William Burgess Doherty
W. Burgess Doherty, 82, a longtime resident of Barrington, passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021 at Bellamy Fields Assisted Living in Dover after a long illness. He was born in Concord on March 7, 1939 the son of the late William Albert and Shirley (Smythe) Doherty of Franklin, NH.
Burgess was a graduate of Mount Hermon School, now NMH, in Mount Hermon, MA where he was active in sports. He then graduated from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT with his Bachelor Degree and later graduated with his Master's Degree in English from UNH in Durham. He taught English at Tilton School in Tilton and then went on to work in Environmental Services at UNH where he retired after many years. He was an Army Veteran.
His family included his brothers; Alan W. Doherty and his companion Carol Pilot of Sunapee and Joel and his wife Sara Doherty of Franklin, several nieces and nephews, several great nieces and nephews, his devoted friend Ellen and many friends.
According to Burgesses wishes, there will be a graveside service held at a later date in Franklin Cemetery.
The William F. Smart Sr. Memorial Home in Tilton is assisting the family with arrangements.
For more information go to www.smartfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Foster's Daily Democrat from Jun. 15 to Jun. 18, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for William Doherty

Sponsored by Smart Memorial Home - Tilton.

3 Entries

Andy Corrow

June 19, 2021

I met Burgess as a 15 year old high school student around 1980. I was a dish washer and Burgess was a part time bartender at the Tin Palace in Durham. He was very kind to us "kids" . A mentor of sorts. When I told him I was going to join the Army after graduation he always had words of encouragement and stories about his time in the Army with the 101st Airborne Division. I always appreciated his encouragement as many folks wondered why I was joining. After my 4 years in the Army I came back to UNH for my undergraduate degree. I went back to work at the Tin Palace. I would see Burgess frequently and we would chat. It was the same everytime I saw him. I saw him frequently during the next 25 years. After I retired from the Army and returned to Durham he was one of the first people I encountered. I would run at the track and would see him at the field house weekly. I don't think I had seen him for a couple years. Our last chance meeting was at the Works in Durham. What I love about Burgess is that he was engaging. He would always ask about the family and we would share stories about the Army, UNH or the old days at the TP. I will MISS seeing him around campus and town. Rest in peace my friend.

Diane Draves Quig

June 17, 2021

A long time friend who was always ready to assist me in a variety of ways. His support was and will be treasured ever more.

Nancy J Lambert

June 17, 2021

Burgess was a fixture at the UNH pool, well known for his friendly banter and curmudgeonly assessments of the water temperature, which was always too cold for him. He chatted with everyone and created a sense of community among we lap swimmers who otherwise tended to keep to ourselves.

Burgess encouraged my year-long process to refine my strokes and develop my flip turn by connecting me to a more accomplished swimmer for tips and then always offering enthusiastic assessments of my progress. I'm a better swimmer because of Burgess's help and cheerleading.

I always looked forward to catching up with Burgess at the pool and was disappointed if he was not there. On a lucky day, I'd also catch him reading the paper and chatting with friends at the Works. It will be very sad to return to the UNH pool (when it finally re-opens to the community) knowing he will not be there to report on the water temperature and other goings-on.

My condolences to his brothers, Ellen and extended family. He would tell me about the weekly get-togethers of the Doherty brothers in Concord. He was a lovely character, and I will miss him and the color he brought to my life. There are some people in life that we feel fortunate to know, and Burgess was one of those people for me.

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