Walt Dohrn Missing
According to authorities, longtime Ojai resident Walter Henry Dohrn Jr., 70, disappeared from a friend’s residence in Cherry Valley Sunday. The community is about 150 miles east of Ojai in Riverside County.
A man matching Dohrn’s description was seen walking west on Cherry Valley Boulevard near Interstate 10 about 1 a.m. Tuesday, according to a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department news release.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department at 951-922-7100, or the Ojai Police Department at 646-1414.
Haven’t seen the guy. Will keep an eye peeled though.
Mike Dorn
10 Jul 09 at 8:56 am
I’ll say a prayer for the family and hope that he is found soon…safe and in good health…Walt is a good friend.
M
11 Jul 09 at 12:37 pm
I hope and pray this man is found
Anonymous
12 Jul 09 at 9:17 pm
Best thoughts to the Dohrn family.
Pops
13 Jul 09 at 2:33 pm
Amen.
admin
15 Jul 09 at 9:10 am
I agree, I’m very worried about Walt. We should be thinking of the Dohrn family and what they must be going through right now!
M
15 Jul 09 at 9:36 am
Dohrn Family,
Please know our prayers and thoughts are with you to find your father. Walt is a truly unique man! We are here for you, if there is anything we can do, we are here for you!! Jenny, Mike, Niles and Tara, know that we love you and are praying for the you!!
Your friends at Bonnie Lu’s,
Grant and Christina
Christina and Grant
15 Jul 09 at 9:43 pm
I remember Walt, and I remember his wife, Bonnie Dorhn, after whom the restaurant Bonnie Lu’s is named.
Bonnie was the Ojai PD dispatcher when it was actually still Ojai PD, and she made the transition to the Sheriff’s Department’s organization when that time came.
When she died, her memorial service at St. Thomas Aquinas attracted more people than the chapel could hold. You’ve never seen an audience like that; top cops in full dress; the Old Ojai Old Guard; average citizens, new and old; bikers; blue collar workers; farmers; artists; wealthy people who didn’t normally mix with the masses; victims of various crimes whose names Bonnie had managed to keep out of the newspaper; loser kids who turned out to be good adults because someone like Bonnie cared for them; people who were still losers but who remembered that Bonnie had been there for them and who may have thought of her as their only real friend on Earth; people of all religions, races, and walks of life, and people who knew that there would never be another Bonnie Dorhn.
When you make light of Walt’s disappearance, you make me sad. I don’t think you ever knew him, and I don’t think you ever knew Bonnie. I’m sorry you didn’t, and I wish you had. Walt’s kids — who still live and work in Ojai — and his friends deserve better than snarky comments. How about just praying for Walt and leaving it at that?
Anonymous
15 Jul 09 at 11:38 pm
Thank you Anonymous for your kind thoughts. I am Bonnie’s sister. Yes, my sister was a very very special person who left this world much too early. The love and support the family received during her illness was so touching. I have never forgot how her Ojai family rally around her.
Yes, it is sad when people make light of Walt’s disappearance. We are so concerned and hope and pray he will be found alive and well.
Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers and to everyone else who is giving support to the kids at this difficult time.
Warmest regards,
Opal
16 Jul 09 at 6:28 am
niles ,tara and jenny . we are sorry to hear about your dad if we can be of any help let us know .you know we love walter and this is very heartbreaking .walter and all of you will be in our prayers…
ron & lynne
16 Jul 09 at 8:18 am
Thank you, Anon.5. It was very nice of you to reply.
Thank you for your kind wishes.
Opal (Walt’s sister-in-law)
Opal
16 Jul 09 at 3:10 pm
Thank you Anonymous for your kind thoughts.
Wish I could do more, really. Walt’s in a lot of people’s prayers, as are those closest to him. Take care, Opal.
Anonymous
16 Jul 09 at 5:45 pm
To the family of Walt Dohrn: Old friends in Lansing, Kansas, are praying for Walt’s safe return. I have anxiously searched for current info and wonder about the body found in Big Bear Lake. I sincerely hope this was not Walt.
I have known Walt all my life and was friends with Bonnie. We were cheerleaders together and shared many talks. Altho I haven’t seen them for years, fond memories of past days in Lansing are alive and well.
