We Remember
DOCHERTY, Michael Sonto
—
Michael Sonto Docherty, born March 28th, 1945; reborn into the Kingdom of God on March 28th, 2013. Mike was a walking miracle touching the lives of so many through his profound journey with cancer.
Predeceased by his first wife Gail Docherty and son Ronn Docherty, Mike will be forever in our hearts. His life is celebrated by his loving family including: wife Suzie, sons Paul (Karen), and grandson Branden, and Kraig (Vanessa) Docherty, stepchildren Sam (Carrie), Luke (Summer) and Mary Turri, brother Ron (Lorraine) Docherty and sister Marlene (Mel) Beg, niece Farrah (Mike) Sugg and grand-niece Avery, nephew Mike Beg, his wife Nancy Ciavarella and grand-nephew Andrew and grand-niece Frances, niece Marissa Beg and husband John Lucas and grand-nephew Finn, and many more relatives and friends. Over his professional career “Doc” made a lasting, positive impression on the many colleagues he worked with both locally and around the world. First Transit, Kelowna office and BC Transit will never be the same.
Mike took great enjoyment in singing at church, gardening for his wife, and refereeing football; but lamented the fact that he had to hang up his fly fishing rod when he could no longer fish Lakelse Lake in Terrace, BC. His 46 year transit career is what he was most proud of. “Doc” was passionate about safety for riders and drivers. He leaves as part of his legacy his co-authorship of the Canadian Safety in Transit manual.
Mike was anchored by a deep Christian faith and profound love of his family. He always put others ahead of himself. He will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 6th at Evangel Church (3261 Gordon Drive Kelowna, BC) at 1:00 pm.
For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences”.
Service
Saturday, April 6th at 1:00 pm
Location
Evangel Church
I will forever love and appreciate Michael for the love he brought into Suzie’s life. And through that love so many of us have been blessed.
A most wonderful man that has left a positive influence on me! Let that live on!
our thoughts and prayers are with you as Mike (DOC) will be sadly missed by many outside the family as well. He was a good friend.
A true vessel of God’s love. Thank you Mike, for sharing the love with us!
To Mary and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have never heard anything but happy and positive stories about Mike and the type of man he was, especially in regards to his dedication around work, his love of an active lifestyle, and the occasional amaretto and coke (with Mary of course!). I wish I could have met him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lots and lots of love.
Mike was a terrific man. He was a leader in the transit industry, in BC and across Canada, and a pleasure to work with. He will be missed.
I got to know over the years and he had an outstanding outlook on life and a great asset to the City. He always was interested in people and what they doing.
He was a man who respected everyone he came in contact with.Truly a man of honor.
Susie and family , our thoughts and prayers our with you.
Domenic and Lina Rampone
May you rest in peace Mike! The joy you brought to Suzie and all those who were lucky enough to have the pleasure of getting to know you, was profound. Thank-you so much for your love and patience with Lisa. Having you and Suzie to help celebrate her birthday every year was not only fun, an annual tradition was born.I will continue to put up the Christmas tree on December 1st in your honor, but it won’t be the same without you reaching so easily and placing the star on the top 🙂
Appreciated both your leadership and friendship. Will miss you and are grateful for having known you. Paul & Teena Gowdy
may Gods peace be with you sue, our prayers are with you and your family
Always enjoyed officiating with Mike, great guy.
I have had the priviledge of getting to know Mike the last couple of years on the football field. He was always a delight to work a game with. He will be very much missed by all of us.
I only worked with Mike on the football field a few times, but it was obvious that he was a man of great character and integrity.
Dearest Suzie and Family, Michael definitely had an impact on all whom he met…I am blessed for having known him. Even though I only knew Michael for a short time, his “essence” shone through clearly brightening the day. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful man.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Dearest Suzie (aka Betty),
Michael will be missed but will remain in our hearts forever. We will remember him with love, fondness and great respect for the incredible man he was, the values and beliefs he held dear, and most of all, the love he brought to you and your family.
Betty, Fred and I will remember our times together with Barney (albeit so limited) with smiles and chuckles.
With love, Diana
Dear Susie,
You have been on my mind this week, now I know why. My condolences to you and your family. Michael was a wonderful man from what I am reading today. When you see Viv, she’ll give you an extra hug from me.
Hugs to you,
Becky
Dear Suzie, my thoughts and prayers are sent to you & family on your deep loss. Thinking back to your wedding day and what a lovely celebration of love it was. You made a special, beaming couple.
Mike served as referee at a great number of my teams games over the past few years. He was always quick with a smile, called penalties judiciously, and enjoyed keeping the game on line, and having fun, as much as the kids playing the game.He had a great sense of humor, and shared his smile freely, with all.
We’ll miss him, and all that he stood for.
A truly beautiful service, it was a wonderful way to commemorate and celebrate Mike’s life. I remember when I last shared words with him I told him I was praying for him, he told me “God’s will be done.” He was an incredible man, truly one of a kind. I wish there were more people like him in this world.
My deepest condolences.
On behalf of all Kelowna Minor Football players, coaches and board members, we wnat to express our sincere condolences. Mike’s passion for football and his constant encouragement and sense of fair play will me missed. He will be remembered and will serve as an inspiration and role model for those that follow him.
Dear Suzie
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Much love and pink hugs
Sandy Campbell
My thoughts are with all of the family. I truly enjoyed working with Mike “Doc” during my time on council. He was as close as a phone call when questions were asked about any transit issue. He worked very hard to alleviate concerns regarding people with disabilities using the transit or handidart system and he will not be forgotten.It was a lovely service and the “transit family” paid him a lovely tribute.