Hugh Patrick (Spuds) Doherty

 

Hugh Patrick (Spuds) Doherty was born in Port Arthur ON, on February 24th, 1957 to Patricia Whitebread and Hugh Doherty. He is predeceased by his devoted parents and sister in-law, Louise Doherty.

 

He is survived by his loving spouse of 47 years Barbara, his son Tyler (Courtney) Doherty, his daughter Trish (Shawn) Boyer, and his 4 beautiful grandchildren: Cady, Makena, Charlotte and Finn; who were his reason for living. He is also survived by his stepfather Peter (Nancy) Horsfield, siblings, Brian (Connie) Doherty, Timothy (Vicky) Doherty, Shannon (Cam) Turner, Andrew (Christine) Horsfield, Melanie Cusson and Gillian (Marie) Horsfield plus numerous nieces, nephews, and one great nephew.

 

Hugh Junior went by the name Patrick from a young age. He lived in the Thunder Bay area before moving down east to Thorold, ON. He spent his years there riding dirt bikes, playing lacrosse and generally causing mischief. After returning to Thunder Bay, he met the love-of-his-life, Barbara, at a dance in South Gilles, ON. Eventually the two got married and raised their family in Nolalu, ON. It was in Nolalu that the nickname “Spuds” was born, spawning from Patrick’s Irish heritage. Spuds spent any spare time he had watching all forms of racing, a passion he developed from a young age. While in Nolalu, he spent time as a member of Studabaker Stu's dirt track racing team, followed by the Mercuri family's Central Auto Parts ice racing team, and eventually building his own Budweiser/Rock 94 ice racing car for his beloved son, Tyler or “Junior” as he called him. Junior and Spuds competed together for several years before winning the Studded B Series Championship. Eventually Spuds and Barb moved to Airdrie, Alberta to be closer to their kids and grandkids.

 

Spuds was known as “Mr. Fixit”, especially at the dealerships, where he left such an impact. He got his start in the Alberta automotive industry at Charlesglen Toyota, where he was hired by Tim Beach as a building manager. At Charlesglen he had the opportunity to work with Tim, Ryan Slaney and his son, Tyler. After a few years, Spuds was named “Employee of the Year”, an award he held in the highest regard. Beyond Charlesglen, you could often find Spuds moonlighting across the street at Lexus of Royal Oak for Todd and Natasha Richardson, helping bring their ideas to fruition. Eventually Ryan and then Tyler moved over to Fifth Avenue Volkswagen, but it did not take long for Spuds to follow and to become one of the most loved and enjoyed people in the store. Although he had moved to Fifth Avenue, he still made time to visit the vast variety of people he loved at the other dealerships, and we wish we could list you all. We hope you know how sincerely special each and every one of you were to him. One of his fondest memories was being included with the management from all of the dealerships on a special fishing trip to Glen Rumpel’s Naden Lodge in Haida Gwaii to indulge in a once in a lifetime time fishing trip.

 

We would like to highlight that the G3 Automotive family took Spuds under their wing and provided him with a place that he absolutely loved going to work everyday. He made so many amazing connections and true friendships. We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the way G3 treated Spuds like family and how they continue to support his family now. We can’t quite put into words how meaningful it truly is. Thank you so much to Ashley Brockhurst for all of your help, organization, kindness and for carrying the heavy load for the family. Spuds was always your champion and would appreciate all the thoughtful details. He would be so proud to be honoured this way.

 

Spuds was a captivating story teller who loved his family and extended family more than anything else in the world. He had a way to connect with people of all walks of life that made you feel like you were the only person in the room. Whether he was having treasured interactions with his Graham Auction family or spending precious time with his late chum, Gord (Man, could these two find a wicked deal!), you felt connected with him.

 

Spuds always had a multitude of projects going. Ranging from helping colleagues fix things around their house to his own building projects, fixing cars, never-ending plans at his kid’s homes- you name it. He would even help out with Tyler and Trish’s friend’s homes. But when he did find time to sit down, you could catch him every Sunday before family dinner watching “The YouTube” or watching racing from around the world. He could always be seen in his “Hunt the Front” gear, or his signature paddy cap along with a magnificent smile and eyes that would twinkle along with it. His eyes twinkled the most in December during his long-awaited visit to the children of the dealerships when he appeared as the Jolly man who had a laugh like a bowl full of jelly.

 

To know Spuds was to know true selflessness and pure love. If he could help you in any way possible, he would. Even if that meant he would go without. He instilled these same values in his children, which we hope we can continue and share a piece of his joy with the world. It’s both incredibly inspiring and heartbreaking to know how many people share fond memories of Spuds from all around the world. It is truly his legacy and it will continue to comfort us as we learn to navigate life without him. We also find peace in knowing that he has been reunited with his soul puppy, Maki. We hope she and all of the other grand puppies are surrounding him with love. We will miss you everyday Grumpa.

 

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 1st, 2024

Bearspaw Golf and Country Club from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

 

All are welcome to attend. As Spuds was far from a formal guy, we ask for you to come however you best feel comfortable, racing gear included. Flowers are not necessary, we only ask for your presence. An open mic will be available for those who are comfortable to share stories and memories with us as we remember the impact he had on all of our lives.

 

In remembrance of Spuds’ life, love and legacy, the family asks for any charitable donations be made to the 2024 G3 Automotive charity fundraising drive who will distribute these donations to the children's charities he loved the most in his honor. Please contact Yvette Slaney at Fifth Avenue Volkswagen (yvettes@fifthavevw.com) for donation information.