Sherry
16 Jul 09 at 9:17 pm
Opal, I’m thinking of you and the family during this time..I have been worried sick about Walt and how the kids are doing. Remember when you used to come and visit Bonnie with your mom, you guys would always come pick my apricots. I loved Bonnie dearly and I miss her. You are all in my prayers.
M
16 Jul 09 at 11:25 pm
Why do we not hear any news about what is going on to find Walt? It kind of frustrates me and I look here everyday to see if there is some new information. Is search and rescue out? I wish we concerned could have a bit more news. I know the area and know there are many rual areas. What the heck is the story anyway…I am praying faithfully…just wish I could read more than the missing persons report.
Linda Potter
16 Jul 09 at 11:31 pm
sherry the person they found at big bear lake was a jet skier I am just wondering if theer is anyone that would like to help and go drive there and look for Walt this weekend. I can’t just sit here everyday knowing that if he is someone and waiting for someone to find him breaks my heart this is ojai. I was friends with Bonnie and Walt for almost 30 yrs I anyone reading this wants to make a trip please contact me by email luvsummer65@yahoo.com it’s apparent that authorities are not doing enough lets go find Walt. PLEASEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!! and to your family walt I will do everything possible that I can to bring Walt home or at least try!
Lets go find Walt
17 Jul 09 at 1:01 pm
Linda,
Family and friends searched last weekend. They have passed out thousand of flyers, all the way to Palm Springs. But, no sightings. They have talked to all the homeless people in the area, but nothing. Niles and Jennel looked the last two days, but are heading home today. The Riverside deputies said they and the family have done everything possible. Hopefully, Walt has suffered some amnesia and is wandering around with someone safe. Unfortunately, it is just a waiting game now. We are all praying he will show up or someone will see the flyers and call with some news. Thanks for the concern.
Opal
Opal
17 Jul 09 at 1:29 pm
Sherry,
The body in Big Bear Lake was not Walt. This was a person that jumped in the lake to save someone and they finally found his body. Just thought you might want to know this.
We are praying Walt will show up safe and sound.
Opal
17 Jul 09 at 1:32 pm
I was wondering when something would be on the television to help
Nick
17 Jul 09 at 6:05 pm
IS IT POSSIBLE THAT HE GOT A RIDE WITH SOMEONE ELSE IN THE AREA HE LEFT HIS VEHICLE? THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY.
ANON
17 Jul 09 at 7:35 pm
Walt is a man loved by many; something as simple as a friendly wave can touch the soul. I hope he is okay, and no harm has been issued. He is a loving man who shares the most important thing, the love for family; look deep within.
anonymous
19 Jul 09 at 12:54 am
we love you walt; things as little as a smile and wave travel through eternity, you have been there through some rough times, always looking positive. I hope the Bel Air is running solid, good luck, always friends.
anonymous
19 Jul 09 at 1:01 am
IF ANYONE HAS ANY FREE TIME TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FINDING OF WALT DORHN, PLEASE ADVISE US AT
FINDWALT@LIVE.COM
AND/OR ADD FIND WALT ON FACEBOOK.
We would greatly appreciate you emailing the missing persons flier to specific districts hospitals, newsrooms, gas stations, etc.
Please contact if you can spend 1/2 hour.
(ANONYMOUNS 5, this would be perfect for some seva for you!)
saunie
20 Jul 09 at 9:48 am
I grew up with Walt Jr. So I spent a lot of time at Bonnie and Walt’s house.I loved there, it always flet like home. As Walt JR and I got older, we went are ways in life. But every time I saw Big Walt he would stop and we would catch up on the family and his cars.(I just loved his 57 Nomand). When I saw that Walt was missing, I was shocked. Come on home Walt we all miss ya.
Michael
20 Jul 09 at 11:09 am
I have been printing fliers and leaving this saturday to head out again and pass out fliers and look for Walt. Been passing the word and info by email all over Ca and Nevada just in case. If anyone wants to meet up either in Ojai, riverside, Vta and go along everyone and anyone is welcome to go or just write with any ideas or thoughts or just help PLEASE! I can be contacted me by email luvummer65@yahoo.com. Walt would do the same for his family and friends. Thank you and God Bless!
Julie
20 Jul 09 at 1:50 pm
Any new news on Walt? I am just sick with worry for Walt and his family.
