At South Huron Hospital, Exeter on Saturday, July 3, 2021, William “Bill” Start Dougherty, born September 2, 1933 passed away in his 88th year. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Margaret “June” (Ward) Dougherty (2009), his partner Amy Georgina (Pettitt) Davies (2020), and his parents John Dougherty (1955) and Beatrice (Ruhl) Dougherty (1968).
Proud father of Michael and Kim Dougherty of Toronto, and Shannon Dougherty and Vic Cangiano of London. Cherished grandfather of Madeline and Bridget Dougherty of Toronto. Best friend of Bart (Ann) Devries of Exeter. Dear brother of Harry and Barb Dougherty of Exeter, Helen Anthony of Brighton, and Jane and Ted Kibby of Oshawa. Dear brother-in-law of Honey and Bob MacFarland of Halifax, Glenn and Pauline Ward, Anne Marie and Elwyn Tower, Bruce and Kathy Ward, Deanne Ward all of Sackville, NB, and Raymond Duncan of Moncton, NB. Special uncle and great uncle to Paul and Patty Dougherty of Exeter and Nathan Dougherty of Grand Bend. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews and their families as well as the Plant family, Rick Smith of Exeter and Casey Zeehuisen of Exeter. Forever remembered by MaryBeth Jantzi of Stratford, Donald Davies of Huron Park and Adrienne (Davies) Depotie of Woodstock.
Bill was born in Toronto in 1933 to his father John, a pharmacist and his mother Beatrice, a homemaker. Throughout his youth he moved with his parents and siblings to Tillsonburg, Wiarton and Lion’s Head. His father joined the RCAF in 1940 and the family moved to Hagersville, Selkirk, Ottawa and finally to RCAF Centralia in 1951. Bill joined the RCAF in 1954. He met and married June in 1957 and together they raised their two children while being stationed at RCAF Centralia, Radar Station Mont Apica, QC and CFB Bagotville, QC. Bill left the service after 10 years and the family settled in Leamington where he worked as a driver examiner for the Ministry of Transportation. In 1967 the family relocated to Exeter where Bill worked in water and sewage treatment for Ministry of the Environment in Grand Bend, Clinton and Huron Park until his retirement in 1993 at age 60. Bill and June purchased his mother’s home on Gidley Street in Exeter in 1970 where he resided with June until her death in 2009. He remained in his home until 2019, at which time he moved to the Exeter Villa Retirement Home. Bill was an avid outdoorsman with a love of fishing and hunting. He was a life time member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 167 and was instrumental in the refurbishment of the cenotaph at former RCAF Station Centralia.
A come and go celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 167 (Exeter Legion), 316 William Street, Exeter on Sunday, July 3, 2022 from 1 – 4 PM with words of remembrance at 2 PM.
Keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service was held at the Exeter Cemetery on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations to The Poppy Fund through the Exeter Legion, Canadian Wildlife Federation, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society – Huron County or the South Huron Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Jullie Godwin
Thinking of you and your family Shannon!
Doug Jamieson
Harry, Barb and family. This notice of your brother Bill’s passing just showed up as an update on Haskett’s webpage today. I missed the original version a year ago. Sounds like he was a wonderful person just like you folks. The loss of a dear family member always leave a hole in your life that can only be patched over with love, kindness and fond memories.
Any Shapton
Beautiful service for a beautiful soul!
Shannon, Mike and Families,
My deepest condolences for the passing of Bill. I was lucky to have been his neighbour for 4 years and Gidley Street has not been the same without his smile and wave at the kitchen window while he washed dishes or while he enjoyed his backyard on the stoop and fed the squirrels, with a smirk (knowing they were not my favourite). His quick humour, stubborn independence, big heart and kind nature has been and will be deeply missed. Sending love, thoughts, prayers and hugs during this difficult time.
Kim McKay
Harry and Barb and family my deepest condolences in the loss of your brother, thoughts and prayers to you and your family!
