Robert E. “Bob” Doughty, husband of the Rev. Nancy Doughty, died April 10, 2022 following a stroke. He was born May 10, 1930, in Columbus, MS and was shy of being 92 by one month when his last breath came.
Scouting was a large part of Bob’s teen years introducing him to an appreciation of nature. He fulfilled all the steps and achieved the Eagle Scout Badge in 1947. Bob began his career as an electrician while in his late teens, married Jean Weeks in 1950 and they had four daughters. He arrived in Detroit as a journeyman electrician in 1954. He resumed electrical engineering studies and received his BS with honors in electrical engineering in 1966 from Wayne State University. He worked at Chrysler for over 30 years retiring as an engineering manager in 1992.
Bob and Nancy were married in December 1966 after his first wife died. In 1970 another daughter arrived in the family. Together they spent many summers sailing in their 25 foot O’Day on the Great Lakes with family and friends and regularly camped with a group of UU’s on holiday weekends. Bob was an active member of First UU Church, Detroit, teaching in the religious education program and in social action programs. Later he and Nancy joined Northwest UU Church in Southfield, MI where Bob took many leadership roles including his being Moderator of the Church. Once Nancy became minister at Emerson UU Church in 1989, Bob of necessity retreated to be the minister’s partner.
Bob was the consummate do-it-yourselfer, always involved in a project either at home or with many organizations both before and after retirement. After moving to Traverse City, MI in 1998, Bob turned his building interests to building models of ships, lighthouses and antique airplanes, several of which he created after extensive research.
Bob had a strong commitment to family and loved spending time, particularly with grandsons, Luke and Zak. Bob and Nancy celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in 2021. He and Nancy were each other’s best friends, supporters and loved each other deeply. Bob is survived by Nancy; daughters, Angela Doughty, Suzanne Doughty, Ayliah Doughty, and Anne (Brian) Kelly; and four grandchildren.
A celebration of life will take place May 14, 2022, 2:00 pm (EST) at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (MI) and will be streamed live on YouTube.
Memorial contributions may be made to the UU Congregation of Grand Traverse Endowment Fund, 6726 Center Rd., Traverse City, 49686 or the Inland Seas Education Association, Box 218, Suttons Bay, MI 49682. UURMaPA will contribute $50 to one of these organizations.
Messages of condolence can be sent to Nancy Doughty, 12055 S. Woodwinds Cir., #13, Traverse City, MI 49684.