Ian Doherty

Ian Doherty, age 38, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, February 9. The funeral and visitation in Lafayette, LA will be held at David's Funeral Home (316 Youngsville Hwy) on Saturday, February 13. The visitation will be from 10:00-12:00 and the funeral 12:00-1:00. Reception to follow. There will be a service held in Natchez, MS on Wednesday, February 17. The visitation/reception will be at Epyk at 515 Main Street from 12:00-2:00. The funeral will be held at St. Mary's at 2:00. We ask that you please do not attend both services as there are capacity limitations due to COVID and we would like to accommodate as many people as possible. He was preceded in death by his grandparents John and Doris Arnold, Paul and Joyce Doherty, father Jim Patterson, uncle "Beaver," and dear friend Kaiser Hails Survived by his mother Sandra Doherty, his father Shawn Doherty, stepmother Mary Kay Doherty, life partner Madeline Jackson, brother Jim Patterson, sister Susan McEwen, brother Peter Patterson, brother Ben Patterson, sister Lauren Commarato, stepbrother Chaz Jackson, stepsister Sydney Jackson, niece Jackie Wilson, nephew Braxton Commarato, and beloved pets Bailey and Puff Although Ian's life was cut short, he was saturated with wonderful family and friends from all over the globe who were attracted to his infectious soul. We together will undoubtedly keep his legacy alive and well forever. Before we get into Ian's many accolades, it's important to shed light into the body, the mind and the soul of one of the most gentle men to ever walk about this earth. To no fault. He was soft to perfection, absorbed the initial friction and harnessed the ability to control it, until he had to unleash it. Whether it was on a chemistry test, tennis court or serving our country, Ian was part of the men and women that ensure civilian Americans, each and every one of us, the ability to enjoy coffee in the mornings at the donut shop, sweet tea with our blue plates at the malt shops and wine and cheese on our porches in the evenings. Ian served eight years and is a United States Marine Corps veteran. He achieved the rank of corporal and Deployed two times in support of operation Iraqi freedom. His list of awards includes the combat action ribbon, Iraqi campaign medal, Global war on terrorism Medal, Sea service deployment ribbon and the Armed forces reserve medal with "M" devise. He gave us peace. He gave us bravery. He gave us his life.To say he was bright would be a gross understatement. Ian's mind was playing "chess" underwater, while tap dancing; the rest of us were learning checkers. He could have launched a shuttle of popsicle sticks straight out of high school physics class into outer space. No teacher needed. Ian attended Northwestern University and UL Lafayette. He completed an EMT program at Co-Lin Natchez. He received his gunsmith degree at the Colorado School of Trades and if that was not enough, Ian was in pursuit of his nursing degree at UL. His soul will live on through the impact he's made on every person he ever opened up to at any and all levels of life. None is more evident than his time working with ailing veterans as a Recovery Support Specialist at the HERO Program of New Beginnings. Ian's ability to communicate set him apart. A true wordsmith. His commands were perfect. His awareness made him an instant leader. A perfect Marine. He was more than that, however. He added compassion in which he never relinquished. Compassion that made him real and to us all, a real hero. Ian excelled on the soccer field from an early age. We could tell he was going to be fast. But none of us were ever really prepared to watch him dominate through high school the way he did. His foot was a swinging anvil. And then came tennis. Where he also became one of the best tennis players in the State for multiple years, winning State for Cathedral, Chamberlin Hunt and Trinity. It would not have mattered where he was, he still would have likely won. Part of Ian's quiet demeanor came from his love for martial arts along with his love of music. The two arts clash but so do the intangibles of a genius like Ian. Watching and hearing his dictation and context, as he would flow through his impassioned thoughts, talking or creative writing amongst his peers, was legend status. You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org. In order to help keep the community safe we will honor the July 13, 2020 Louisiana Mandates. All families and their guest are required to wear a face covering while at the funeral home. Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time. David Funeral Home of Lafayette, 316 Youngsville Hwy. (337) 837-9887 is in charge of arrangements.