Robert Michael Doughty (7 Apr 1954 - 23 May 2018)

I was really blessed to have met Robert the way I did. Through chanting he helped me lift the shame I held on to regarding my dyslexia. He was a truly gentle man.
Olivia

My name is Ruth and I have a twin sister called Shirley (although I call her Shirl). We are 65 years old. When we were in junior school, we had a Lithuanian music teacher and he played the mandolin. He decided to form a school mandolin orchestra and so we joined it. We really enjoyed learning and playing the mandolin, especially Shirl who played much better than I did, but then we moved house and school and the lessons stopped.

When we retired from work, we decided to take up the mandolin again. So we bought ourselves mandolins and started re-learning from a book and CD. However this was a bit hit and miss, so we looked on the internet and found Robert Doughty. I rang Robert in January 2017 and discussed lessons and our individual abilities. Robert sorted out a date to start when we could both come together. On our first lesson it was quite clear what a really lovely, patient, funny man he was. Sometimes during our lessons, we'd break out into fits of laughter and laugh so much that it was hard to keep playing! We continued having lessons until December 2017 and by then Shirl and I were playing duets together. We had come a long way under Robert's tuition. Unfortunately by now he was ill but we didn't know what was wrong with him. Our lessons went on the back burner in January 2018. However, in late April he rang me saying he was feeling a lot better and to arrange lessons again. As Shirl and I were really busy in May with holidays and other commitments, we arranged a lesson for Wednesday 6 June. When we got back from holiday at the end of May, I wanted to cancel the lesson and left Robert a voicemail. His partner Chylie returned the call and told me Robert had passed away a few days before. We were shocked and deeply saddened by the news. We will always remember him with fondness and warmth and as a friend.

When Shirl and I started lessons, Shirl's husband Rob decided to have lessons with Robert too, but on the guitar. Rob also enjoyed his time with Robert. The three of us will never forget him and our lives are richer for knowing him.

Our thoughts and condolences go to Chylie and all the family at this very sad time.

With sympathy,
Ruth, Shirley and Rob

Robert was the modern equivalent of Chaucer’s gentil parfait knight, constantly trying to bring people together and even managed to persuade me to watch Notts County.
A quiet friend. Constantly caring. Love Stephen xxx

Robert was the modern equivalent of Chaucer’s gentil parfait knight, constantly trying to bring people together and even managed to persuade me to watch Notts County.
A quiet friend. Constantly caring. Love Stephen xxx

Dear Robert - I will remember your banjo playing, the miracle of transporting your chicken shed that lives on at Merly’s Orchard, your solidarity with Inelia against Pinochet - your passion for justice, your quiet gently friendship over many years. Your wonderful questions. All my love Tanya xxxx

It such a privilege to have Known Robert.

Truly the sweetest most generous spirited person. Always ready with a smile. Robert loved music and spread joy to others by sharing his gift.

Love to his precious family.

Felicia xxxx