Michael Bernard Dougherty, 85, of Santa Barbara, passed away on Nov. 9, 2025 from respiratory failure after Covid, with his loving wife Arlene at his side.
Born on Aug. 28, 1940 to Bernard and Magdlen Dougherty in Akron, Ohio, Michael graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, then attended the University of Detroit, where he obtained a degree in aeronautical engineering before being commissioned in the U.S. Air Force.
Michael earned the rank of captain and his private pilot license by the time he left the service in 1969.
During his time in the Air Force, Michael met the love of his life Arlene Goubeaux. They were married at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on May 4, 1968.
They moved to Southern California, had two children Jason and Kara, then moved to Kent, Washington, where they hand-built the home Michael designed.
After working at Boeing for 10 years, the family relocated to Santa Barbara in 1983. Michael continued his work as an engineer at both Raytheon and Delco Electronics, fiercely committed to showing his love and support for his family by providing a good life.
His professional satisfaction included his proud contributions to the first flight of the McDonnell Douglas C-17. He was passionate in sharing his love of aviation with others, instructing students at the Santa Barbara Airport and volunteering as a pilot for the Civil Air Patrol.
Michael retired in 2002, but continued his passion for aviation. He and Arlene home-built their plane, an RV-7A, and took it on its first flight in 2007.
Michael enjoyed piloting around America, with Arlene in the right seat, visiting family and friends every chance they had.
Michael is preceded in death by his mother, father, younger brother Stephen C. Dougherty, and sister in-law Nancy Dougherty.
He is survived by Arlene; their children Jason Dougherty and Kara Shinn (Emma); and grandsons David and Tanner Gallas. He is also survived by his siblings John Patrick Dougherty (Elizabeth), Stephen’s wife Janet Dougherty, Christine Pacheco, James Dougherty (Teri), Tim Dougherty; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 19 at San Roque Catholic Church, 325 Argonne Circle, Santa Barbara, with interment in Calvary Cemetery immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donation made in Michael’s name to the nonprofit Friendship Adult Day Care Center, Inc. The Friendship Center provided a haven for Michael while he experienced dementia, allowing him to socialize and stimulate his mind.
Michael will be missed dearly