Ted Doughty

Our beloved, Ted departed for heaven on May 19, 2024.  He was born in San Diego on May 7, 1933, to his parents Valeria Ethel (McCune) Doughty and Philip Harold Doughty. 

Ted’s parents love and passion for the outdoors were shared with the family when his brothers Glen and Jerry, and Ted were young children.  The family camped, trailered, hiked, fished, hunted, sailed, ranched, surfed, swam, and explored together.  Ted’s love of nature and adventuring continued throughout his lifetime.  

Ted attended Hoover High School, and San Diego J.C., San Diego State College and University, where he earned a Master’s degree in Education.  He was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.  Ted was 6’4”.  He played varsity basketball in high school.  Ted’s love of the game led him to continue playing through his college years and while serving in the army.  Also he was a San Diego Life Guard during college.  Ted served in the US Army during 1956-1958.  

Ted worked in public education for over twenty-two continuous years in San Diego; as a teacher, consultant and principal.  The highlight of his teaching experience was teaching children about science.  

Later in life, from 2000 - 2010, Ted taught part-time at Grossmont Adult School - La Mesa Senior Center.  He taught classes on: Early History of the American West, The 21 California Missions, The Creation Story of the Navajo, Cauhilla Food Gathering, Sacagawea, and the Lewis and Clark Expeditions, to name a few.  Ted’s true passion was to teach these history courses.  

Ted had a variety of interests that he routinely pursued.  He enjoyed writing about his parents, older brothers, adventures with his parents, including their 360 acre ranch in Chihuahua Valley, and growing up in San Diego.  Ted wrote about his family and the numerous camping trips they went on, including their three month trip driving to Alaska.  Ted’s writings were inspired by his grandfather, George V. Doughty, who wrote “The Emigrant Family,” which told the story of our ancestors who traveled across the continent.  

Ted was very proud of his granddaughter, Caitlin, and grandson, Ryan’s educational and work accomplishments.  

Ted was an avid hiker and backpacker for over thirty years.  He explored over 20 trails and canyons in the Anza Borrego Desert State Park. He also hiked and backpacked in the San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino mountains and wilderness areas.  He backpacked in the Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks, as well as, the Eastern Sierras.  He explored with family and friends Big Sur, the Rocky Mountains, Tetons, Grand Canyon, and Zion National Parks.  

Ted had a great affection for several pet cats he had owned over the years, and wrote a number of endearing stories about his fur kids.  His beloved cat Boomer continues to live at Ginger’s home.  

Ted met his “soul mate,” Ginger Boone in 2008.  Ted was 74 and Ginger was 70 years of age.  Their friendship and love for one another continued over many years.  Ted noted that most of the dearest life experiences happened to him with his best friend Ginger.  They enjoyed many enriching travel trips. There were numerous family outings and gatherings in Borrego Springs and San Diego county.  Attending church together was important to Ted and Ginger and their relationship with the Lord.  

Ted continued to write about his life, learning, various experiences, and biblical faith into his 90’s.  He will be remembered for his love of God and sharing his thoughts with friends and family.  Ted was well versed with the scriptures and was ready to meet his Lord, and family members in heaven.  

Ted was proceeded in death by his son, Christen Doughty (19yrs), and his brothers Glen and Gerald Doughty.  He is survived by his two children, Ted Doughty Jr. (Cinda), and Julia Doughty.  His grandchildren Caitlin (Marcelo), and Ryan (Amanda) and their daughter, Ted’s great granddaughter Elizabeth (2yrs).  He is also survived by his sister-in-law Margy Doughty Berry, his nieces Celeste, Denyce, Cynthia and nephew Richard.  Ted’s grandnieces - Heather, Alyssa, Rachel, and Emily, and great grandnieces Madison (2yrs) and Makenzie, born May 9, 2024 - Ted saw photos shortly after her birth.