Hail To A Victor

8/5/2010

 

Grand Rapids, MI August 1    The memorial service came to an upbeat close as the University of Michigan fight song echoed through the sanctuary at Grand Rapids First United Methodist Church. Hail to the Victors was an appropriate postlude not only because Paul Doherty was a graduate of that school but because all one needs to do is look into the eyes of a school child in Haiti to believe that Paul was indeed a winner.
For many years Paul has been a champion of Haiti Hot Lunch as well as other programs of the Michigan Area Haiti Task Force, which he chaired. His untimely death on July 26 left many in mourning across the Michigan Area and Haiti. The sanctuary was filled with pastor colleagues, former parishioners, and persons made passionate for Haiti on hundreds of work trips. The Rev. Marco Depestre, secretary of The Methodist Church in Haiti was among those eulogizing Paul on August 1.
In a sermon reflecting on 2 Corinthians 6:3-13, “Paul’s Haiti scripture,” the Rev. Laurie Haller noted that Paul “lived an urgent life … He was a whirlwind with so much to do and so little time.” God’s grace empowered Paul Doherty through 44 years of ministry as a church builder and “friend of all who needed help.” Paul served churches in both the Detroit and West Michigan Conferences. While he last was in Haiti in March of this year, he was making plans for earthquake relief just days before he died. Haller shared a letter from the office of Bishop Jonathan Keaton that said, “We will never think of the Michigan Area in Haiti without thinking of Paul.” Haller concluded, “Has there ever been a person who opened his heart wider for family, conference, the global church and Haiti than Paul Doherty?”
The Rev. David Morton, a co-worker on the Haiti Task Force challenged the audience to continue to live out Paul’s legacy. Morton listed three concerns deep in Paul’s heart: 1) the Hot Lunch program; 2) bio-sand water filters; and 3) the Methodist Children’s Orphanage in Port-au-Prince. He shared a greeting and sympathy from David Sadoo, UMCOR’s Executive Secretary for International Disaster Response. Sadoo praised Doherty’s “tireless and passionate work with the United Methodist Committee on Relief.”
Morton introduced Rev. Depestre, who expressed condolences to the family and congregation. “Paul Doherty was one of us. He did his best for 30 years to alleviate the plight of the Haitian people,” Depestre remarked. “We are losing one of our best friends and most effective advocates.”
The memorial service closed with the singing of “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” as “Paul’s Parting Gift.” It was indeed a wonderful day of celebration of a life well lived. The family has requested that memorials be designated for the Methodist Children’s Orphanage, Port-au-Prince. Checks with a memo to “Doherty Memorial” may be sent to the West Michigan Conference Treasurer.