Nona
24 Jul 09 at 10:45 am
No there is no news on Walt. Their was a new sighting, but did not turn up anything. Thank you for your thoughts
Opal (sister-in-law)
Opal
24 Jul 09 at 2:48 pm
Thank you for keeping us informed. I am a friend of the family (grew up with Walt jr.) and feel close to them all. Walt’s disappearance is so troubling and I have been looking and looking for news and updates. Im glad to hear that family have been putting up fliers and looking for Walt, we have to do what we can when its needed to help. I will keep looking here and elsewhere for any new info.
Joel
24 Jul 09 at 9:56 pm
Sister-in-law of Walt’s. I want to thank everyone for all the support, help and prayers in helping us find Walt. Keep up the good work. We greatly appreciate anything that you can help us with.
Pat
25 Jul 09 at 1:45 pm
What this article lacks is detail. because all the article tells us is this: Longtime Ojai resident Walt goes missing from a town 150 miles east of Ojai, someone matching his description is seen two days later on a street named after that town near an interstate.
Is that all you have?
What was he doing in that town?
We’re two weeks since he disappeared, any updates?
Anon.5
25 Jul 09 at 11:26 pm
he was visiting a friend of 40 years. were not sure if he was confused from possible stroke. my dad said he was leaving but then his car was still at his friends house when the friend woke up the next morning! that pretty much sums it up! thankyou everyone for your concern and good thoughts. we are just sick about this! and trying to get it the news but no luck!!
jenny
26 Jul 09 at 10:16 pm
Walt
Husband, Father, Friend
Over the years,
Labored with frustrations, disappointments.
With time came acceptance, tolerance, commitments
Then, Pride and Love
The past is now all forgotten
As we now try to accept
That all he had to give
Was himself…
A Proud and Loving Man
In my dream you are at peace
United with Bonnie
Free of pain
Proud and Loving
Afriend
27 Jul 09 at 8:15 am
Jennel, Jenny , Niles, Junior….I think about you everyday..I hate to see you go through this..I say a prayer every morning…
M
27 Jul 09 at 1:52 pm
I’m still keeping my tiki torch lit, waiting for Walt to come by
n
28 Jul 09 at 2:44 pm
My God, I am still in shock about Walt, I have been up in Montana working and found out about Walt being missing today. My thoughts and prayers go out to Walt and the Family.
JOE
2 Aug 09 at 8:53 pm
thankyou all you sweet people!! if anyone has any ideas on ways to help please post! thankyou our family is devastated.
jenny
7 Aug 09 at 10:15 pm
Out of our presence
But not our hearts
It’s so hard for us to make sense
Of how and why you would depart
But we know deep down
If in your power
You could find your way
Back to your old home town
We all took you for granted,
Your friendship, companionship
Your concern
Now in your absence
We try to express all these thoughts
Amongst ourselves
To hopefully one day share with you
What’s really in our hearts
May you be guided and protected
On your journey
To wherever it may lead you
May you remember all those
That care and love you
On your journey
To wherever it may lead you
May you find your way back home
Afriend
8 Aug 09 at 2:01 pm
Jenny,
I don’t know if this will help or if you have already tried… but I think you need to get the people who have ‘name power’ to help…Malcom, Mary, Ted, Diana. If they can’t help directly maybe they know of another avenue and can guide you. It can’t hurt.
I’m thinking of sending a “thumbs down” to OVN for not giving more coverage and/or investigation to Walt’s disappearance. You would think that the whole community, including the Police Dept. can get the public more aware. What is the preference of treatment for a missing person to be made on national news? Not important enough? Well he was important to a lot of people in Ojai,so maybe they should be contacting all the TV stations, daily!
Regardless, I am posting anywhere and everywhere for help to resolve. Positive thoughts for all.
Afriend
8 Aug 09 at 2:41 pm
Any updates on our dear friend Walt? He’s such an Ojai icon! Joe asks me every day, “What’s the news on Walt?” We’re missing him greatly.
Candy
22 Aug 09 at 8:15 am
Do we have anything new on Grandapa yet? I wish I was there I just feel so helpless!!
I got the flyer to a Border Patrol Agent I work with out here in Tucson and he forwarded it on to all of the units on the CA/AZ border… But no luck yet… But I am still keeping my fingers crossed and!
