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Donald Sutherland

Donald Sutherland

Affectionately known as “Rev Don”, his passing occurred at his ancestral home in River John on May 8, 2012.
Born April 30, 1930 in New Glasgow, to the late Col. Daniel H. Sutherland and Emily Pugsley, Donald grew up in River John and spent several years in New Glasgow during WWII, while his father trained the Pictou Highlanders. He was educated at River John School, Pictou Academy, Dalhousie University and Pine Hill Divinity Hall. He was awarded a Merrill Fellowship to Harvard Divinity School in 1977. Donald served during his student ministry in Webb, Saskatchewan, Flat Bush, Alberta and Manitouwadge, Ontario. After ordination to the United Church of Canada in 1957 he served for the St. James pastoral charge in Charlotte Co., N.B. for three years, serving eight churches. He was then called to Whycocomagh - East Lake Ainslie pastoral charge, Inverness Co., N.S. in 1960. Here he was a much-loved and respected minister for 37 years. After retirement he returned to his family home in River John and continued to supply numerous churches throughout northern Nova Scotia. He suffered a stroke in July 2010. Donald was constantly involved in the wide community, served on the boards of Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital and the Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital and worked long hours to bring water and sewage treatment to River John. Donald was active in the many organizations with which he was affiliated, including the Federation of Scottish Clans of Nova Scotia (President Emeritus), Saint Andrews Society of Pictou County (Past-President and Chaplain), Atlantic Association of the Clan Sutherland (Past-President and Chaplain) and Clan Sutherland Society in Scotland (Honourary Vice-President). He was Minister Emeritus of Salem United Church, River John; Past-Chaplain of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #123, Whycocomagh; and Chaplain of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #108, River John. In 2002 he was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. Donald was proud of his Scottish heritage and wore his Sutherland tartan kilt at every opportunity. Well known for his hearty and infectious laugh, he always enjoyed a cup of tea and the fellowship that went with it. He was a staunch Toronto Maple Leafs fan his whole life. He believed in the power of prayer and the importance of visitation in any location and under any circumstance.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan (Caudle); his daughter, Mary Beth (David) Sutherland, River John; and his sons, Robert (Kim), Truro and James (Faith), Whycocomagh; grandchildren: Margaret, Donald Alexander “Sandy”, Emily, Bethany and Adam Sutherland; his first cousin, Dr. D. Lawrence (Joan) Sutherland, Elliott Lake, Ontario. Also surviving are sister-in-law, Pat Caudle, Truro; and her children: Cathy (Glenn) Walter, Carlyle, Saskatchewan; Glenn (Mary) Caudle, Truro and Gayle Caudle, Truro.
He was predeceased by brother-in-law, Fred Caudle.
Visitation will be held at Salem United Church, River John, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, May 11, from where the funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, with Rev. Catherine Stuart officiating. A reception will follow. A memorial service will also be held at Stewart United Church, Whycocomagh, on Sunday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. with Rev. Donna Tourner officiating, reception to follow.
Family flowers only please. Donations in his memory may be made to Salem United Church, River John, VON Pictou County, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Canadian Bible Society.
Arrangements are under the direction of McLaren Funeral Service, Pictou.

 

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