I didn't know Don very long, but i had a great time when he and my sister ceme to visit us. I knew that he and Barbara June were perfect together! May Don rest in peace!

Hi Grandpa D,
I played a song for you tonight, a song I wrote just for you. I even thought I could hear you singing it. It's hard to think it has been seven months since we last sang together :( I hate the distance from here to heaven but I hope you are having fun. I miss you so much I feel like a have hole in my heart and some days I get so mad that you're not here. I still reach for my phone sometimes to tell you about something cool, or ask you a question, but I think you know being a super angel and all. You are still my favorite crazy, wild, silly, funny old man, and I cry for my loss of you all the time. "Pitty Party style" hahaha Im missing you tonight and I will light a candle for you.

Daddy, I am your first born daughter...Princess....Lynn. I miss you every second of everyday

I miss you SO much...  every Second of every day.  As well as people you never knew.

I am still tearful when I think of Dr. D and how much he has meant to me all  of these years.
I was an activity therapist many years ago.  I cannot remember what the actual incident was but I recall that Dr. D "Got my Irish Up."   The next morning, before seven, Dr. D was standing outside of the activity building.  I commented to him that he was at work very early.  He replied that he came in early to apologize to me because he knew he hurt my feelings and gave me a hug.

Dr. D has always been one of my favorite docs.  

JEF

Grandpa Don,
I had a dream about you last night that seemed so real. I was in the living room, and I heard someone in the kitchen. When I entered the kitchen I saw you eating coco puffs. LOL :) In that moment I was immediately overwhelmed with sadness and happiness at the same time. I called out to you and you said "hi Jenny" and put your arms out, and I ran to you and hugged you. I said "oh grandpa Don I had the worst dream ever" and began to cry as I held you so tight. you asked me what it was and I said "I had a dream that you died". and you laughed at me and said "well I didn't go anywhere I have been here the whole time". and I said "oh good. well I have missed you anyway". and we laughed. Then you asked me when we were going to start practicing for Christmas because it's October? and I said whenever you are ready. and you said to come over tomorrow and we will play silent night and I said ok. You told me you love me, and I told you I love you more and I woke up. I was so relieved when I woke up because I thought it was just a nightmare but then reality set it. I just wanted to stop by and tell you that I love you. I still pray for you everyday. I miss you more than I can say. I hope to see you again soon.

As you know, Liz and I are traveling out of country and cannot attend the gathering to remember Dr. Don.  You know that I would otherwise be there to say a few words about this most wonderful man.  If the schedule allows for sharing these thoughts, that would be great.  I'll leave it to your judgment.

It was the early 1980's – call it 30 years ago when Don and I first met.  The introductory  circumstances were pretty unusual and worth some description.  Dr. Robert Moore, then VP Clinical Affairs at Vista Hill Foundation came over to MVH and spoke to the Alcohol & Substance Abuse Program team (I was the manager than) about a patient transferring in soon.  Dr. Moore and psychiatric resident Dr. Randall Hicks had recently done an intervention on a very ill physician at UCSD who would soon be admitted to MVH after getting medically stabilized.  We were to treat him like any other person on the unit and not pay any mind to his being a psychiatrist.   The name was, by the way, Dr. Donald Dougherty. 

Don had been an active psychiatrist in South Bay for a number of years and on the active medical staff at Vista Hill Hospital.  He was in serious trouble and Dr. Moore believed it was our obligation to provide treatment to him as there were no other options open.  

Don came in as sick & fragile as any person I have ever seen.  He couldn't even walk for the first week or so, he was so weak.  He was bankrupt in practically every sense of the word: physically, mentally, spiritually and monetarily.  He was clinging precariously to what ever life was left in his devastated body.  He had a few things still going for him: a flicker of strong will, a lovely person named Barbara in his life, the possibility of regaining his medical license, a pulse and a group of relentless recovery staff, hell bent on getting through to him.

 Don showed great humility, openness and honesty – I still think about it today just how amazingly courageous he was.  I daresay there aren't very many of us who could accept being in such a low point in life, seemingly defeated and not give up.  Rather than dwell in misery, Don got on with his recovery – and that meant dealing with life with brutal honesty.  He knew that if he didn't push himself hard enough, he would get the shove from staff.  And he never once played the “I'm the doctor” card.  What an unbelievable transformation over about a year of treatment and support

Our work in addiction is difficult, trying at times and so costly in losses to families, businesses and communities.  It would be so easy to get discouraged and toss in the towel when we look at the recidivism.  But I get inspiration when I think of Dr. Don and what he achieved.  By all accounts, he was a guy that should have been dead & gone in middle age.   Instead, he punctuated that dash between the dates of birth and death in the brightest of ways. 

For nearly 30 years, we have enjoyed being around a revitalized Dr. Don.  Don's quirky humor, a loving nature, long armed hugs and songs belted out for every occasion was a joy to have and to know.  The devotion to practicing psychiatry and addictionology over these decades was an impressive ‘giving back” – how many people are better off today because Don lived 3 decades past a supposed expiration date?  Countless, I'm sure.

Like everyone present today, I feel fortunate to have known Dr. Don and will miss him.

