CARIBOU – Ronald Barry Doherty, 49, died Jan. 16, 2006, at a Presque Isle hospital following a long illness. He was born Aug. 2, 1956, in Caribou, the son of Ralph and Barbara (Sullivan) Doherty. He attended Caribou schools, but left the area at an early age and traveled around the country for several years before settling in Houston, Texas, where he worked as a long haul truck driver for about 10 years. Ron also continued his schooling in Texas, where he studied to become a paralegal. After a tragic accident he became paralyzed and had been a quadriplegic for the past 171/2 years. While disabled, his happiest hours were when he was out in his wheelchair, visiting friends. Ron took his disability in stride, living his life with a strong and courageous attitude, which became even more evident after accepting Christ into his life. He prayed daily for those around him, asking little for himself. He is survived by his mother of Exeter, Pa.; three sisters, Nancy Perry and Raelene Doherty, both of Wyoming, Pa. and Mildred Patterson of Caribou; four brothers, Dale Doherty and his wife, Nancy, of Milford, Conn., Erwin Doherty and his wife, Susan, of Presque Isle, Ralph Doherty Jr. and Bernard Doherty and his wife, Mary Lou, of Milford, Conn. He was predeceased by his grandparents, his father, his brother, Byron Doherty; sister, Cheryl Kelly; several uncles and aunts, including his namesake, the Rev. Ronald Sullivan, who was pastor of the Caribou Assembly of God for several years. Ron will be lovingly remembered by his caregiver, Mona Michael, whom he believed to be on an assignment from God. He became part of her family throughout the years, with her children and grandchildren, being truly part of his family also. Family and friends may call 7-9 p.m. Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. Friday until time of service, at Lancaster Morgan Funeral Home, 11 Clover St., Caribou. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, at the chapel of the funeral home, with the Rev. Kenneth Phelps, officiating. Spring internment will be at New Sweden Cemetery, New Sweden.
RONALD BARRY DOHERTY
