healing touch.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 on January 27 at West Parish Church. 2049 Meetinghouse Way, West Barnstable, MA

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to water conservation APCC.org or

Lewis Bay Research Center.

c/o Rulon Wilcox

1100A Great Island Rd.

W. Yarmouth, MA 02673