THOMAS FRANCIS DOHERTY

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THOMAS FRANCIS DOHERTY Thomas Francis Doherty, aged 83, passed peacefully in his sleep at home on February 25, 2016. Thomas was born in Fleetwood, England on March 23, 1932, the son of Joseph and Ellen. He was schooled in England, but his summers were always spent in his beloved Ireland. He often stayed in his family's thatched cottage in the town of Buncrana, county Donegal, inspiring a lifelong passion for the story of Ireland that culminated in publishing his own book on Irish History in 2009. At the age of 16, he met Elizabeth, whom he called the "Melody of his life". They courted for three years, were engaged for two and were married in May 1953. Thomas served in the British Army as a corporal, was stationed in Germany, and trained as a sharp shooter. He apprenticed as a carpenter and joiner, and gained City and Guilds of London status as a master carpenter. He immigrated to Canada in 1959 with Elizabeth and their two young children (Peter and Gail). They settled in Winnipeg where they had two more children (Kathleen and Thomas). Thomas had a long and successful career with Smith Carter Partners participating in the construction of some of Winnipeg's most recognizable buildings, retiring in 1992. He had a very keen interest in genealogy and family history and loved to read. He was never without two books on the go and always made notes as he read them. He enjoyed movies, seeing the latest blockbusters and catching up on Netflix. He was an artist who expressed his passion for life through poetry, painting, sketching and as an accomplished harpist (an instrument he decided to learn in his 40's). He lectured on specification writing, genealogy and Irish history and was active with Irish Clan societies until his final days. He is survived by Elizabeth, his wife of 63 years; his daughter Gail (Henry); his two sons, Peter (Sean), Thomas (Kelly); and his beloved grandsons, Brendan and Connor. His siblings, Neil and Hugh (Dilys), Joan and Angela, and his many cousins also survive him. His daughter Kathleen; parents, Joseph and Ellen; siblings, John and Pauline, predecease him. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 4, 2016 at St. John Brebeuf Catholic Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place, with Father Mark Tarrant presiding. Interment at Thomson "In the Park". The family thanks the paramedics, police and medical examiner for their support on the morning of Thomas's passing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to the charity of your choice. LECLAIRE BROTHERS 475 Provencher Blvd. in care of arrangements, 204-775-2220
Publish Date: Mar 2, 2016

THOMAS FRANCIS DOHERTY Thomas Francis Doherty, aged 83, passed peacefully at his home on February 25, 2016. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 4, 2016, at the St. John Brebeuf Roman Catholic Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place. A longer obituary to follow in tomorrow's paper. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements, 204-775-2220
Publish Date: Mar 1, 2016

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 02, 2016