Albert Hartman Dougherty

Albert Hartman Dougherty Jan. 24, 1927-Dec. 20, 2014 TWIN FALLS Albert Hartman Dougherty, 87, passed from this life on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014. Al, the youngest of four children, was born to Earl Dougherty and Mary Simms Dougherty on Jan. 24, 1927, in Kimberly, Idaho. In seventh-grade nature studies class, Al sat behind Jenive Crowley. They liked each other right away, played in the school band, were locker partners, and graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1945. Al enlisted and served in the U.S. Army at the end of World War II. He and Jenny were married Dec. 15, 1946, because "Al was the best person I ever met," Jenny said. In 2011, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Jenny passed in early 2012 and while she was greatly missed, he continued to find joy and happiness in his life. The two had three children, Janet, Paul, and Carol. They shared their love of family, music, faith, and fun with them on the family farm on Washington Street North. He farmed several properties and harvested sugar beets for many friends and neighbors. Later he went to work at Haney Seed Company as a fieldman until he retired in 1992. He often said it was the best work of his life. He was active in community groups including the Twin Falls Municipal Band, the JayCees, the Elks, and the Dilettantes of Magic Valley. He was in a number of Dilettante productions, including "Annie," "Oklahoma," "The Music Man" and "South Pacific." He was also the group's president. Al was a lifelong member of the Twin Falls First United Methodist Church and sang in the tenor section of the choir for 70 years. He was a charter member of Boy Scout Troop 67, and signed a new Bible donated by the troop on Scout Sunday in February when the troop celebrated its 75th anniversary. In high school, Al was the president of the Methodist Youth Fellowship. He and Jenny led the Methodist Youth Fellowship in the late 60s and early 70s at their home until the group grew too large. Al served on many church councils and committees throughout his life. In 1996, he assisted his son-in-law in repairing the church's dome, which was rededicated to Al's parents, early members of the church. Al and Jenny began spending winters in Quartzsite, Ariz., in 1995 where they made many friends and enjoyed the warm, dry weather. His Arizona friends loved Al's hobby of weaving macrame chairs. They went off-roading, took trips to Mexico, and hosted holiday parties making Tom and Jerrys in their storage shed. Al and Jenny also traveled to Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean with their dear friends. Al enjoyed water and snow skiing and taught his children how to do both. He also loved fishing, especially fly-fishing, as well as camping, leather work, bridge, pool, cooking, and bird watching. The family loved camping, and many summer days were spent in the South Hills and at Pettit Lake. He loved animals, and dogs held a special place in his heart. After moving off the farm, the family lived on Richardson Drive for years. Al grew tomatoes in the backyard and often hosted the grandkids who came over to soak in the hot tub. Later, Al and Jenny downsized and moved to the Lazy-J, where many of their friends lived. For the past three years Al lived there with his granddaughter Alison. He continued to enjoy cooking, reading, watching his favorite shows and spending time with his dog, Suzy. He will always be remembered with love and joy by his family including Janet and Richard Dougherty-Smith, Paul and Patricia Dougherty, Carol and Robert Olsen; his grandchildren, Alison, Hart, Aaron, Brian, Beth, Jenny, Alex, Jason, Brett, Lance, Christopher, Lisa; 12 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and his many friends. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at the First United Methodist Church, 360 Shoshone St. E., Twin Falls, ID 83301. Remembrances may be made to the organ fund at the First United Methodist Church. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.