Gordon Linton Daugherty

Gordon Linton Daugherty, age 68, of Sykesville, Maryland, passed away on March 11, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a man of extraordinary talent, boundless curiosity, and deep warmth — and the world is a more beautiful place for his having been in it.

Gordon was born on July 10, 1957, and grew up in the Columbia, Maryland area. He is predeceased by his mother, Mary C. Daugherty; his father, Gordon H. Daugherty; and his beloved sister, M. Carmel (Candy) Daugherty.

From an early age, Gordon’s artistic gifts set him apart. He was awarded a grant to study fine art at the Pratt Institute in New York City (1976–1979), and furthered his studies at the Maryland Institute College of Art (1980–1982), the Corcoran School of Art, and the Washington Studio School in Washington, D.C. He also pursued studies in photography, graphic design, art restoration, and illustration. His work found its way into countless private collections, as well as parishes, chapels, restaurants, and commercial establishments across the country.

Gordon worked as a self-employed artist from his studio on a farm in the Sykesville area, creating in oils, watercolors, and a range of other mediums. His talent truly knew no boundaries. From intimate portraits and sweeping landscapes to grand murals and elegant faux finishes, everything he created was deeply impressive. He was commissioned to paint beautiful murals in significant parish churches and chapels from Boston to New York City to Washington, D.C. — works whose beauty and spiritual richness will continue to inspire devotion for generations to come.

Over the years, Gordon lived and worked in Arlington, Virginia; San Diego, California; and New Mexico before finally putting down roots in Sykesville, where he seemed to truly thrive. He loved having a studio in his farmhouse where he could fill the air with music while he painted, with views of green pastures, grazing horses, and passing deer at any hour of the day. He had a deep love for animals and found beauty all around him — in a fallen leaf, a majestic sunrise, the simple magic of the world he inhabited.

Gordon is survived and dearly loved by a multitude of friends — too numerous to name, but who became his wonderful chosen family — and, of course, by his beloved dog, Joey.

He was one of the most talented and generous human beings ever to walk this earth. His art was inspiring, his wit was world-class, and his enthusiasm for life was infectious. There wasn’t an artist he didn’t know, a book he hadn’t read, a film he hadn’t watched, a genre of music he didn’t appreciate — or an ice cream he didn’t love.

A Celebration of Life will be announced. If you wish to honor Gordon’s legacy with a donation, please consider The Dove House in Westminster, Maryland, or any organization that supports the National Endowment for the Arts.