Terrence (Terry) Patrick Doherty

It is with profound sadness that the family of Terrence (Terry) Patrick Doherty, announce his passing on March 24, 2025, in Brampton, Ontario, at the age of 87. Terry died peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and four children.

Born on October 8, 1937, in Peterborough, Ontario, Terry was raised on a farm alongside his six brothers and sisters. At the age of 17, he left the land for the sea and began a distinguished career with the Royal Canadian Navy. His first posting took him to C.F.B. Shearwater in Nova Scotia, where he met and married his first love, Sylvia "Sue" Glawson Doherty. Together they raised four children-Bernie, Karen, Tim, and Joe-and embraced the East Coast lifestyle with open arms. The Doherty home became a hub of laughter and activity: "You wanna have fun, come to the Doherty House!" was more than a saying-it was a way of life.

Terry had an enduring passion for sports including football, baseball, broom-ball, and squash. He passed this love on to his children and remained actively involved in their lives through coaching, officiating, and fundraising. When not at sea, he led family adventures camping, fishing, and boating. Summers were often spent visiting the family farm in Peterborough-always a cherished tradition.

After being posted to Air Command at C.F.B. Winnipeg, Terry suffered the heartbreaking loss of Sue. During his time in Winnipeg he met and married Yvonne Dandenault Doherty, whose independent spirit he deeply admired. Yvonne brought her children-Christine, Maureen, and Randy-into Terry's life. He especially treasured time spent with their grandson Dale.

Terry's final military posting took him to C.F.B. Comox on Vancouver Island. There he served as Base Chief before retiring with great honour after 37 years of dedicated service to his country. He was immensely proud of receiving The Order of Military Merit (ORMM), Canada's second-highest military honour awarded by the Governor General for outstanding service and leadership.

Retirement marked a new chapter filled with adventure and purpose. With Yvonne by his side, Terry opened a Bed & Breakfast on Vancouver Island and embraced island life wholeheartedly-learning to ski and run at age 50, enjoying fishing trips with loved ones, and continuing his lifelong love of golf. Later they moved to Mission, BC where Terry began a new volunteer career with the Knights of Columbus. His efforts led to the successful restoration of "Our Lady of Lourdes" Grotto-a renowned Catholic pilgrimage site that stands as part of his lasting legacy.

Following Yvonne's passing, Terry returned to Ontario where he found renewed joy in the company of his sons and extended family. It was here that he met Nancy Bruegeman Doherty through their shared love for their dogs Rocky and Macho. Their marriage ushered in another vibrant chapter filled with international travel and winters spent among the Snowbird community in Florida. They made their home in Rosedale Village where they formed deep friendships and shared many rounds of golf-Nancy becoming the partner Terry had always longed for on the course.

Terry's family grew once more through Nancy's beloved sister Linda (Ross) and their children Lisa, Colleen, and Nancy-Beth-all of whom brought warmth and laughter into his life. Together they celebrated the arrival of six great-grandchildren: Finley, Sullivan, Murphy Brandt; Revan and Declan Elliott; and Roosevelt Wilcox.

Terry is survived by his loving wife Nancy; his children Bernie Elliott (Kevin) of Houston, TX; Karen Doherty-Thompson of Dartmouth, NS; Tim Doherty (Louise) of Mississauga, ON; Joe Doherty (Dolores) of Centerville, NS; grandchildren Justin Elliott (Victoria), Kaitlin Brandt (Chad), Kirk Thompson, Delaney Wilcox (Matt), Liam Doherty (Cat), Mollie Thompson, Dale Dandenault, Brielle Stuart (Simon), Ray Doherty, Michael Doherty; great-grandchildren Finley, Sullivan and Murphy Brandt; Revan and Declan Elliott; Roosevelt Wilcox; brother Peter Doherty (Linda); sisters Dolores Girard (Dave†) and Mary Adamson (Don).

He was predeceased by his parents Frank Doherty and Theresa Couglin Doherty; sisters Joanne Kelly and Judy Eve; brother Jim Doherty; brother-in-law Dave Girard; former wives Sylvia "Sue" Glawson Doherty and Yvonne Dandenault Doherty.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Marguerite d'Youville Parish, 2490 Sandalwood Parkway East, Brampton, Ontario at 11:00 AM on Saturday April 5th, 2025. A reception will follow at The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 609 Bramalea at 1133 Queen St. East in Brampton. Terry will be interred at a later date at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Sackville, Nova Scotia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, St. Marguerite d'Youville Parish or PAWS Canada.

Terry's greatest legacy is reflected in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren-each carrying forward his zest for life, can-do attitude and joyful spirit. Whether you knew him as dad, husband, brother, uncle or friend-you knew you had a champion in your corner.

May the angels sing you home to those you love.