, 61° F
(June 21, 2008)
Edward Dougherty died peacefully in Powell Saturday, June 21 after a brief battle with cancer. He was 81.
He was born Sept 4, 1926, in Terrytown, N.Y., to Charles and Irene (McGuiness) Dougherty, along with twin brother, Charles. He grew up and attended schools in Yonkers, N.Y., and then served in the Army during World War II.
He continued his education, first at Oswego State University (N.Y.), and later earning his master’s degree in education from Eastern Montana College (now Montana State University, Billings).
His life-long teaching career began in Lovell in 1951, where he was soon adopted by the Bischoff family, a friendship he always cherished. He Through the years, he taught in St. Cloud, Minn., and Rock River, Wyo., before moving to Powell in 1962. Ed taught in various positions (kindergarten through junior high) along with coaching and officiating in several sports. In 1980, Ed and Joyce went to the Alaskan Bush to teach (and most certainly fish!) in several small native villages. Eight years later they retired, returning to Powell and spending several winters in Arizona.
Ed served on several boards, including those of the Rocky Mountain Manor, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Powell Country Club, the Powell Education Association, and the Elks Club, as well as the church council of St. Barbara’s Catholic Church. At St. Barbara’s, he served in several capacities, including head usher for the last several years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Eileen; brothers, William and Charles; and brothers-in-law, Keith Swindoff and Charles Holland.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce in Powell; daughter, Annie (Kelly) Brandt of Powell, and grandson, Ryan; sons, Bruce (Vicki) and grandchildren, Beth and Patrick, of Lisbon, N.D., Craig (Judy) and granddaughters, Catlin, Gretchen and Mackenzie, of Sheridan, and Dave (Deb) and grandchildren, Hayden, Bailey and Spencer, of Shepherd, Mont. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Rita Dougherty, Mary Holland and Marian Swingdoff, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was very proud of his Irish heritage and was an avid Notre Dame and New York Yankees fan. In his younger days, he was a “hell of a horseman” and later in life developed a love of golf, but could only see where his “good shots” landed. Ed’s grandkids were his pride and joy, and he enjoyed being with all of them as often as he could.
Teaching was his love, fishing was his passion, and he relished in having a cold beer and telling “fish stories” with his many friends.
Memorials may be made to the Northwest College Foundation, Heart Mountain Volunteers for Medicine, or a charity of one’s choice.
Services will be Thursday, June 26, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church, with Fr. Glen Szczechowski officiating. Rosary and Vigil Services will be held Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Crown Hill Cemetery, Powell. Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