Comments

1. Ronan Cipus wrote on 8/6/2010 11:39:47 AM
Yesterday I received a message from Charles regarding the tragic outcome of Paul’s surgery and passing … I’m devastated to learn of Paul Doherty’s demise. I met Paul first time back in October 2006 and since then it was always my honor meeting and working with him, especially in the Clean Water program for schools. His devotion over many decades for the Methodist Church in Haiti and his love for the Haitian people is an example we can all cherish and emulate … his passing is a great loss to many. I would like you to share my deepest condolences and prayers for the family of Reverend Paul. With warmest regards, Roman
2. Barry Petrucci < wrote on 8/6/2010 11:41:52 AM
I have worked with Paul Doherty for many years, watching the wideness of his vision for God’s Kingdom get legs. Of course, Paul was tireless in his work on behalf of the Michigan Area Haiti Task Force and the many ministries impacted by that work in Haiti. I will leave it to others to unpack the details of that work they may know first-hand. My observation here it that Paul had a broad vision, an inclusive vision. As dynamic as he was in his passion for Haiti, he always “played well with others”, understanding that concern for Haiti was a piece of a global vision. And so, Paul sat through hours of Global Ministries meetings offering suggestions, working out details, until, finally, he was able to report on his passion. When money was tight (anyone remember when money was NOT tight?!), Paul understood that there needed to be a shared handling of the reduction load. He did not whine, fight, or try to do “end-runs”. He prayed. And testified. And let the story speak for itself. Likewise, years ago when the Grand Rapids District was looking at new church start opportunities, Paul had a piece of property he wanted the committee to consider. Again, he was gracious and understanding…he understood the politics and the considerations. No whining or fighting or manipulation. Broader vision. I will miss Paul at the Conference Board of Global Ministries table. I will miss a friend who was an unrelenting encourager. Rest Well. Barry Petrucci
3. Dr. Walter Smith wrote on 8/6/2010 11:45:48 AM
Isn’t it interesting how quickly one could bond with Paul. Long before I met Paul in person (last Fall at the Michigan Haiti Conference), I corresponded with him via email and over the phone. The “bonding” agent was our common interest in Haiti. Paul had a vision for the Methodist in Haiti that was bigger than the earthquake. We would discuss at length the idea of hosting a United Methodist Haiti Conference here in Little Rock, AR at the Clinton Library, with the hopes that Pres Bill Clinton could be present as a keynote speaker. I can’t tell you how sadden I am at Paul’s death. I visited with him just a couple of weeks ago to update him on my recent trip to Haiti. He wanted so much to help with a water well at the Methodist Church in Don Don. The Haitian Methodist have lost an advocate and a friend. Dr. Walter Smith Senior Minister Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church Hot Spring Village, AR
4. Dale Golden wrote on 8/6/2010 11:54:52 AM
Sorry about the delay Dave, but I have given much thought and prayer toward Paul and his family. Paul was officially my mentor toward ordained ministry, but more importantly he was my mentor and friend in life. I saw and felt in Paul the Spirit of Christ. He was direct and bold, yet powerfully compassionate and loving. As I continue writing theological responses to the board of ordained ministry this summer, I feel Paul's presence guiding and loving me through this process. Paul's influence in my ministry and life are without question. I love R. Paul Doherty as a father and friend. Another Paul once said to young Timothy, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness". Paul, wear your crown well, for we will join you when our work is finished as well. Dale
5. Chrisnel Lelievre wrote on 8/6/2010 11:58:58 AM
It is with great sadness that I heard the news of the passing away of our friend and brother Rev. Paul Doherty. We both the West M ichigan Conference and the Haiti Methodist Conference have lost a great man of God. Our sincere condolences go to members of the WMC and h is wi fe and family members . May h is soul rest in peace Chrisnel
6. Valerie Mossman-Celestin wrote on 8/6/2010 12:02:54 PM
While Paul and I were bonded by our common passion and call to the people of Haiti, my fondest memories of Paul were of the man not the mission. Paul possessed a contagious love of people, especially children. His big Irish smile, booming “Hi, I’m Paul Doherty” and outstretched hand attracted people from all walks of life on both sides of the ocean. His open and welcoming demeanor put people at ease. That ‘Irish’ could sometimes spill over in other directions! But that was part of Paul’s charm: there were no masks. He was genuine and ‘in the moment’, be it delight over a new family in his congregation or righteous indignation at the injustice of a hungry child or crushing heartache over the deaths and suffering wrought by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Haiti. You always knew where Paul stood. Paul instilled in me pride for The United Methodist denomination. He was United Methodist through and through. I teased him that, if he were to bleed, I was sure that there were little cross and flames imprinted on the cells! He believed in the Connectional system and was proud of his church’s support of that system and to mission-giving. He was a story-teller ‘extraordinaire’: whether it be sharing the love of Jesus, the work of the church, or of the hungry children of Haiti—Paul Doherty would touch your heart. What surprised me about Paul is that he still was nervous every time he had to speak, be it at a meeting or in the pulpit. He appeared so confident! Yet he didn’t give into that fear because he lived by faith and ‘call’. No mention of Paul would be complete without sharing his deep love and pride of his family. Every road trip together, most of our conversation centered on Paul’s family—especially those grandkids! Last July 4, Paul invited me to join his family. Everyone was warm and embracing, but especially meaningful to me was Paul’s interaction with my autistic son, Joshua. Even he could not resist being drawn out by Paul’s charm. Soon squeals of laughter arose as the two of them played a game of cars over the kitchen table. It was a perfect evening and a memory I cherish. My thanks and condolences to the Doherty family. With deepest love,
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