JOHN MICHAEL DOUGHERTY

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JOHN MICHAEL DOUGHERTY On Tuesday, January 9, 2002, at St. Boniface Hospital, John Michael Dougherty of Vista Park Lodge, passed away in comfort and peace at the age of 83. John was predeceased by his parents, John and Susan; brother David; sisters Margaret, Eileen, Beatrice and Patricia; his wife of 50 years, Daphene, in 1998; and daughter Dyanne Hanford in 1999. He will be sadly missed by his daughter Sheri and husband David McClelland of Winnipeg; his two biggest fans, his grandchildren, Sean and Lee; his brother Gerald (Liza) Dougherty of California; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and of course, "Zoe" the dog. Dad was born in Winnipeg at the Grace Hospital, April 21, 1918, the second born son of a tradition Irish family. Most of his life growing up was spent in St. James later attending Kelvin High school where his love of drawing/painting would bloom. In 1939 he joined the army, serving six years in the Medical Corps. (R.C.A.M.C.) in Europe and North Africa returning to Winnipeg in 1945. While at Deer Lodge Hospital, he met his "soul mate" Daphene Gillies. They were married at St. Johns Cathedral, October 1, 1947. A few years later Dad would take a job working as foreman at the Imperial Oil Refinery in East St. Paul. He would stay there until his retirement in 1978. In September, 1954, their first daughter was born and within the year they moved into a home in South St. Vital. Four years later they would be blessed with another daughter. It would be in this loving community they would raise their family. Some of Dads fondest memories came from sharing time with family and friends in Bethany and Minnedosa out on the farms. Times in the fields, out in the pasture or sitting around the table just visiting. While his children were still at home thats where youd find Dad, showing them a bird catching a bug, teaching them how to build boats in the garage, taking them on fishing trips, tenting, hunting or teaching kids how to swim every Saturday at the Y.M.C.A. After his retirement, Mom and Dad spent many winters in Texas and found many new friends. In 1984 they purchased a cottage at Falcon Lake. This would be the site where many special times would be spent nurturing the love of nature and love of animals to his grand-children. Dad loved to travel, he loved to meet people and hear their stories. He never lost that zest in life to live and learn something new. His son-in-law "David" was truly his best friend, whom he loved as his own son. They shared many things but in 1993 they shared a life long dream and started to build hand made cedar strip canoes. Dad was raised in the Anglican Church, his faith was strong and sure. This is how he lived his life. He attended St. Mary Magdalene Church during his married life ensuring the love of God was known to his children. Even though the last few years were very hard for him, he still loved life and found meaning and enjoyment out of the littlest things. He touched the heart of everyone who met him. Never an unkind word would come out of his mouth, his smile and laugh was infectious to people around him and somehow made the world a better place to be. He was a good man. The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the Vista Park Lodge staff / friends, staff of St. Boniface emergency department, staff of 6A Medicine St. Boniface Hospital and Dr. Kevin Coates, all our extended family and friends who have looked after us during a difficult time. Viewing will take place Saturday, January 12 at 1:30 p.m. prior to the Eucharist Service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in St. Vital, Fr. Bob Webster officiating. Interment will take place on Monday, January 14 in St. Vital Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dads memory may be made to St. Mary Magdalene Church, 3 St. Vital Rd., Winnipeg, R2M 1Z2. "Till we meet again, Dad!" THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2002