Death of Willie Doherty: Inishowen was always his ‘special place’
From childhood memories of Buncrana to brushes with the notorious Kray Twins in London, 95-year-old Willie lived quite a life
A man whose heart remained firmly rooted in Inishowen, despite spending much of his life in Scotland, has died in Glasgow at the age of 95.
Willie Doherty was the last surviving child of Catherine Doherty (née Gill), originally from Foffenagh, known locally as The Rock, in the Illies, and John Doherty of Inch.
Catherine and John moved to Scotland following their marriage in the 1920s, where they raised their five children. With Willie's passing, a generation of the family has now gone.
Despite growing up in Scotland, Willie retained a deep affection for his Inishowen roots and particularly loved his childhood visits to The Rock, which held a very special place in his heart.
He regularly travelled to the area with his mother when he was young and, even following his dementia diagnosis, would fondly recall those happy days during moments of lucidity.
His niece Kathleen Travers described him as a wonderful man who meant so much to his family and everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Kathleen, who regularly visits Buncrana, said she always made a point of telling Willie stories about home whenever she returned from Inishowen.
Throughout his working life, Willie enjoyed a varied career, including spells as a bus driver and in construction.
He also spent time working at the famous Two Puddings pub in Stratford, London, an iconic East End establishment which was among the drinking haunts of the notorious Kray Twins.
Willie leaves behind nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren across Scotland, England and Ireland, while Doherty (Gill) relatives remain in Buncrana.
Paying a heartfelt tribute, Kathleen described Willie as a “great guy” as well as a “loving father, a legendary uncle, and a true friend to all children.”
“He filled our lives with wonderful music, endless laughter, and profound kindness. Though the music has paused, his songs play on in our hearts forever. Wherever laughter is shared, he is with us.”
Willie's funeral will take place in Glasgow on November 17.
Anyone who remembers Willie or his parents is invited to contact the family through his niece at [email protected].