Obituary of Robert Frederick Sutherland

Bob passed away on January 7, 2019, in the palliative care unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital after a four-year battle with multiple myeloma, fought with determination and perseverance. Bob enjoyed a distinguished forty-year career with Irving Oil, during which time he managed the company's operations for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. An outstanding athlete in his youth, he was selected to sail in the 1952 Olympics but instead pitched the Shelburne Loyalists to winning the provincial championships. Blessed with an amazing constitution and life force, he lived a full and engaged life and never lost his charm, great wit and sense of humour. Bob was born in Shelburne, Nova Scotia and maintained a lifelong interest in his birthplace. He found great pleasure in simple rituals: friendships nurtured over early morning phone calls, walks at dawn on wooded trails with a succession of golden retrievers, paddling his red canoe, his beloved Yankees and a lifelong interest and promotion of country music. Nothing brought him more pleasure than holding forth in front of a roaring fire at the cottage in Clyde River with family and friends gathered, especially in retirement years. Our father may have been defined by his career and interests but for his family he will be remembered most as a loving husband to Katherine Ann (née MacLennan), devoted and proud father of Marisa and Ian and engaging grandfather "Papa" to Trinity and Jack Turnbull. He is also survived by sister-in-law Mary Jane MacLennan and husband John Webb, of Vancouver, and nieces and nephews on both coasts. He was predeceased by his parents, Mima & Robert Sutherland, and sisters Mary and Margaret. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Postuma, Dr. Reiman and the oncology team, the KV Extramural and Dr. Kim in Yarmouth, NS. Our love and gratitude are extended to our mother, Katherine Ann, for her extraordinary care of our father. Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, N.B. (634-7424). Cremation has taken place and at Bob's request, there will be no service. Interment will take place when the family is together in Shelburne, this spring. A celebration of Bob's life will take place at Shadow Lawn Inn, Rothesay NB, on Saturday, February 2, from 2 to 4 pm. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, Saint John Regional Hospital Oncology Unit or KV Extramural. Online condolences can be made at www.brenansfh.com/obituaries