Forrest Dougherty, 91, left his heartbroken family on April 14, 2019. Forrest was born on the family farm in Gilbert, Arizona to William and Marguerite Dougherty where he lived with his eight siblings and parents. The large family eventually moved into Phoenix, where he attended Saint Mary’s High School. He was an outstanding football player and earned a scholarship to the University of San Francisco, but life and World War II diverted that journey. After the War, he returned to Arizona and was given a scholarship to play football for his beloved Sun Devils at Arizona State University. During that time, he became reacquainted with a fellow Saint Mary’s alumnus and married the love of his life, Mary Ann. Forrest worked as a salesman in many different industries, from liquor to solar to natural gas, eventually retiring from Southwest Gas. In retirement he began a second career, impersonating Will Rogers but his real purpose became helping others. His show went on the road to theaters, schools, and retirement homes delighting people of all ages. One of the highlights of his life was biking across Ireland to celebrate his 80th Birthday. Forrest was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mary Ann. He is and survived by his son, Fred Dougherty (Peter Valovic); daughters, Suzanne Williams, Karen Marton (Kraig) and Diane Bertrand (Dave). He is also survived by six grandchildren, Marcus Williams (Jamie), Megan Fulton (John), Ashley Marton (Alexander Basek), Kaylin King (Brian), David Bertrand and Chrissy Bertrand (Eric Benson), six great-grandchildren (Mika, Chloe, Lyla, Ellie, Brysen and Bentley) and four siblings, Alice Patrone, Maxine Sill, Bernard Dougherty and Sharon Aldridge plus numerous nieces and nephews. One of his favorite quotes from Will Rogers was, “Live in such a way that you wouldn’t be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.” Forrest truly lived his life that way.
Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Angels Church at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive in Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to St Vincent DePaul Society at P.O. Box 13600, Phoenix, AZ 85002.
Nancy julian
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. John and I had many fun times with Forest
First Families of Arizona
Our condolences to he Dougherty family. Forrest was a Life Member of First Families of Arizona and a past president serving several times. We enjoyed his “Will Rogers” performance often.
He was missed when he was no longer able to attend.
dona Roberson
I know he is in a better place and looking down on you and protecting you. You are in my prayers.
Dona Roberson (classmate of Alice)
VICKIE GELVIN
MY WILL ROGERS FRIEND – yes indeedy – he was the best. He will be missed by a lot of people and I loved to hear him tell about his life. I was a caregiver in Scottsdale and when I was down he said OKIE GAL – remember what Will used to say about the family parrot. I loved him and will miss hearing about his life………..Heaven got a wonderful ANGEL !! GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Robert Woods
I am saddened to l hear of my dear friend’s passing—-Forrest & I shared a lifetime of memories since our first days at St. Mary’s and I always admired that he was truly a ” Man of All Seasons”—I can personally testify that in sitting in Father Brian’s Religion class in 1946, Father would allow Forrest to lay his head down and nap because Forrest had spent the late night hours working at Holsum Bakery to help out his family —–Forrest was an incredibly decent and kind person—even when he kidded me about being chubby—it was always in a positive way and it was true—I was a terrible football player!——-The world is a lesser place with his absence, but I look forward with anticipation when I meet my dear friend—Go with God, good man–See you at Sundown—Bob Woods, Class of 1947
Terri Stapleton
The Springs of Scottsdale staff send their prayers and heart felt sympathy to the family of Forrest Dougherty.
We will miss his vibrant smile, his sweet singing, his sense of humor and his beautiful heart.
We will never forget you Forrest.
With Love, The Springs of Scottsdale staff
Terri Wiggins
Uncle Forrest was truly a good man. I did not see him too often but when I did, I was always welcomed with a warm hug and bright smile. God gave him a gift a laughter and he could make people laugh. I see him sitting in Heaven with his wife and parents and siblings and friends who have passed making them all laugh with his funny jokes. I know he has a big smile on his face because he is in the presence of our Lord and Savior! . God Bless his children and their families and his siblings during this difficult time. I too will miss him dearly. We love you Uncle Forrest. Love, Terri Wiggins (niece of Forrest, daughter of Tony Dougherty)
Tina Connors
Thinking of all of you and sending loving thoughts. I am sure that Forrest is already the most popular angel in heaven and has a crowd of admiring fans gathered around with Maryann sitting by his side rolling her eyes but with an adoring beautiful smile across her face and her infectious laugh filling the room.
Phil Connors
My sincerest sympathy to the Dougherty family. It was a distinct pleasure to work with Forrest at Southwest Gas and it was a honor to call him a friend. Forrest was always ready with a quip and a joke. His smile was infectious and the graciousness from his heart always lifted my spirits. I loved this man and he will truly be missed.
Ed Swift
The Swift and Walker families would like to extend our most sincerest condolences to the Dougherty family. We knew Forrest as Uncle Forrest. I’m writing on behalf of Ed Swift, son of Ed Swift SR, Joanne Lepper, formerly Joanne Swift and Chrissy Walker, formerly Chrissy Swift. Our parents, Jean and Ed and the Dougherties were very good friends and spent many evenings together. Our parents have been gone for some time now but we will never forget the wonderful times we spent with Forrest and his family.