Jenny, Uncle, Niles, and Nelle… I love you guys so much! Keep your heads held high, think nothing but good thoughts… WE WILL FIND HIM! You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Love,
Crystal
CLB
25 Aug 09 at 8:09 pm
We have not forgotten Walt,
We think of him every day,
even tho others do not.
We wait patiently for any kind of word,
Is he in pain, is he at peace?
We all need to know
Where is our Friend?
Someone knows the answer,
Someone knows….
Afriend
6 Sep 09 at 2:39 pm
walter is a good man and i hope all is well, we miss him all though he was not coming in much it was nice to see him once and awhile he is truely missed
the hut
14 Sep 09 at 10:27 am
Jenny
Our prayers and thoughts go with you and family everyday.
We will pass the word to everyone in hopes he will be found.
Merle & Betty Pitman
15 Sep 09 at 10:22 am
Walt and I have been friends for over 30 years when he was working for CalTrans. Walt is a big man, in stature and heart. He was always there for his friends. I remember in the early 80′s when his friend and co-worker had a serous motorcycle accident and a subsequent divorce and rented a room in my home for over a year. Walt would stop by every day after work to see how he was doing. Later, he would stop by almost every week to see how I was getting by. He loved his family so much. Through the years we both lost dear family and friends and Walt was always there with an encouraging outlook. I would like to see the media on top of this as Walt is loved and remembered by so many people here in Ojai and also back in Kansas. He is much more than your average person and deserves more than average coverage on this disappearance. Each day is so precious on the search for Walt and if only all of the newspapers of at least Southern California would pick up the story, it sure would help a lot more.. Even our local newspapers have not done what I believe should be constant detailed coverage. Both Bonnie and Walt were a special couple and I pray that Walt finds his way home soon to his family that are hurting so much by not hearing a word on his whereabouts.
Longtime Friend
19 Sep 09 at 6:44 pm
ooooohhh!!! thankyou so much! and thankyou to everyone for all the love and support at the fund raiser!!!!!! it was an amazing turnout!!! love to all of you. the det. on my dads case is a great guy and is doing alot for my family. He checks up on leads and keeps us informed, but is also baffled by His dissapearance! somebody thought they seen Him in yuma AZ and the paper there ran a great article and pic so yes the more coverage the better!!!!!!!! tv seems next to impossible, but we keep trying and also have a friend that is working very hard on it!! thankyou to friends for all your help!!! xoxo jenny
jenny
25 Sep 09 at 10:54 pm
Jenny, Thank you for the update on the possible sighting in AZ.
The fundraiser was good for us too. Our visits with old friends, enjoying a beautiful evening in Ojai, leaving with a smile in appreaciation of the love, good, and strength that all of you have taught and continue to show us was a reminder of what we all need to follow.
Please continue to keep us posted here on the OVNBlog. I check it daily with much hope for the safe return of Walt.
Marcie
26 Sep 09 at 11:25 am
Dohrn Family,
Have not contacted you before, because I relize you probaly don’t know who I am; But I am cousin Kerry from Ks. Grow up with Walt and all the rest of the family. We all always spent christmas ect. together. Went sledding – picnics and stuff, and had lots of fun! Was of course at the wedding and knew Bonnie. Walt was couple yrs. older than me and I always looked up to him. All the cousins and relatives in Kansas, Miss.,and Tx. are worried and PRAY for Walt (we always called him Jr.till he got married.) Wish you the best !
Kerry Brown
30 Sep 09 at 11:05 am
was ther a siteing in arizona last week??
ojai
5 Oct 09 at 10:27 pm
Oh god I drive by every day at the house on shady. It looks sad without him. I know that its silly for me to keep doing it but makes me feel closer to him. I hope you know how much I love and miss him and if some how your reading thisWalter I hope you come home soon. I pray for the family every day for a safe return of their dad, and know that I love you all so much. you are family to me. I keep the faith that Walt is ok, he has just lost his way home.
mary
6 Oct 09 at 3:26 pm
Still thinking of all of you! I just don’t know how to explain how I feel and how much concern I have for Walt and Bonnies children. I ache in my heart. I knew Bonnie very well and she would want nothing but support for her children from everyone and she would be so thankful for that support!
