Docherty, Brian
Brian Docherty ‘CD’ passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026 surrounded by family and friends at peopleCare Meaford Long Term Care Home at the age of 78.
His was a life of service and proving the Power of One. In 1980 he realized the desperate state of government clerks. He started the strike that established their value. When we realized there were many people working on behalf of Vets but not able to have a Poppy at their service, Brian and his family created the Maple Leaf to honour those people. It was approved and is now used by Legions, nation wide. He rewrote the Cook’s Training Syllabus which improved the lives of cooks and diners alike. When the Unemployment Insurance forms were too difficult, he simplified them and his ideas are still used. When Blackdown Park could not get cooks for summer training, he went with his volunteers, and they got a commendation for the work. When Air Cadets and Scouts needed feeding on weekend trips, he was there to help. When the Meaford Food Bank needed help to get started, he gave them the room in the Legion where the needy could get help. He taught the cooking, driving, shooting and first aid skills young soldiers would need. Brian served in the 48th Highlanders, 23 Service Battalion, Lorne Scots and Grey and Simcoe Foresters over the years, with great distinction. He also served proudly in the Royal Canadian Legion for his entire adult life in branches 32, 464, 15 and 213. Brian served in the Lion’s Club and assisted the Kinsmen, Rotary and other service organizations when he could. The Meaford BINGO came to life when he was calling. Brian was awarded the “Canada Decoration” for his service to the Armed Forces and in March 2025 he was awarded the ‘King Charles III Coronation Medal’ for his service to the Country.
Most of all, Brian was a loving, dependable husband, father and grandfather to his very lucky family. Brian was the much-loved husband of Roberta; they were married in May of 1969. He was the proud father of Iaian (Melissa) and Brian (Meri), and six grandchildren, and one great grandson.
A special thank you to his brothers Doug and Quentin and their spouses for the support they have given during this challenging time. Thank you to the amazing loving care he received at Meaford peopleCare. It was truly appreciated. Now he has gone on to help again. Brian donated his body to Humber College for medical training. Where there is a need, Brian Docherty has always stepped in. He is at peace.
Brian’ s family will welcome family and friends for camaraderie and celebration at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #34 in Orillia, on Monday, April 6th, 2026, from 2 until 6 p.m. A short Legion Service is expected to be held at 2 p.m.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Meaford Food Bank or the Poppy Fund would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Donations: Meaford Food Bank or the Poppy FundDonate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Thoughts and prayers to Roberta and family through this difficult time.
I enjoyed chats, tea, laughter, stories and working for Brian
Till we meet again Brian, fly high
Cherie
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
My deepest sympathy Brian’s family, he will be missed by all. love prayers to his family
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
God bless Brian.
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Bobbie and family so sorry to hear of your loss he was a great guy he will be greatly missed
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
I did not know this gentleman but I know the world could certainly use more like him. His family must be very proud. Sincere condolences.
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Bobbie. Ron valued his friendship and working relationship with “Doc”. He will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched and enriched. Cherish your memories.
Marion
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
My deepest sympathy to Roberta and family. So sorry for your loss.
Debbie McCulloch,
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
We are sending our heartfelt sympathy to all of the Docherty family on the loss of your cherished brother, husband, father and grandfather Brian. His obituary is such a beautiful tribute to an exceptional man.
May you all receive the gifts of peace, hope, comfort, and healing on your grief journey ahead. May it bring you some comfort knowing that the great love you all shared is forever.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
You are in our thoughts Roberta. So many hrs spent with Doc , so many wonderful in depth conversations and the food, oh my goodness. Memories of him will always make me smile.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Roberta.
Loved spending time with Doc up at the base and listening to his many wonderful stories.
He was always such a generous and interesting guy.
Thoughts of him will always make me smile.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
My condolences to the family, Brian was amazing and I had the privilege to work at the military base with him, he will be missed
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
I had the life experience to spend time with Octopus Arms Docherty, as he sat at my Dad’s table in the Peoplecare home. When I think I him, I feel blessed that through Brian I got to meet so many of his wonderful family. Some, I will remember until I pass on. RIP Brian so many will remember you and the changes you made to help others.
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Sincere sympathy to you Roberta and to your family. Brian was a good man, hard worker, volunteer and great friend that we knew for a lot of years. Brian will be missed by a lot of people in and around Meaford.
Sincerely, Bob and Gail Anderson
Friday, April 3, 2026
Our deepest condolences to the Docherty family. Whilst we never met you Brian your love, kindness and respect was always reflected through your granddaughter Aislynn. She always speaks so proudly of you, of your accomplishments and of your service to others.
Friday, April 3, 2026
Doc you where always in my heart and a father figure to me. In my heart you will remain. Bobby my heart goes out too you.
Friday, April 3, 2026
My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to all the Docherty family on the loss of Brian, an amazing man. Much loved. I’ll never forget his kindness to me. Blessed to have known him for many years, so many good memories. God Bess you Brian.
Saturday, April 4, 2026
Doc you will be missed, a dedicated legion member that always helped in-any way. Bless you Doc Noreen Fedoriuk
Monday, April 6, 2026
Dear Brian and Meri and family. What an incredible legacy! So much accomplished in what truly is a blink of an eye on earth! A more truer true example of the Power of One there never was! Sending so much love to you at this time.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Sorry for your loss ,Brian was a fantastic man, he will be missed.