Brian Docherty ‘CD’ passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, surrounded by family and friends at peopleCare Meaford Long Term Care Home at the age of 78.
His was a life of service and proving the Power of One. In 1980 he realized the desperate state of government clerks. He started the strike that established their value. When we realized there were many people working on behalf of veterans but not able to have a Poppy at their service, Brian and his family created the Maple Leaf to honour those people. It was approved and is now used by Legions, nation wide. He rewrote the Cook’s Training Syllabus which improved the lives of cooks and diners alike. When the Unemployment Insurance forms were too difficult, he simplified them and his ideas are still used. When Blackdown Park could not get cooks for summer training, he went with his volunteers, and they got a commendation for the work. When Air Cadets and Scouts needed feeding on weekend trips, he was there to help. When the Meaford Food Bank needed help to get started, he gave them the room in the Legion where the needy could get help. He taught the cooking, driving, shooting, and first aid skills young soldiers would need. Brian served in the 48th Highlanders, 23 Service Battalion, Lorne Scots, and Grey and Simcoe Foresters over the years, with great distinction. He also served proudly in the Royal Canadian Legion for his entire adult life in branches 32, 464, 15, and 213. Brian served in the Lions Club of Meaford and assisted the Kinsmen, Rotary, and other service organizations when he could. The Meaford Bingo came to life when he was calling. Brian was awarded the ‘Canada Decoration’ for his service to the Armed Forces, and in March 2025 he was awarded the ‘King Charles III Coronation Medal’ for his service to the country.
Most of all, Brian was a loving, dependable husband, father, and grandfather to his very lucky family. Brian was the much-loved husband of Roberta; they were married in May of 1969. He was the proud father of Iaian (Melissa) and Brian (Meri), and six grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
A special thank you to his brothers Doug and Quentin and their spouses for the support they have given during this challenging time. Thank you to the amazing loving care he received at Meaford peopleCare. It was truly appreciated. Now he has gone on to help again. Brian donated his body to Humber College for medical training. Where there is a need, Brian Docherty has always stepped in. He is at peace.
Brian’ s family will welcome family and friends for camaraderie and celebration at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #34 in Orillia, on Monday, 6 April, 2026, from 2 until 6 p.m. A short Legion Service is expected to be held at 2 p.m.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Meaford Outreach-Food Bank or the Poppy Trust Fund would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON, N4L 1B9, to whom arrangements have been entrusted.
