Retired Model Builder, Engineer Hal Dougherty Passes Away

Retired Berkeley Lab employee Harold B. Dougherty passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 28, at the age of 84 with his family by his side.

Prior to coming to work at the "Rad Lab" in the late fifties, Hal, as he was known by his friends, served in World War II with the Army's 628th Fighter Squadron in the China-Burma-India Theatre, where he picked up numerous skills that would later serve him well at the Lab.

Following the war, Hal attended the San Francisco Art Institute, where he studied painting and sculpture. His art studies paid off when he was hired by the Lab to build precision engineering models of various projects on the Hill. His model of the 88" Cyclotron still exists, and is on display in that building. Hal's painting talents can also be seen in the lobby of Building 50. His portrait of Ernest O. Lawrence is an intregal part of the exhibit that honors the Lab's founder.

During his over thirty years at the Lab, Hal worked for numerous groups, including the AcTecs (Acclerator Technicians), Balloon Group, and Astro-Physics, where he retired as a Senior Engineering Associate. Hal's son Jim carries on the family tradition, working for the Engineering Division as a Mechanical Technician.

Hal had the special gift to capture and engage people's hearts and imaginations through a wicked sense of humor and colorful story telling. He could always be counted on to bring a smile to people's faces.

Hal is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Rita, their four children and their spouses, and nine grandchildren.

A memorial celebration of his life will be held Saturday, Sept. 3 at 10 am. at St Augustine's Church, 400 Alcatraz Ave., in Oakland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Harold Dougherty to the American Heart Association, 426 17th Street, Suite 300, Oakland, Ca. 94612.