Russell 'Doc' Murrell Docherty

Russell ‘Doc’ Murrell Docherty

Russell “Doc” Murrell Docherty, on the morning of Dec. 19, 2017, passed away peacefully of natural causes at the Boundary County Community Restorium, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Doc was 85 years old. A Celebration of Life will be held at noon Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, at the Kootenai River Inn.

Doc was born April 14, 1932 in Mercer County, Illinois, to parents Norman and Gladys Docherty. He moved to Bonners Ferry at the age of 14 in 1947, graduating from Bonners Ferry High School in 1950.

He married Beverly Jean Ashby on May 3, 1953, in Bonners Ferry and together they raised three children.

Doc began working as a partsman at Hines Chevrolet in 1956 and continued as the dealership changed hands. In 1972 Doc and partner Harvey Pedey purchased Plum Chevrolet, renaming the business D & P Motors. Following the sale of the dealership in 1991 he continued on as partsman finally retiring a few years later.

Doc’s community activities included Charter Member of the Jaycees, Lions Club, Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission and he worked diligently as a City Council member for 24 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, league golf, summers spent on the Pend Oreille River at Smokey Acres, traveling, and watching any sporting event, especially the Cubs. He was always in the bleachers at his children’s games.

Doc is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Gladys, wife Beverly Docherty and son Shane Docherty.

He is survived by his son Rustin Docherty, daughter Rachel (Chris) Young, sister Mary Lou Eckenfels (Tom) Hutto, Texas, brother-in-law Michael Ashby (Linda), grandchildren Bevin Swannack, Taryn Docherty, Jillian Cain, Katie Docherty, Tucker & Ruby Young.

Doc loved the beauty and people of Boundary County, he always had a smile for a friend or stranger. He greatly enjoyed his volunteer work and public service. Doc had a huge green thumb; his gardening skills were often beyond what the family needed and he would walk through the neighborhood giving out fresh produce.

If desired, donations can be made to the charity of your choice or to the Boundary County Community Restorium.

Special thanks to the wonderful care he received from the Boundary County Community Restorium and his caregiver Marciavee Cossette.