Dr. Don and I worked together at Vista Hill & Mesa Vista Hospital. I learned how to be  a compassionate caregiver especially working with alcoholics. Don was a great teacher. He was loved and respected and will be sorely missed.

I miss Don everyday,his. Presence is sorely missed. I am most grateful he is now out of pain at last . We use to see him several times a week and joke and cook for he and my mom. I still find myself thinking oh he would laugh at this. But having my own brush with death I know he is the lucky one and we here left here are the lost ones......Be with God and find you peace. We love and miss you. 
Michelle Petersen along with Chris and David......

Oh the many names I have for you; Gpa, Daddy D, Dr. D. Grandpa D, Papa Don, Grandpa Don LOL I could go on for days. But no amount of words will ever describe how wonderful you are. Grandpa Don I have been so sad, and mad at times for the fact that I will never sing with you again. I will never play your piano for you again. I will never hug you again, and worst of all I will never speak with you again. I am sad for the many things I will miss doing doing with you. On the other hand; God must have needed you more than I do, and I trust his decision. Everyday that passes I pray for you, and I pray that someday we will be in heaven playing on the most grand of Steinways :-) I hope that you will tell Elvis of how we have enjoyed his talents for most of my life. I thought you sounded just like him, and Perry Como. I will miss you at every Christmas, but I promise to play all of your favorite songs. I have been so blessed to have you in my life. My mentor, my friend, my music partner, and my Grandpa D. I love you so much more than the English language can describe, and I know you know that. Thank you for loving me, and keeping every Father's day card I ever gave you. I know I have made you very proud, and I promise to continue to make you proud. While you have very large footsteps, I will continue to strive to follow in them. For now it is your turn to rest and be free so go fly higher than an Eagle, and just know that you are my hero and will forever be the wind beneath my wings. I will see you someday in the Kingdom of Heaven. Until then tell Jesus how wonderful I am hehe ;)

Hi Daddy!
I am sad that you are not on this earth anymore, but happy that you are free of pain.  I will miss you very much.  I have many happy memories of you that I will always treasure.   Some of the special memories are talking to you on Sunday's when the Broncos were playing against the Chargers and debating on who would win.  Another fond memory is that summer you taught me how to play chess.   You bet me $100 that you would win and I ended up winning.  I know you let me win that game! ?  I know how to play chess to this day – you were a very good and patient teacher!   I remember the times when all of us kids were sitting around playing the game you invented – Cup Cup.  You should have patented that!   Most of all I remember the hugs, laughter, and the singing (Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog or Joy To The World, House of the Rising Sun,  and Sunshine On My Shoulder are a few of them).  My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone that your life has touched.  You are now our angel in heaven.  We both hated the word Goodbye, so I will say:  see you later daddy!  With hugs, and kisses, Love, Golden Girl…

