Robert George Sorensen, father, teacher, friend and, until recently, director of studies at Vancouver Language Centre in Guadalajara, died in Texas, May 25, of liver and kidney failure.
Born September 4, 1948, to George and Gaynelle Sorensen in Altadena, California, Sorensen graduated from La Habra High School in 1966, where he was student body president and a star football player.
Sorensen was drafted into the Vietnam War in 1969, serving there until 1970. He considered himself fortunate not to have participated directly in combat, although Vietnam left its imprint on him. Despite his involuntary travel there, later in life he loved to travel to Mexico and elsewhere.
In 2004, Sorensen received his Bachelor’s degree from Evergreen State College and, in 2009, his master’s from the University of Washington. He enjoyed the academic environment, returning to Mexico in 2010 to pursue Teaching English as a Second Language in Guadalajara, and soon became director of studies at VLC, a position he held until shortly before his death. He was a hard worker with a love of teaching and was very well liked by students and teachers.
He is predeceased by his father, George, and his brother, Christopher. He is survived by his mother, sister Mary, son Sean, daughter Julie, and grandson Ethan. His ashes are being sent to his son in Los Angeles, who plans to incorporate them into a work of art.
A memorial reception is planned for Saturday, June 3, 12:45 p.m., at VLC, Bernardo de Balbuena 60, corner of Avenida Hidalgo, Guadalajara.