Obituary of George Doty

DOTY, George - Passed away at Linhaven Home for the Aged on Wednesday, October 13th, 2010 at 93 years of age. George was predeceased by his beloved wife Elizabeth (2002) and his son Michael (1995). Loving father of Virginia (Henry) Hildebrandt, Philip (Leslie) and Geoffrey (Margo); grandfather of Jennifer, Scott, Brent, Mark, Scott, Sarah and great grandfather of Phoebe, Elsa, and Leena. George's life could be summarized primarily in four ways, his tireless work with disabled children, his career in women's retail fashion, his love of horses, and his dedication to Rotary. George was born in 1916 in New York State. His immediate forbearers lived in upstate New York where they were active in textiles and banking. The original founder of the family was Edward Doty who was a passenger on the Mayflower, which landed at Plymouth in 1620. His family moved to Brantford when he was one year old, and he grew up and attended school there. For most of his life, George was involved with retail fashion, working for Northway Company, C. Wallace, Savette Limited and Walker stores. At one time he operated Doty's Limited on St. Paul Street and the Pen Centre in St. Catharines. When Michael, one of George and Elizabeth Doty's four children was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, George became interested in Rotary and its work with the Easter Seals Society. He became a board member and president of the Easter Seal's Society and was awarded the Yvonne Alexander Award in 1999 for his 50 years of dedication to children with physical disabilities. George joined Rotary in 1952 and worked tirelessly with the Children's Committee. For his efforts, he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship, Rotary's highest distinction. In World War II, George served with the US army serving in England and the United States in the Medical Administration Corps. He left with the rank of Sergeant Major. George once said he has done everything on a horse except play polo, and for many years he kept his own horses and showed in Dressage and Hunter classes and hunted with the Toronto and North York Hunt for twenty years. He was president of the St. Catharines Riding Club for 30 years and bred, raised and trained Hanoverian thoroughbreds. The Doty's were members of the St. Paul St. United Church where George served as chairman of the Board of Stewards. GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines have been entrusted with the arrangements for Mr. Doty. Cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate George's life will be held in the Silver Spire United Church on Monday at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers Memorial remembrances made to the Easter Seals Foundation would be appreciated by the family. On-line Guest Book - www.dartefuneralhome.com