Ralph Brian Sutherland

Ralph “Brian” Sutherland (Suds)

June 19, 1939 – May 25, 2024

                It is with immense sadness that the family of Brian Sutherland would like to share that he passed peacefully just shy of his 85th Birthday after living with Dementia.

Brian was born in Timmons, Ontario, the youngest of five boys, to Norma and Earl Sutherland.  The family moved west when he was a young boy and they settled in Nanaimo.  After a childhood of sports, school and shenanigans, Brian enlisted in the RCAF at age eighteen.  After basic training in Borden, he was posted to CFB Baden, Germany.  It was there he met Brenda. After dating and exploring Europe together, they were married, first by the local Burgermeister and , then in the chapel on base on December 1, 1961.  The young newlyweds honeymooned in the Bavarian Alps.  They were then posted to CFB Comox, 407 Squadron.  Not long after settling in Courtenay, they welcomed son Stephen and two years later, daughter Cheryl.

Brian enjoyed his ‘first career’ with the military and met many wonderful lifelong friends.  He was fortunate to spend almost his military service in Comox, with one short year at CFB Cold Lake.

After ‘retiring’ he took on the first Mac’s© store franchise in Courtenay.  At the same time he took a position with Corrections BC as a correctional officer.  He spent time at Camp Snowden , outside Campbell River, and then at Nanaimo Correctional Centre.  He again enjoyed his time as a CO and met more wonderful friends.

Brian ‘retired’ a second time, however, he could not sit idly and so finished his working life as a Commissionaire.

Brian’s work life provided for his family and allowed him to make many friends, however, family was always his first priority.  Time away from work was spent with Brenda, Steve and Cheryl making memories.  He was a devoted husband and father and was always present for his children.  He played many sports until his children were old enough to play, and then he became a coach for ball and hockey.  Brian spent countless hours with  family camping, fishing, playing cards, lawn darts, and horseshoes. Brian loved having gatherings at the family home where all were welcomed.  Brian was delighted to be an active part of his children’s lives and then his grandchildren’s lives.  He watched many more sports from the sidelines, and dance performances .  He was thankful to be so involved.

Brian was predeceased by his parents Norma and Earl, his beloved son Stephen, brothers Don, Bud and Earl, sisters-in-law Marge, Christa, Thea and Janet, brothers-in-law Grant and Marc.

He is survived by his loving wife Brenda, daughter Cheryl (Ben), daughter-in-law Karen (Ron), and his beloved grandchildren Ryan (Sarah), Cassie (Braden), Michael (Kristen) and Keira (Ron).  He is also survived by his beautiful great-grandchildren, who he knew well, and who brought him so much joy in his final years, Elliot, Ellie, baby Stevie-Mae and soon to arrive Baby Boy Streifel who he knew was arriving this July.

He also leaves behind his brother Doug, sisters in law Diane and Darlene (Darcy), many nieces and nephews and many more grand nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend thanks to some of dad’s care team in his final weeks, Dr. McArthur, Sherise (GEM team) and Social worker Kat.  The family would also like to thank Dr. Brian Calvin for his care of dad over the years and especially in his final days.

“Bye for now” and give Steve a big hug for us, we love and miss you.