Obituary of Ernest James Doherty

ERNEST JAMES DOHERTY Jim passed peacefully away at home on August 19, 2012, at age 85. Jim was predeceased by his loving wife Rita, and sister Ruth. Jim is well loved and will be missed very much by his five children, David (Dorothy), Fred (Karen), Kathleen Currie (Charlie), Betty Smith (Larry) and Nora Doherty (Edward Waldner). He adored his grandchildren Christopher, Jennifer, Liam, Geoffrey, Lacey, and Chelsea and was proud to say he was a great grandfather to Brittany and Sophia. Jim is also survived by his brother Fred; sisters-in-law Margaret, Una, Shirley and Joan; brothers-in-law Irvin, Gerald, Tony, and Mike, along with many nieces, nephews, and special friends. Jim was born in St. Johns, Newfoundland and attended the school for the blind in Halifax, Nova Scotia. When he returned to St. John's he began working for the CNIB. While working at the CNIB, Jim met Rita and the two were married in 1950. They had 56 loving years of marriage before Rita passed away in 2006. Jim worked for the CNIB until his retirement in 1988 and in 1995 they moved to Regina, SK. Jim was an extraordinary man, who never let his handicap stop him from participating in life. He loved spending time with his family, especially if it involved a game of cards, darts, pool, playing music, or watching his Toronto Blue Jays. He was a member of the blind sports association which gave him the opportunity to play on the blind hockey team, the goal ball team and his favourite sport... bowling. He also played in a band with his brother Fred and loved jamming at the kitchen table. Dad had an amazing sense of humour and a wonderful outlook on life. He often told us about the times he got into trouble with the Head Master at the school for the blind, mostly because they didn't share the same ideas of what was classified as fun. Jim was a devoted husband. When Rita became ill he was there at her side and became her personal caregiver. According to his wishes there will be no formal service. He will be laid to rest with Rita in New Chelsea, Newfoundland at a later date. Flowers gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make donations, in memoriam, to the Saskatchewan Blind Sports Association, 510 Cynthia Street, Saskatoon, SK, S7L 7K7. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com