The Life of Donald Earl Dougherty, M.D. 
November 20th 1931- August 18th 2013

For those who knew Dr. Don Dougherty knew that he was one of a kind, and it was a privilege to known him.  Born on November 20th 1931 in St Paul Minnesota.  Son of an entrepreneur, his father owned his own photography shop.  Don developed a love for photography.  He attended Monroe High School in 1945 and graduated in1949.  This was the beginning of a long line of accomplishment to come for Don.  At the age of 18 Don was accepted into the Pre-Med program at Hamlin University in St Paul.  After receiving his bachelor's of Science degree in 1952 he went on to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.  There he earned his M.D. in 1956.  He passed the State board exams and received his medical license that same year.  Dreaming of sunny California Don applied and was accepted for an internship at the Sacramento County Hospital in 1956 where he spent the next two years.  In 1957 Don joined the Air Force.  He became a Captain and served as a Flight Surgeon for two years.  After his discharge from the Air Force in 1959 Dr Dougherty moved to sunny Redondo Beach California. There he practiced general medicine for the next 9 years.  In December of 1968 Dr. Dougherty served as doctor for 3 months on the Scripps Institute ship, and the George Washington ship. Both which traveled from San Diego to Chili and back.  In September of 1969 he began work as general surgeon at the Tucson Medical Center in Arizona.  Seventeen month later he would be the Medical doctor at the Arizona State Prison in Florence Arizona. Three months later in May of 1971 Dr Dougherty decided to change course and go into Psychiatry.   For the next 3 years he did his psychiatric residency in San Diego at the county Mental Health  If that wasn't enough, Dr. Dougherty also did E.R. work in Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego and Los Angeles from 1969 into the spring of 1974.  In July of 1974 Dr. Dougherty became a psychiatrist and continued working at the San Diego County Mental Health for one year.  Dr. Dougherty started his private practice on the 30th of June 1975 in Chula Vista California. He named his business The Horizon Growth and Experience Center.  Dr. Dougherty would go on to practice psychiatry for thirteen years before adding the title of Addiction medicine Specialist to his list of accomplishments.  In 1989 Dr. Dougherty moved his office to La Jolla on Genesee Ave.  He also became the Interim Medical Director at the Mac Donald's Center - Scripts Memorial Hospital until 1991.  The doctor continued his quest for knowledge. In 1990 he became California Medical Board Certified.
Dr Dougherty did not lack accomplishments. But Don's greatest accomplishments and blessings were his children.  Don was blessed with seven children.  He was married 3 times in his life. Children from his first marriage are, His first son Bob Dougherty, followed by his Daughter's Lynn Dougherty, Debbie Dougherty, Kelly Dougherty, and son Jim Dougherty.  Later from his second marriage he would have another daughter Shannon Dougherty, and son Dylan Dougherty.  Don married Barbara and inherited seven more children.  
Don had a very giving and caring heart.  He reached out to so many people and gave them a helping hand.  In his career Don helped so many people conquer drug and alcohol addiction.  Also he helped so many people with varying psychiatric disorders. Don was a great doctor. His expertise was exceptional.  I cannot count all the people who came up to me over the years and said “Dr Dougherty saved my life and I thank God for him”.  
Don loved to travel whenever he could.  In his life he's seen New York, San Francisco, New Orleans, Washington D.C, Florida, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico, The Bahamas, The Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Spain, Italy, Israel, Turkey, The Greek Islands, and Monaco.
Don loved life and lived life to the fullest.  He loved photography and had the cameras and pictures to prove it.  He loved listing to music, and loved playing it even more.  When Dr D was little, he took accordion and voice lessons.  He then moved from accordion to piano.  He would play many styles but I think Honky-tonk was one of his favorites.  But he had so many, and would always be open to new music. Don was forever asking other musicians to accompany him at any and every event he could talk someone into allowing him there.  And if you were getting married expect Don to sing there.   Dr Dougherty loved sports. Oh how he loved sports, all sports.  When he was young he played basketball and was quite good at it.  After all he stood six feet five inches tall.  He was a huge Charger fan and had many years of season tickets.  He knew all the stats for every sport. Don loved books of every kind.  He loved going out to the movies, and getting the popcorn with the works.  Dr D loved TV.  Many times when he came home from work he turned on the TV and was glued until bedtime. He loved a good BBQ, seafood, Italian, Mexican, Indian, Greek, Cajon and the list goes on.   He loved to play games of every type.  Chess was one of his favorites.  He even invented his own game called cup cup that miraculously he was champion of.  Don loved all the holidays.  Especially Christmas, Halloween, and St Patrick's Day.  He was proud of his Irish and Swiss heritage.  Most of all Don loved his wife Barbara and his children.  Though he may not have always said so, or was spars between communications.  His family was always on his mind.  
Don was married to Barbara on April 4th, 1987.  For the next 26 years they had a wonderful life.  The last six years were hard due to Don's illness. Don was a great man, who did many great things.  We leave him with love and prayer.  Many will miss him, as many love him.  Don had a few nicknames. I will use all I know in his farewell. Good-bye Dr Dougherty, Dr D, Daddy D.  Good-bye Don.  For we all will miss you.  Until we meet again.  Don's service was held at Greenwood Mortuary Friday August 23, 2013.

Dad, you will never be forgotten!  I am so blessed to be your daughter and to carry a little part of you with me that lives on.  Although so many knew you as an exceptional doctor, to me you were "dad"; always a phone call away, always with an encouraging word, always with love.  You have taught me to love unconditionally, say what I feel, express kindness to others, give what I can, and sing out loud.  Even though I did not get to know you as in depth as I would have liked nor spend the time with you that I wanted, I know you were surrounded by a wonderful family, a beautiful, caring, giving wife, Barbara, and many loving grandkids.  I am so thankful for the times we did spend together and all the conversations we have had over the years, and all the prayers we have prayed together and for each other.   I continue to pray for comfort, peace, and serenity for all those whom you have left behind and all the lives you have touched.  Dad, I will see you over yonder one day where there will be shouts of joy as we finally reach our true abiding place.

May God bless the Dougherty and Lewis Family during their time of loss.  Those we love never go away, but rather are beside us each and every day in our memories.

Dr. D was a wonderful, down to earth man. I had the opportunity to work with him at Sharp. He helped many people with recovery from addictions. He will be missed. Blessings to the family.

Dr. Dougherty was a good doctor and friend to me. He was also a good friend to our family. He was such wonderful person, always smiling and knew what to say. I am so glad to have known him for a long time. My family and I will truly miss  him. For the family, may God be with you all and help you through this time.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will always love him and he will be in my heart.

Love, The Stefko family

I am so rorry to hear of your loss.  You are in our hearts and prayers.

Don was a kind and loving man, I will always remember his smile, it made his eyes twinkle.  Sincere condolences and prayers to the family.

We at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital will never forget him, a wonderful clinician,friend and vibrant personality.  We still picture him in the hallways, smiling, singing and taking care of others.  He will be greatly missed.

God bless you father. As your first born i am proud to say i am truly in your image. Your blood will always course though me. Many of my successes are attributed to our heritage. I missed you over the past 20 years. We had a blast living together and i will always cherish those times. You were an amazing man and my wife cherishes you also. Until we meet again dad. Love your son Bob

OBITUARY

Donald Earl Dougherty MD

November 20, 1931 – August 18, 2013

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