Robert Starrs Dougherty ’48 died peacefully surrounded by loved ones at his home due to complications of pneumonia. Bob was born in San Francisco September 16, 1927, the youngest of three children born to John and Ada Dougherty. He was a graduate of St. Ignatius High School and went on to earn a degree in mechanical engineering from Santa Clara University. Bob put his knowledge and skills to work as president of San Francisco’s Conlin and Roberts, a leading West Coast steel design and fabrication company which produced an array of custom products for companies including Boeing and fabricated many Bay Area structures including the toll booths on the Golden Gate Bridge, the canopy over the Bay Bridge toll plaza, and the flag pole atop the Golden Gate National Cemetery. He later developed two commercial buildings in San Francisco’s Design District.

 

As a boy, Bob was fascinated with horses and rode every chance he had. After marrying Diana, his wife of 34 years, Bob and Diana founded Dougherty Arabians, an equestrian breeding, training, and boarding facility in Nicasio, California. Several of the horses bred by Dougherty Arabians were award winners and champions. Bob had a playful attitude and loved to tell or hear a good joke, particularly of the Irish persuasion. He was a proud and passionate member of the Saint Mary’s Church of Nicasio parish choir. His big baritone voice will be sorely missed there. Bob is survived by his wife Diana, daughter Erin, stepchildren David and Heidi and granddaughters Michelle and Shannon.