John Kenneth Doherty

Ken Doherty was a dedicated father, a seasoned engineer and a lifelong learner. He passed away peacefully at home in Cypress, Texas on March 29, 2025 at the age of 81.

Ken was born on December 23, 1943 to John Paul and Coline Rule Doherty in Monroe, LA, where his father was stationed in the Army Air Corps. He grew up in Stockton, CA, and graduated from Stagg High School. He was admitted to the US Merchant Marine Academy, in Kings Point, NY, and proceeded to become the youngest Chief Engineer, sailing on many ships across the globe.

Following his time as a merchant marine, Ken was hired by the Adolph Coors Company in 1972 and served as a utility engineer running the power plant and supporting the operation of the world’s largest single site brewery in Golden, CO until his retirement in 1998.

Ken met the love of his life, Barbara, and they were married in 1972. They raised three children, Chris, Liz and Becky. The family enjoyed gardening, music, and experiencing nature, especially sunrise and sunsets from the expansive vistas in Golden. He enthusiastically led a Cub Scout den with Chris and a YMCA Indian Princess group with Liz and Becky.

Ken was a lifelong learner. Upon moving to Cypress, TX, Ken was an active participant in programs at the local community college and at the Glazier Senior Education Center and was also a volunteer at the Friends of the Library at Lone Star College. He pursued knowledge in many topics and enjoyed discussing them at length with anyone who would engage him, but he especially was passionate about nutrition, health and genetics.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bob Doherty and Barbara. He was survived by son Chris Doherty and his wife Susan, daughter Liz Gilbert and her sons Benjamin and Jack, Becky Leenheer and her husband Andrew and sons Kendrick and Justin. Ken was very proud of his children in their lives and careers: Chris as a civil engineer specializing in urban stormwater; Liz as a civil engineer specializing in structural design; and Becky as a pediatric ophthalmologist.

Services will be held on May 5, 2025 at Golden Cemetery, 755 Ulysses St, Golden, CO 80401 followed by a gathering at Fossil Trace Golf Club, 3050 Illinois St, Golden, CO 80401.