Engineer, software entrepreneur, avid pilot, husband and doting father Doran Geoffrey Machin’s life will be eternally celebrated. He passed away from heart failure at the age of 67 surrounded by loved ones on September 26, 2021 at the Ohme Gardens in Wenatchee, WA.

Born in the English midlands, Doran migrated with his parents to Southern California when he was just a year old. Doran developed a love of flying from the time he was a child, building model airplanes throughout his youth. In his early adulthood he became involved in soaring gliders, joining and eventually managing a club where he became a licensed pilot and instructor. He also learned to fly powered airplanes and purchased his first airplane, a four-seat Piper Pacer which he converted from tricycle to conventional landing gear. Over the years, Doran expanded his aeronautical repertoire to include seaplanes and helicopters, and came to own a collection of various aircraft, including two light airplanes he built himself.

Doran studied Electrical Engineering at California State University, Fullerton; leaving just a few credits short of his degree for an alluring job opportunity in the then-blossoming software industry. He spent several years working for Hewlett Packard, and then went on to co-found Quest Software, a pioneering software company specializing in distributed database management. Business took off, and by the age of 50 he was able to secure a comfortable early retirement.

Doran married his wife, Susan, in 1989. Together they raised four children: Geoffrey, Jennifer, Julia, and Christine. He was always supportive of his children and their hobbies. Be it Julia’s horseback riding, Geoffrey’s flying and model-building, or Christine’s photography; whatever his children took an interest in, he was there to support and cheer them on. Doran spent much of his free time travelling, often flying around the US with friends and family. Repeat destinations included the backcountry of Idaho; Lake Powell in Utah; EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh, WI; the Florida Keys; and many others. In 2001 Doran bought a second home on San Juan Island, WA, where he and his family lived seasonally.

Doran is survived by his wife; his four children; siblings Sharon and James; cousins, nieces, nephews and many many friends. His memorial service will be held in Corona, CA on October 30. For further info or to share precious memories of Doran, contact Geoffrey at gmachin@csu.fullerton.edu.