Rev. R. Paul Doherty, pastor of Dowagiac’s First United Methodist Church from 1987 until he retired in 2004, died Monday, July 26, 2010, due to complications from his cancer treatment. He was 72.

A memorial service for Paul Doherty will be held  Sunday, Aug. 1, at  4 p.m. at First UMC, 227 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids.

Visitation will be from 3 to 4 p.m., with a reception following the service. Condolences may be sent to Paul’s wife, Joan Doherty, at 7170 Davies Drive, Rockford, MI 49341.

In lieu of flowers, Paul’s wishes were that his work would continue for the Methodist Children’s Orphanage in Port Au Prince, Haiti.

Memorial contributions made to the Methodist Children’s Orphanage should be made payable to the West Michigan Conference Treasurer with the memo, Memorial Contribution-Doherty and sent to the West Michigan Conference Center, P.O. Box 6247, Grand Rapids, MI 49516.