William Albert Doherty

It is with great regret, but much love, that we announce Bill's peaceful passing on July 31, 2015, bringing to a tangible end 88 years of remarkable life. Highly respected in the construction industry and loved by a vast group of family and friends, Bill enjoyed living life to the fullest even after a steady decline due to Parkinson's disease. He had a tremendous love and respect for the outdoors and spent almost his entire life hunting, fishing and boating. Bill always went above and beyond to support his family as well as the local community through many volunteer positions such as past Member of the Board of Directors at York Central Hospital (Mackenzie Health), past Manager of the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank, supporter of the York Regional Police Association as well as many charitable foundations. He has received numerous awards over the years for his work with various community organizations.

Bill was born in 1927 in Toronto, Ontario and grew up farming, hunting, fishing and working hard which was a normal part of everyday life. Dedicated to always doing the best he could at anything, he graduated in Civil Engineering in 1949 from the University of Toronto followed by a Masters at the faculty in 1950. Bill worked in the road construction business from the onset, starting with K.J. Beamish Construction in 1949 until becoming General Manager and overseeing such projects as Highway 400 Northbound from the future City of Vaughan as well as the Don Valley Parkway from York Mills to the Bloor Viaduct. Finishing his career at Beamish in December 1972, he went on to purchase MSO Construction Ltd., the first of his three self-owned companies he would head throughout the 1980s and 90s until his well deserved retirement. To give back to the industry he was so devoted to, Bill helped found two Civil Engineering scholarships at the University of Toronto in 2002. Four generations of the Doherty family, including Bill's father and brother, have passed through this institution over the past 90+ years. Throughout his career, Bill has served on the Ontario Road Building Association (ORBA) Board of Directors and his work for the Association was highlighted by his election to the Presidency in 1969 followed by his induction into the ORBA Hall of Fame in 2010.

Bill is survived his loving wife, Carole, his brother, Doug and wife Ann, his five children Bill Jr., Bob, Brian, Barb, Michael and their spouses, all of whom he loved dearly. He was proud grandfather and Papa to 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren and much adored by extended family and friends. The family would like to thank the staff at Sunrise of Richmond Hill and the Palliative team for their compassionate care and support when Bill needed it the most.

Visitation will be at R.S. KANE FUNERAL HOME, 6150 Yonge St., Toronto, on Tuesday, August 4th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, August 5th in the Funeral Home Chapel at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow. Bill left this world a better place with a sense of ethics, integrity and values that we are forever grateful for. If desired, remembrances to Ducks Unlimited Canada, Wounded Warriors Canada or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.