With a heart as big as his sense of humor, Lloyd Elwin Dobyns — or “Mr. Darigold” to those who knew him best — passed away on Oct. 16, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and dedication. Born on Feb. 5, 1930, in Chehalis, Washington, Lloyd was a living testament to the town’s true spirit — a funny and generous soul who loved deeply and lived fully.
His life was a rich tapestry of accomplishments and experiences. After graduating from Chehalis Senior High School in 1948, Lloyd enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Albany for four years. His dedication was evident when he joined Darigold in Chehalis, rising to the position of regional sales manager in Olympia, and retiring in 1995 after 42 years of service. His work ethic was matched only by his love for his family and hobbies.
Whether he was woodworking, building birdhouses, golfing, coaching baseball, attending his grandkids’ events, or cheering on the Mariners, Seahawks and Cougars, Lloyd poured his heart into everything he did. His love for reading history books was only surpassed by his personal history of service as an active member of the Chehalis Lions Club, 4-H, the Lewis County Dairy Association and the First Christian Church. As Albert Einstein once said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile,” and Lloyd embodied this through his dedication to family, work, hobbies and community.
Lloyd leaves behind his loving wife, Colleen, and their children Karen (Steve) Morton, Kathleen (Joel) Maslowski, Kelly Dobyns and Jeffrey (Janis) Dobyns. He was a doting grandfather to Beau (Stevie) Morton, Bethany (Zech) Bordon, Erin (Will) Harkcom, Tracy (Kyle) Wachter, Lisa Fiske, Michael (Krystyn) Dobyns, Casey Melchert, Hayden Dobyns and Bryce Dobyns, and a proud great-grandfather to Caleb, Keira, Isabel, Wyatt, Carsten, Gabe, Brooks and Tilly. Lloyd’s life was enriched by the love and warmth of his many family members, and his memory will continue to be a beacon of light guiding them through life’s journey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Irene Dobyns; his son, Daniel; and his siblings, Thelma, Howard and Tom.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at Claquato Cemetery, 142 Stearns Road, Chehalis, Washington. Friends and family are invited to share memories, stories and photos on Lloyd’s memorial page as we celebrate the life of a man who was as funny, generous, loving and dedicated as they come.
The family is eternally grateful for the love and care provided by Lloyd’s caregivers, whose compassion brought great comfort to all. A special thank you goes to the Assured Hospice staff for their consistent, loving and dedicated care.
