“How does he do it.”
Edmond "Hoot" Francis Doherty III, age 59, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in Prosser, Washington after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on September 18, 1965, to Ed and Nancy Doherty, the fourth out of eight children and his dad’s namesake, Ed lived most of early life in Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Ed graduated high school in 1984 from McLaughlin Union High School (MAC-Hi), where he loved to play sports and hang out with his friends. After high school, Ed proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for four years, embodying the core values of honor, courage, and commitment. While in the Marines, Ed served in Japan, Australia, and the Philippines.
After his honorable service, Ed’s focus turned to education. He graduated from Oregon State University (Go Beavs!) with a degree in viticulture. Ed next embarked on a career with Ste Michelle Wine Estates, where he spent 28 years as a viticulture leader in the wine industry. At Ste Michelle, Ed was deeply valued for his strength, compassion, humor, and unwavering dedication to everyone who had an opportunity to work with him. Ed cared deeply for his work with Ste Michelle, his colleagues there, and the wine industry and larger wine community he had the pleasure to meet. He once told his mom that "he couldn't believe he was getting paid to work at a job he loved."
Ed married Ann Dawson (now Doherty) and they welcomed their son, Edmond “Eddie” Francis Doherty IV into the world. Ed’s love for Ann and Eddie goes unmatched. Ed cherished the everyday, simple moments with them, their travels together, and supporting Eddie with football. Ed would say that the best thing he ever did was to be Eddie’s dad, and that showed in how Ed and Ann have raised Eddie and the fine young man that Eddie is becoming. Ann and Eddie’s life will not be the same without Ed.
Ed was a devout member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prosser, Washington, where he participated actively in his faith community. Ed also was passionate about football, especially the Dallas Cowboys and the Oregon State Beavers, a great cup of coffee, delicious food, and cooking, interests that he often shared with his loved ones, creating cherished memories. Ed knew good food and he would not settle for anything less, from a hole in the wall to fine dining.
Ed was one of the kindest men you ever met. He was loving, thoughtful, genuine, dedicated, and giving. He lived his life with integrity and generosity, teaching his son, Eddie, to do the same. He had a smile and a presence that would fill a room and was always making people laugh. Anyone who met Ed felt seen, heard, and respected and usually would walk away with a belly ache from laughter. Ed was cherished by family, friends and by his colleagues at Ste Michelle. He leaves a legacy of love, kindness, and unforgettable memories.
Ed is survived by his wife Ann Doherty (Dawson); son Edmond "Eddie" Francis Doherty IV; and siblings Lisa (Tim), Kim (Joe), Go-Go (Ted), Shawn (Nathalie), Tim (Stephanie), and Heather (Brian). He also leaves behind 15 nieces and nephews, 2 grandnieces, and 1 grandnephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond Francis Doherty II and Nancy Carolina Doherty (Swanson), and his brother Arthur "Art" William Doherty.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 9th at Prosser Funeral Home, 1220 Sheridan Avenue in Prosser from 4:00-6:00 p.m. with the Recitation of the Rosary beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, October 10th at 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1905 Highland Drive, Prosser. A reception at Yellow Rose Nursery, 600 Merlot Drive, Prosser will follow, with Full Military Honors beginning at 1:00 pm.
It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to you, Ed. Thank you for your grace and sharing your life with us (and the rocky road cake!). We will miss you dearly until we meet again in Heaven. Give dad, mom, and Art a hug from us. We love you, fuzzy boy.
You may leave a message for the family at www.Prosserfuneralhome.com