CARIBOU RIVER – James “Austin” Sutherland, 98, of Caribou River, passed away peacefully, Thursday, March 21, 2013 in the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow.
He was born in Caribou River on May 30, 1914 to John William and Matilda (MacKay) Sutherland.
Austin was a kind, lovable man who spent most of his time taking care of the family farm where he was born and raised. He made his living working at the local sawmill and driving trucks, although Austin’s passion in life was farming. He lived a fulfilled, happy life on his farm. When he was no longer able to manage the work, he could be found sitting in his chair by the window overlooking the fields and passing cars. Austin was known for his extraordinary memory. Family and friends always came to him with questions about the past and he never failed to come up with the answer. Austin was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Some of his favorite memories were times when his family filled the house with music. He will be sadly missed.
Austin is survived by his beloved wife of 77 years, Doris (Hansford); daughters: Elizabeth MacArthur, Caribou River; Phyllis Lewis (David), Acton, Ontario; Dianne Demone (Lormer), Acton, Ontario; sons: Gerald (Darrell), Caribou River; Aulden (Florence), Lyon’s Brook; Larry (Mary Louise), Caribou River; daughters-in-law, Jessie Casey, Pictou and Ellen Fanning, New Glasgow; sisters: Hazel Falconer, Jean Henderson, Florence MacDonald; sisters-in-law, Helen Baird and Elizabeth Grant; along with 19 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Austin was predeceased by sons, Amel and Ricky; sister, Edna MacDonald, and a brother and sister in infancy.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 23 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. Funeral will be held on Sunday, March 24 at 2 p.m. from First Presbyterian Church, Pictou, with Rev. Iona MacLean officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Unit, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Online condolences: mclarenfuneral.ca