City woman killed in Arizona remembered for ‘zest for life’
Rhonda Francis and Terri Dutka will travel to Arizona on Tuesday to bid farewell to their sister, Patti Lou Doornbos, who was struck and killed by a vehicle while waiting to cross the street.
Also injured last week in Fountain Hills, near Phoenix, was her husband, Ron Doornbos, who remains in hospital after undergoing multiple surgeries.
Francis, Dutka and Doornbos were triplets born and raised in Calgary. The three sisters marked their 60th birthday, along with about 200 friends, last August. Francis described her sisters as her best friends and her “right arm.”
“We were everything to each other,” she said. “We were blessed to have a real loving family that is honest and open, so we’re going to help each other out. And a real loyal friend base. Lots of long, long decades, years of friendship.”
Doornbos, who was known as “Lou,” had been friends with Ron since high school. The pair connected a few years ago, and within months, decided “they were meant for each other” and got married. The outdoor enthusiasts “lived life to the max” together, Francis said.
“They were just perfect,” said Francis.
“They are both cut from the same piece of cloth. They’re very enthusiastic, very outgoing, kind. They ’re like two peas in a pod those two. Just love life, love people, and have so many friends.”
The couple were visiting Ron’s brother and his wife in Arizona and were on their way to a hike when the collision occurred on March 13.
The Maricopa County Sheriff ’s Office said four pedestrians were struck by an SUV while walking on a sidewalk.
Karen and Robert Bonta from Iowa also died as a result of the collision.
The sheriff ’s office said the SUV was driven by Alex Bashaw, 27.
“The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending the out- come of the investigation,” according to a written statement.
Francis said Ron’s family is in Arizona with him and will be joined by Lou’s sisters after they arrive Tuesday.
“Terri, my husband and I are going down on Tuesday to say goodbye to Lou and go to the scene, try to make some sense of it, and then, of course, spend as much time as we can with Ron and his family,” said Francis.
Doornbos, who had recently retired from a career in human resources, volunteered for many different causes and was an avid cyclist, runner and hiker.
According to her obituary, participating in the Olympic torch relay for the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary was “one of her proudest moments.”
In the tribute, family members say Doornbos lived life “well and to the fullest.”
“Her zest for life was contagious and the intentional way she lived her life inspires us all,” it reads.