Roger Lee Dougherty's Obituary
Roger Lee Dougherty
August 1, 1934 - February 14, 2009
Born and raised in Yakima, WA. He attended Yakima Senior High School; joined the Army in his senior year and served for 10 years. He was a life member of VFW Post 969, Tacoma. He was a longshoreman and member of ILWU #23 for 25 years retiring at age 60 to enjoy his family. He was preceded in death by parents, Clarence Dougherty and Ines Edwards; a daughter, Leanna and infant son, Owen. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lois; his sons, Jerry and Donny (Michelle) both of Tacoma, his daughter Charlene (Duane) Mayer of Yelm; his sisters Barbara (Gary) Grant and Colleen Barker; 14 grandchildren, several great- grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, and their families. He knew how to make memories and have adventures. Camping and fishing were fun things in his life and he loved sharing these activities with all his family. Motorcycling was another great love. He taught his children, sisters, and their children to become riders also. Many were members of the Golden Eagles Motorcycle Club in Tacoma. When those days were over he learned how to make chocolates and delighted friends with his confections. The legacy that he left his family was that he believed in each one of them, always, and often said, "You can do it!" So they did! He passed away at home surrounded by many loving family members. His passing leaves an enormous gap in our close-knit Family Circle. Services Feb. 24th, 11am at Mountain View Cemetery Valley Chapel; VFW service 1pm at Tahoma National Cemetery; reception 3pm at VFW Post 969, 35th & McKinley Ave, Tacoma. Closed casket, no viewing per his request.
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