CAMDEN — Ronald Walter Doherty, 55, died Sept. 29, 2013, at his home following a long five-year battle with cancer. Ronald had an amazing unending will to live.

Born in New Britain, Conn., Sept. 17, 1958, he was the son of Robert and Edith Willey Doherty. At the age of 5, he moved to Maine and attended Camden schools, achieving his GED in 1977. Ron married Donna Deane Feb. 12, 1977.

Ron worked as a truck driver for Oakhurst Dairy and ran a bread route for Nissen Baking Company. His dedication and passion was the Rockport Diner, which he purchased from his brother, Bobby, in 1985. Ron loved the business, his employees and his customers. He developed his own restaurant financial organizer and designed his own menus.

Ron socialized and humored people wherever he went. He loved fast cars, rock and roll music, buying a new motorcycle every year, dining at local restaurants, camping and vacationing in Florida, Canada and New Hampshire.

Ron treasured his children, grandchildren and family. He is survived by his wife, Donna, of Camden; his daughters, Lisa Hughes and her husband, Tyrone, of Bangor and Jennifer DeBrosky and her fiancé, Jeff Hanson, of Appleton; his son, Adam Doherty of Camden; his grandchildren, Kaylo Littlejohn, Serenity Littlejohn, Ocean Littlejohn, Savier Littlejohn, Abigail Hughes, Jacob Hughes, Jakob Doherty, Isabelle DeBrosky and Mia DeBrosky; his mother, Edith Eutsler of Rockport; his brothers, William Doherty and his wife, Joannie, of Owls Head, Albert Doherty and his wife, Pam, of Warren, Thomas Doherty and his wife, Debbie, of Rockport, and Raymond Doherty and his wife, Karen, of Chicago; his sisters, Linda Schlegel and her husband, Phil, of Waterville and Susan Maldonado of Rockland; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ron was predeceased by his father, Robert Doherty; his brothers, Robert Doherty Jr., John Doherty and Richard Doherty; and his sister, Cynthia Weed.

Family and friends are invited to visit Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, Oct. 3, at 11 a.m. at West Rockport Baptist Church, 545 Park St. in West Rockport. The Rev. David English will officiate. A reception will be held immediately following the service. Private interment will take place at Achorn Cemetery.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to Bob Gagnon Cancer Care Fund, 22 White St., Rockland, ME 04841 or Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice, 170 Pleasant St., Rockland, ME 04841.

The family wishes to thank everyone who touched Ron's life throughout his five-year battle, including all of his nurses, doctors, friends and family. They felt especially grateful to the wonderful people at Pen Bay Cancer Care Center and Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice for the exceptional care Ron received.

To share a memory or condolence with Ron's family, visit his Book of Memories online at the funeral home.