Julianne Varley
To all of the family and friends of Bill, I offer my sincere sympathy. Bill was a kind man and a pleasure to work with. Take care.
Mark Heimrich
Harry & Barb, Paul & Patty, Shannon & Vic, Michael & Kim, Bart & Ann & all Bill’s Family & Friends;
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of Bill. He was a fine gentleman and great member of our community.
Mark & Julie Heimrich
Bob Stire
Hunted my last day of deer hunting with bill,it was a pleasure.would love to read his hunting diary lol,he new how to tell the story just right
Exeter Villa
The residents and staff of Exeter Villa, join our hearts in an expression of sympathy and condolence to you and your family at this time of sorrow. May the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Gary and Jane MacLean
Sending our sincere condolences to all of Bill’s family. We especially enjoyed the time that we worked with Bill . Bill always got the auto parts delivered on time with a smile. Bill will be missed.
Spring Robinson
I’ve just heard the news of Bill’s passing. I will miss seeing his smile and having a good time teasing him. He was always so kind. Thinking of you all.
Don and Lois McCallum
We were so very sorry to hear of Bill’s death. First thing that comes to mind is his grin and fantastic dry sense of humour. He will be missed.
Sincerely Don and Lois McCallum
Mary MacGregor
To Mike, Shannon and all the Dougherty family,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of Bill. He was such a sweet man, always with a ready smile. He will definitely be missed.
Sending big hugs to you all.
Mary & Jim MacGregor
Jim Chapman
Shannon, Harry and the Dougherty families
My sympathy re the loss of your father, grandfather and brother
He will be missed
Cara Lee Blommaert
My sincerest condolences to the family for your loss. What a sweet, special man he was. I have very fond memories of Bill and June and the fun pool parties at the Smiths! Rest now dear Bill.
Sandra and Ron Dickert
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing he was a great neighbor and my right hand man when it came to Canada Day auxiliary breakfast I couldn’t have done it without him. RIP Bill you will be missed. Sandra and Ron Dickert
The Johnstons
Mike and family: So sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. Karen and I were just admiring your latest excellent picture of you and your dad on the front porch . Much love from us all.
Ray and Sylvia Beierling
Ray and Sylvia Beierling
Mike, Shannon and family: So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Bill and I worked together for 14 years at the water treatment plant at Huron Park. He always remembered my birthday…it was the same day as his! He was a good and fair co-worker and will be missed by many people.
Margaret Brintnell
My sympathy to all of Bill’s family. He was such a great man & respected very much as evidenced by all the great comments. So many wonderful memories to share now & in days to come. God Bless each of you.
Margaret Brintnell
Judy Edmondson
Shannon and Michael, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. My siblings and I have such fond memories. Both your mom and dad were such wonderful friends of my parents. Friendships like that are priceless. Bill will be missed by many. He was such a kind man and gracious man. My sincerest condolences. Bill will be forever in our hearts. Sending love, light and blessings.
Jerry and Alice MacLean
Harry and Barb, sorry for the loss of your brother and brother in law.may he RIP
Dave Tanner
I was sorry to read of Bills passing. He was one of my favourites at the Legion.
Condolences to the family.
David & Kathy Tower
David and I mourn with you as remember Uncle Bill and the many memories of him! Praying you feel the support of others in both presence, prayers and the sharing of how he touched the lives of his family and friends! We remember his hospitality and encouraging words anytime we were in his presence! He will be deeply missed!
Joan Finkbeiner
To the Dougherty family.
Sorry for your loss. Cherish your memories.
Bill will be greatly missed around the legion.
Joan Finkbeiner
Cathy Batten
To Shannon & Mike and Family
Sending my sincere condolences to you all at this sad time. I will always cherish our chats at the Exeter Legion, he always had quite the sense of humour and such a kind man. Treasure the memories that each of you have of him. Thinking of you all, hugs.
Cathy
Lori Becker
So sorry to hear of Bill,s passing. What a great man, alot of laughs and ive heard alot of hunting stories, alot of wisdom.
Barry hunted with hunted with the group for years.
