Mike Doherty
Posted Aug 6, 2015 | 2:03 PM
With sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Mike Hugh Bernard Doherty on July 27, 2015, in the Kelvington Hospital, at the age of 82.
Mike was born on January 3, 1933, in Amherst, Nova Scotia, the only child of Frank and Gertrude (McNamara) Doherty. He was predeceased by his parents, in-laws Irvin and Sophie Quaal, and brother-in-law Lester Engebretson. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lenora (Quaal). He also leaves six children and their families, Michael (Brenda), Kevin (Nancy Wollner), Colleen (Wayne) Wilkinson, Erin (Troy) Cooper, Myrna (Corey) Lozinski and Maureen; grandchildren, Ashley, Colby, Kelly, Khia, Kade, Meghan (Warren), Brooklynn (Jordan) and Cassandra; great-grandchildren, Khail, Aidan, Raiya and Paisley; sister-in-law Alois Engebretson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
After graduating from high school, Mike attended St. Mary’s University in Halifax. From there he started his banking career, which took him to New Brunswick and Quebec. While in Montreal his interest turned to selling and started with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and carried on from there. Later on, he decided to join the RCAF and took his basic training in St. Jean, Quebec. Upon completion, Mike was assigned to the accounting section.
Mike was transferred to a new radar station in Parent, Quebec, where he met a nursing sister from Saskatchewan, and his life changed forever. He and Lenora were married in a small chapel in Parent on June 19, 1959. His last posting was to the radar station in Yorkton, and he took his discharge from the Airforce and began his selling career once again, which continued for various companies until he retired in 2000. There were many transfers, and it seemed with each one there was another baby. After the twins were born in Niagara Falls, he said when they start coming in twos, it’s time to quit these transfers. However, there were no more babies, but still a few more moves. His last company was Shipper Supply out of Saskatoon, covering the north half of the province, while residing in Prince Albert.
His passion was ball and hockey and he was actually involved in both all through his youth. Once Mike couldn’t play anymore, he began coaching. He was extremely proud to win the All Ontario Fast Ball Championship with his team two years in a row, and was admitted to the North Bay Ontario Hall of Fame. Wherever he lived, he usually formed a team to play ball and coached many younger teams in hockey.
Mike had strong faith and was very active in his church. He held a lifetime membership with the Knights of Columbus, and served in many capacities locally, in the district, and on the State Board of Saskatchewan. He was a 4th degree and proudly served in various areas with their councils, usually as their commander in parades and honour guards. Mike was a member of the Traveller Association, and Special Olympics was very close to his heart. He served as the Saskatchewan president for a number of years.
Mike’s pride and his joy was his family. He loved his family gatherings, and he gave of himself to charities, his church and communities.
Those wishing to make a donation in Mike’s memory may do so to his favourite charity – Saskatchewan Special Olympics.
Arrangements in care of Tompkins Funeral Home, Wadena, Sask
- Date : 2015-07-27
- Location : Kelvington, SK