Melvin Dorsey

Melvin "Bud" Dennis Dorsey of Afton, MN died November 29, 2021.  He was surrounded by his loving family.  Bud and his twin brother, Larry, were born on December 14, 1947, in Moose Lake, MN.

Bud graduated from Simley High School in 1966.  He went to the U of MN before being called to duty and went into the Army in January of 1969.  Bud and Cora married, June 14, 1969, when Bud came home from basics.  Bud then served in Vietnam from July, 1969 thru August, 1971 when he was honorably discharged.

Bud leaves behind a heartbroken family, Cora, Stephanie, (Troy), and Richard, (Jodi). Bud’s pride and joy was his Grandchildren, Nathan Dorsey, Tate Promersberger, Alexis Promersberger and Evan Dorsey. He was their biggest supporter.

In 1963 he started riding horses with Roger McCloud in Inver Grove Heights.  Throughout the years since he was a jockey, competed in chuck wagon races, competed in halter, reining and pleasure as well as game events.  Bud has competed at the Quarter Horse Congress, the NBHA World Show and the Barrel Horse Futurities of America.  Bud was a lifetime member of the Trail Riders Saddle Club, and he was a charter member of NBHA.  He truly enjoyed teaching and sharing his knowledge with children, for many years he worked and shared his knowledge with children in Washington County, Dakota County and Chisago County.  Bud donated numerous trophies to 4-H clubs. Bud received an award for 50 years of competing at the MN State Fair.  He truly enjoyed WSCA game events and barrel races however most of all he loved the other contestants, he loved to talk and share stories with them.  Bud, was  the “electric horseman” with his flashing breast collar for his horse. Bud is also known for his business, Diamond D Ranch, selling horse tack wholesale and retail. The saying went, if Bud does not have it, no one does.  Bud was proud to hand over the reins for the business to his son Richard.

Bud served on the WSCA Judges Committee and chaired the WSCA Scholarship Committee.  He has been president of Trail Riders Saddle Club more than once over the years and has served on many committees.  When Cora co-chaired the WSCA Championship show for three years Bud was her, right hand man and when she was, in charge of the entry office for the Washington County Fair horse shows for five years Bud was again at her side.

Bud has been a show Dad to a lot of children, hauling many of them to shows over the last 58 years. Bud had a lot of friends and was known as a loyal friend.

Some of the words and phrases from friends that have been used to describe Bud are: An inspiration…an institution, generous, selfless and giving, a legend, charismatic, tireless, inspiring, dedicated, amazing, loving and supportive to family and friends and to the horse industry, knowledgeable and funny, a mentor to all.

Bud is also survived by sisters and brother in laws: Carol Ervin, Irwin Turner, Scott Turner and Lucy Turner and many nieces and nephews, brother Larry Dorsey and half-brother Jerry Jarsak.  Many friends that we both cherish, the Eisinger family, the Hayle family and the Dolan family among many others and of course the Special Horse, Vada.

After the service, please join family at Hooley Hall, Washington County Fairgrounds, for food and fellowship.