M
7 Oct 09 at 10:32 am
IT IS NOW NOVEMBER 4 2009,WALT STILL GONE .IS THERE ANYTHING TO REPORT???LETS GET IT ON THE NEWS.MY GOD THERE IS ALL THESE MISSING PEOPLE ON THE NEWS EVERYDAY.HELP HELP
LULU
4 Nov 09 at 10:17 pm
dec 14th 2009-still no news?please post something?go to america most wanted web site,they have a page on there called my story .you send in a video on your love one that is missing and they will put it on the show.try that.there is people on there that has been missing over a year….??
LULU
14 Dec 09 at 10:45 am
I GUESS NO ONE HAS HEARD ANY NEWS OF WALT,CAN THE KIDS PLEASE POST SOME KIND OF INFO FOR US.WE HAVENT HEARD A THING SINCE A DAY AFTER THE FUND RASIER.ARE WE STILL LOOKING???? NEW YEAR SOON.
LULU
30 Dec 09 at 7:08 pm
I GUESS NO ONE READS THIS BLOG ANYMORE
LULU
1 Jan 10 at 2:27 pm
hi we do read! nothing until today!!!!! human remains found in cherry valley yesterday !!! autopsy tommorow at 1pm. i will let you know!! thankyou everone for all of your love and support!!!
jenny
11 Jan 10 at 11:13 pm
Everyone please continue to pray for Walt and his family! I am sending out the Angels again today to watch over them! Jenny just know that all us not only love Walt but your family as well and we will always be here for you and your family!
Luvsummer
12 Jan 10 at 8:18 am
we still dont know! det. called today and maybe know tommorrow waiting again
jenny
12 Jan 10 at 8:24 pm
yes its our dad! he aparantly found a beutifull tree and sat under it and passed away….. thankyou to all our friends and family for love and concerns and support!!!!!! love jenny
jenny
13 Jan 10 at 11:12 pm
He is missed, silly old guy. Was he wearing his wide brim hat? It’s good you have closure but that doesn’t make it feel any better.
My condolences.
whatever
14 Jan 10 at 8:14 am
[...] a short posting on the original news report, Jenny Newell, daughter of Walt and Bonni Lu Dohrn, confirmed the skeletal remains found near [...]
Sources Confirm Dohrn’s Remains at Ojai Valley News Blog
14 Jan 10 at 8:45 am
He will always be in our hearts! LOVE YOU!!
CLB
14 Jan 10 at 9:56 am
At peace with his beloved Bonnie. RIP, Walt.
Bob
14 Jan 10 at 10:20 am
That is awesome, what a guy!
Margie
14 Jan 10 at 11:42 am
Paula & I send our sincerest condolences on the passing of Walt. We envision him cruising now with dear, sweet, Bonnie Lu, in a pristine ’57 Nomad, white & green along some celestial highway. Bet he still sports a “ponytail” too.
I can still see him in his “Cal Trans” uniform up on the 33, driving some tractor or clearing snow so the pilgrims could have a “snow-play” day.
He was a gentle man who loved his family. He was fortunate to have married the sweetest, most trustworthy, woman I have ever known. I worked with Bonnie at the PD for probably 20 years.
I miss them both sooo… much. But, I know they left you all with a such a legacy of love you can’t help but pass it on.
May Gods richest blessings & his comforts be yours,
Bill S.
Bill Stevens
15 Jan 10 at 12:12 pm
I am Walt’s sister and my husband Charles went to
school w/Walt. Didn’t know about this blog until today. Thank you everyone for all your prayers and
concerns, thoughts and for everything that had been done to search for him. He is now united w/his Angel Bonnie, Sister Janet and his mom and dad. May they rest in peace.
Thank you again, Joan and Charles
Joan & Charles Emge
23 Jan 10 at 12:27 pm
Please post when you have arranged a celebration of Walts life. Thank You.
one of Walts many fans
25 Jan 10 at 6:18 pm
Wednesday February 3rd 11:00am at Ojai Valley Community Church (OVCC)
CLB
28 Jan 10 at 12:17 pm
THANK YOU FOR THAT INFORMATION!!! I’VE BEEN SEARCHING THE OVN UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING OUT. AGAIN; THANK YOU!!
one of Walts many fans
30 Jan 10 at 10:38 am