In Loving Memory of
Phillip Henry “Phill” Doherty
1953 - 2025
Obituary of Phillip Henry “Phill” Doherty
Phillip Henry “Phill” Doherty, 72, of Ridgeway, Ontario, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.Born on May 7, 1953, in Peterborough, Ontario, to Richard Henry Doherty and Mary Phyllis Doherty (née Lelliott), Phill lived a full and meaningful life marked by dedication, generosity, and deep love for his family.
Phill completed his undergraduate studies at McMaster University and went on to earn his MBA in Finance from Queen’s University. He began his career as a Chartered Professional Accountant with KPMG/Ernst & Whinney, where his sharp mind and work ethic earned him a partnership after eight years. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Mary Collins.
Phill later founded Canadian General Capital, a successful private equity firm, which he led for 13 years as President & CEO. He and his team at CGC backed and helped grow several notable Canadian companies, including Chapters, Unico and Star Data. In later years, he shared his insight and experience through service on several corporate and pension boards, including 17 years as a member of the Investment Advisory Committee for the Canada Post Pension Fund.
Phill and Mary were married on December 29th, 1984, and shared over four decades together, building a family grounded in love, laughter, and loyalty. He was the proud father of Greg (Colleen) and Devon (Andrew), a devoted grandfather to Kaius and Reese, as well as a loving brother, uncle, and friend.
Beyond his professional success, Phill was known for his warmth, wit, and vibrant curiosity. He found joy in golf, photography, and birding, and he rarely missed a Blue Jays game. He approached life with determination and a generous spirit, always encouraging and supporting his children’s passions with unwavering pride.
Phill was predeceased by his father, Richard Henry Doherty, his mother, Mary Phyllis Doherty, and his brothers Peter and Martin Doherty.
A celebration of Phill’s life will be held at a later date, as the family takes time to mourn privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support families touched by Lewy body dementia via the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
WHEN I GO
When I go don't learn to live without me
just learn to live with my love
in a different way.
And if you need me
close your eyes
or look in your shadow
when the sun shines
I'm there.
Sit with me in the quiet and you will know
that I did not leave.
There is no leaving when a soul is blended with another.
When I go
don't learn to live without me
just learn to look for me in the moments.
I will be there.
Donna Ashworth
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Mary: so sad to read this news.
Phill and I had many laughs together(mostly about my terrible golf swing) over a small ‘Scottie. Carolyn and I send our condolences
Mary, I am thinking of you and your family at this sad time.
Hoping that all the wonderful memories you have of Phill give you strength, as you navigate the weeks ahead.
Sorry to hear about your loss. Loved playing golf with Phill and fondly remember our memories at Toronto Golf Club. Condolences to your family.
I too was an early recruit to Phill’s Corporate Finance Group @ E&W in Toronto. He taught me a lot, technically, behaviourally and professionally over our five or six years together. Phill steered my admission to partnership in the firm which was a turning point in my professional life. When Phill took his new role at CGC, my family and I moved out to Calgary and thanks to Phill’s help I was then ready for a leadership role. Thanks Phill, all your advice, wisdom and friendship along the way, truly appreciated. Rest in peace.
I am deeply saddened to learn of Phil’s passing. Phil and I met one cold November day playing as singles at the Devils Pulpit in 1991. We immediately realized we shared the same passion for the game and became inseparable golfing companions for the next 15 years. We enjoyed many trips to Florida, Collenton River and Ireland over the years.
Phil was a great friend, a mentor to me in many ways.
He was a serious man. I like to think I developed a special talent at getting a laugh out of Phil which brought me great joy.
I will miss him.
My condolences to Mary and the family.
Very sorry to hear this news. I met Phill almost 40 years ago when I was in the corporate lending business. We shared a love for golf and played many rounds at many courses including Toronto GC, Hamilton G&CC, Devil’s Paintbrush, Islington, Cedarbrae etc., etc. Had the pleasure of training son Greg before he earned his U.S. golf scholarship. My condolences to Phill’s entire family and his many friends.
Mary, we just read about Phill and our hearts go out to you. Before both of you left Colleton, he gifted us with the lovely framed photo of our lot and view looking out to the marsh and river. Every time we walk by it hanging on our bedroom wall, we are reminded of his talent and your thoughtfulness. Love to you and your family…
Susan and Don Somma
From our work together at Mattel to the years on the Chapters Board I always had great respect for Phill for his dedication and wisdom. He was smart, kind, a terrific golfer and so proud of his family, Meeting up in Hilton Head for golf and dinner at Alexander’s will always be special memories. Our love to you Mary.
I am so sorry that Phill has left us so early. During my time at E&E Phill was a model professional from whom I learned much and who I greatly admired. He was very kind to me. I extend my sincere condolences to all his family.
Phill established the first professional M&A practice in Canada at E&E in the mid/late 1970s. I was one of his first recruits. I still marvel at how much I learned from Phill despite being only two years his junior. Every project, including being Phill’s understudy authoring finance books, was a learning experience. Intellect, judgement, integrity & professionalism aptly define Phill’s approach to business. I will forever be grateful for Phill’s stewardship of my early career. Mary – I know Phill’s deepest passion and love was for his family. My thoughts are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
We have been talking about Phill this week. We are remembering his love of golf,, competitive spirit, the photography and birds etc. We”ll remember him in HH where he enjoyed his favourite sport. Thinking of you, Mary and hope to see you soon.
I loved workimg with Phill on his photo projects while visiting hilton head island
And have notified all those that were part of our low country group
I wish we had more time together. So much I wanted to share. He was amazing and I look forward to time I hope to talk to Mary and share my Canadian backround.
And the happy times we spent
GOD SPEED PHILL
I am very sorry to learn of Phill’s passing. We were in the same graduating class at Queen’s, and by coincidence, moved to the same community in South Carolina. Phill was one of the smartest in my MBA class. Both Andy and I enjoyed our time with you both when we were in Colleton River, and your generosity to us when we came to Toronto. Our deepest condolences to you Mary and your family. May they be of great comfort to you.
Thinking about you at this sad time, Mary. We have fond memories of time spent with you and Phill.