Sincerely
Barry and Lori Becker
Bill and Linda Farquhar
So sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. He was a good man and will be remembered! Our sympathy to all the family.
John and Wilma Wraight
So sorry to hear about your Dads passing.
John spent many hours as his partner at the
OCWA plant in Grand Bend. Lots of good times with June
too. They’ll be missed
Wilma and John Wraight
Shannon and Mike and Families
So sorry to hear that your Dad passed away
We spent many hours as partners at OWRC.
Also had some good times with your Mom too.
they were just good people and we’ll miss them.
George and Helen Pratt
Shannon & Mike & families,
Our sympathy to all of you. Bill was a great friend & neighbor for many many years.
We will miss his genuine caring & wonderful sense of humour. I will also miss the
puffballs he always delivered every autumn. Rest In Peace Bill,
Vera Armstrong
Thinking of you at this sad time; Treasure your memories
Sherrie Broderick/Larry Ballantyne
I was hoping once more to see that impish smile when Villa restrictions lifted. A short visit with Bill would always lift one’s spirits and make you smile. As a long time friend, I shall miss him dearly, as will the community
My very deepest condolences to his family.
Evelyn Vincent
Shannon
Sincere sympathy in the loss of your father. May the many good memories help bring comfort.
Thinking of you
Dave Frayne
To Mike, Shannon, family and friends:
So sorry that we lost Bill, I returned to Exeter in 1986 and became more involved with the Exeter Legion and he was one of the members that I enjoyed the most. He loved his fishing trips to the Bruce and making sauerkraut.
Sue Riley
On behalf of the Hensall Legion Branch 468, we send our deepest condolences to all.
Sue Riley, President
Marion McCarter
Harry and Barb and the Dougherty families:
Thinking of you at this sad and difficult time in your loss of Bill. Treasure his memories. Deepest Sympathy.
Marion McCarter
Glenn & Laura Stire
Mike and Shannon,
So sorry to hear about Bill. Both your parents were great neighbours when we lived on Gidley St.
Randy Dougherty
Very sorry to here this news Shannon and Mike he will be missed.
Terri Ward
Mike,Shannon and family, I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Bill. I have many good memories of the times spent in Sackville on Union street . I know he will be missed by many. I will miss talking to him for sure . I just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. LoveTerri.
Doug and Judy Dalrymple
Michael ,Shannon and family
Doug and I are sorry to hear about Bill.We had some good times when June worked with me at Anstetts
Our deepest condolences for you at this time.Our prayers and thoughts are with you all .
Doug and Judy
Cindy Taylor
To Michael Shannon and family members I would like to send my condolences. I had the pleasure of looking after your Dad at the Exeter Villa. We had a special bond and was glad to be with him through this past year. We became his family when the family was not allowed in. Your Dad always had a smile on his face and a sparkle in his eyes. I am so glad to get to know him and the time we spent together.
Cindy
Allen Plant
A dear man with a kind soul and brilliant sense of humour, is how my father might describe him.
They were high school chums, both venturing into the RCAF. Bill stood in my parents wedding and was a lifelong best friend.
Bill and June raised wonderful kids who became family friends of my parents and siblings.
You will be missed “Uncle” Bill. We love you.
Gregg ‘Wilf’ Beattie
As I’ve said many times, Bill and June provided me with a second set of parents growing up in Exeter. Bill was a true gentleman with a brilliant sense of humour. He was always involved with all of us kids whether it was helping coach baseball or crafting a road hockey trophy for our makeshift tournament. When I passed on the sad news of Bill’s passing to my mother, she responded that Bill was one of the nicest people she had ever met. That pretty much sums it up. He will truly be missed and never be forgotten by anyone one was lucky enough to have known him. May Bill and June live on in all of us.
Karen Wilson
I’m so sorry to here about Bills passing. The world was blessed with him in it! Hugs to all!
Mary Beth Jantzi
Thank you Bill, for your warm and generous heart, you’re wry sense of humour and your strength. Forever grateful.