William "Bill" Doherty

William "Bill" Michael Doherty, age 77, of Vernal, Utah, passed away peacefully at his home-his favorite place-on September 3, 2025.

Bill was born on January 17, 1948 in Billings, Montana to James and Elizabeth "Betty" Doherty. At the young age of 12, following the passing of his father, he quickly grew into manhood and began working to help support his family. He started at a local gas station pumping gas, washing windows, and cleaning. He later joined Fisher Body Shop where he started by sweeping floors and cleaning restrooms. Soon after he was taken under the owners wing and was promoted to a body man-a turning point that launched his lifelong dedication to hard work and learning to provide for a family. He married his first wife, Cheryl Andersen, in 1964 and together they had three sons; James, Thomas and Steven.

Much of Bill's career was spent in the oilfield, where his strong work ethic, intelligence and determination defined him. On July 19, 1971 he married the love of his life, Mary Quealy, in Las Vegas, Nevada. On their way to Las Vegas Bill stopped at the local Pamco shop in Vernal, Utah and asked for a job; he was hired on the spot. The couple loaded up all of their possessions, their two sons, Frank and Doug, and in a greatly overloaded Chevy El Camino they moved to Vernal, where they built their home and raised their family. In 1972 their daughter, Jeanette, was born, completing the family. At the time money was tight, when the hospital asked Bill how he planned to pay for the birth of their daughter his pride took over and he signed over his entire paycheck leaving the family to eat peanut butter and tuna fish for the next two weeks.

Bill was an amazing story teller, very quick witted and was often known for his humor. Bill loved his home and rarely wanted to leave it after spending many years sleeping in the bed of his service truck and at hotels far from home while working in the oilfield. After spending Christmas morning with his son-in-law, daughter and grandchildren it was clear to Jeanette that he was ready to go home so she asked, "What's the matter, Daddy? Are you homesick?" to which Bill quickly replied " Hell no, I'm not homesick. I am here sick because if I was home I wouldn't be sick."

In March of 1977 Bill became a business owner/operator of an industrial engine repair shop, Rig Service & Supply, Inc. With the growing success of the shop Mary thought it would be a good idea to buy a five-ton truck and so that is exactly what she did. She later announced to Bill she had purchased a truck and Bill being Bill went along for the ride. Doherty Trucking, Inc. was born in March of 1982. Bill loved working on anything with a motor. He took great pride in his automobiles and especially his oilfield trucks. Anytime he was not out in the oilfield making them earn their keep he could be found in the shop washing, painting, polishing or cleaning them. He was known all over the oilfield for the amount of time, shine and chrome he put into his trucks. Bill retired in August of 2012, however his love for trucks and all things oilfield were deeply embedded in his soul. After retirement he enjoyed spending time in his shop with family and friends.

Bill enjoyed riding motorcycles with Mary and their sons, Frank and Doug. He didn't enjoy fishing but he accompanied Mary all over any lake so she could fish because he loved her, boats, the outdoors and spending time with his family. He enjoyed "scooting a boot" at the

Cowboy Corral, riding horses, camping, water skiing, rabbit hunting and riding snowmobiles. Bill loved dogs and was always returning home with a stray that "followed him" most likely because he left a trail of bologna sandwich and anything else he had left in his lunch box, at least that's what Mary says.

Bill will be remembered as a hardworking, kind, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. His resilience, love for his family, and the life he built with Mary in Vernal will remain a lasting legacy.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Doherty; his children, Frank (Kari) Doherty of St George, Utah, Doug (Michelle) Doherty of Glenrock, Wyoming, and Jeanette (Aaron) Eaton of Vernal, Utah; grandchildren, Michael, Jovan, Austin, Chanel, Merrick, Treven, Devin, Nicholas and Kaylee; many great grandchildren, extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth Doherty; sister, Judy Curtis; son, Thomas Doherty; granddaughter, Jaree Dawn Eaton.

A Funeral service will be held at Ashley Valley Funeral Home in Vernal, Utah Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 12:00 PM with visitation from 10:00-11:45 AM where family and friends are invited to join us in celebrating Bill's life. Interment will be at Vernal Memorial Park at 1:30 PM.

Services under the direction of Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home.