It is profound sadness and heart break we share the news that Dad, John William Doherty, of Barrie (formerly Etobicoke) in his 94th year, decided it was time to join the heavens for a well-deserved rest on Thursday December 2nd, 2021. Loving and devoted husband of the late Patricia Doherty, with whom he can now be reunited, and much loved, admired and proud father of Kathleen Doherty. Dad was always known for his adventurous spirit, endless compassion and love, great humour and encouragement of others to follow their dreams to the end…..with a hearty “DO IT NOW !”.
He will be greatly missed by everyone whose life he touched. He was the hero, loving father and mentor to his daughter Kathleen whom he loved dearly and who will now have to travel without her second mate to help steer the ship. He was a confidante to all he met; his wisdom and level headedness were qualities that he shared until the very end.
Dad was born in Birmingham, England on June 1st, 1927 and raised as an only child. At the age of 18 years, John enlisted with the British Army Royal Artillery and served overseas, including in Germany and Gibraltar. He was later a member of the British VIP Special Protective Services Unit during the War Crimes Commission. It was when he came to Canada that he met the love of his life, Patricia Doherty (nee O’Donovan), whom he wed in 1957. He was employed as a sheet metal mechanic by DeHavilland Aircraft in Downsview Ontario enjoying a 35 year career. In 1965 the true joy of their life arrived, their only child Kathleen, whom they had prayed and wished for since their wedding.
Dad will be greatly missed by so many whose life he touched in so many ways: niece Kathleen Polo (nee O’Donovan) and the extended O’Donovan family in Australia. Also, and most notably the immediate and extended Dooley family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of the late Jimmy and Carmel Dooley, Mom and Dad’s best friends since the 1960’s. He loved them all like his own children and their reciprocal love and support proves that family ties are not traced through bloodlines alone.
There will be a private cremation ceremony. A spring interment will be planned, to which friends and family are welcome – advance notification will be via social media. Please feel free to sign the on-line guest book which can be found at https://memorials.bridgefuneralhome.com/john-doherty/4796403/obituary.php
In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Simcoe, Barrie, Ontario, would be appreciated.
Thank you for all the compassionate and loving support care that Dad received at Amica Retirement Home…. his time there filled our family with special memories and truly made him feel at home.
Special and heartfelt thanks go to the amazing team at The Coleman Care Centre, who welcomed Dad with open arms and cared for him like their own family, providing him with a peaceful and dignified transition to his next great adventure.