Obituaries

Clan Sutherland Ceremony with Aunt Alesa and Uncle Donald.

The Piper.

My Husband Tom and I have fond memories of our trips to Saskatoon to visit my Sutherland family. My parents divorced when I was very young and, as a result, I grew up on the East Coast and never knew any of my father's family until I made a connection with the Sutherlands in Eston and Saskatoon. I will always remember the day I first contacted Uncle Donald. His wife Alesa answered the phone because he was in the basement playing the bagpipes which I could hear clearly in the background. Later, when I made my first trip west to meet the family, he met us at the Saskatoon airport in his clan tartan and played Farewell to Nova Scotia. It is a welcome that I will never forget, nor will I forget how he and Alesa welcomed us into their home and lives. It felt like we had always known one another as a family. Uncle Donald was also able to unite me with my two brothers whom I had searched for unsuccessfully for many years. Finally meeting them was a miracle made possible by our uncle and I consider it to be one of the greatest gifts that I have ever received. This photo was taken during that first visit to Saskatchewan when I was officially welcomed into the clan and presented with the Sutherland tartan. There was always a significant gap in my life and a sense of missing pieces that I didn't understand fully until much later. Uncle Donald opened a window into our family's history and helped me understand my roots and place in the world in a way that I never knew before.

Just to convey my sincere condolences to you all. I have so appreciated and valued the warmth, kindness and hospitality given by Donald and Alesa over the years. Absolutely a life so well lived! Sending much love and peace, Angela - Posted by: Angela Tessier (Friend) on: Aug 12, 2024

He was a very pleasant man, easy to visit with. He will be greatly missed. Our Sympathy and prayers and thoughts go out to the family at this time. 🙏 🙏. - Posted by: Alan and Margaret Lindquist (My father's cousin) on: Aug 09, 2024

Just to convey my sincere condolences to you all. I have so appreciated and valued the warmth, kindness and hospitality given by Donald and Alesa over the years. Absolutely a life so well lived! Sending much love and peace, Angela - Posted by: Angela Tessier (Friend) on: Aug 12, 2024

“All the people who ever touched us left a lifetime imprint on us.” Regina Brett The legendary and beloved Mr. Donald Hugh Sutherland has been called by our Father in heaven. His legacy will continue to live through his family and through all the countless people whose lives he has impacted and has inspired. Thank you, Mr. Sutherland. We will miss you so. RIP Sincere condolences to Laurie, Marie and Alesa. From Theresa Oquialda (a friend)

I have been reflecting a great deal on Donald since his passing on July 30. I had the distinct privilege of knowing him -- twice! First, as a young teenager in the seventies, as the best friend of his daughter, Laurie. Laurie and I were inseparable then, so I was a constant fixture at the Sutherland home, as well as a frequent participant in family gatherings and holidays in Riding Mountain National Park. Donald was always welcoming, in his warm and fun-loving way, and I have many memories of him from that time. For example, he often regaled Laurie and I with stories from his youth, and once helped us build a makeshift wood-burning oven in the backyard so that we could try (not very successfully, I'm afraid) to bake bannock in the traditional manner. Although I would not have had the words to describe it then, what stands out to me now about Donald from that time was his warmth, and his deep regard for individuality and inclusivity. Fifty plus years later, Laurie and I were reunited and immediately resumed a close friendship. Donald and Alesa welcomed me to their home in Winnipeg when I visited there in 2017. It was a remarkable afternoon, with engaging conversation and generous hospitality. Donald had taken the time to find some journal entries that he had made about some of the things Laurie and I got up to during the '70s. We had many laughs over those, and I was touched by his effort. He was clearly a man who valued friendship, had a fascination for people, and a passion for life. He spoke to me of his devotion to Alesa, of their work together counselling couples, and of his deep interest in the nature of individuals. I won't forget him, or that afternoon. He was a good man, with a twinkle in his eye, a welcoming smile on his lips, and a deep reverence for his fellow humans. My condolences to the family that he loved, and to his many friends. Rest in peace, Donald.

Oh Alesa, there are no words I can say that will lessen your pain. We thought of you and Don often over the years. Don was like a grandfather for our kids when they were young. He just understood kids and knew exactly how to communicate on their level. They admired him and wanted to go visit him often. It was Don that saw how interested Jessa was in plants and told her she should get a masters in plant science. Well she did that and now teaches at the U of S. Don just had that way about him, inspiring others and then telling them how amazing they were when they achieved their goals. Don was one of the best conversationalists I’ve ever met. He was intelligent but humble, warm, generous and a gentleman. We loved the time we spent with him and consider ourselves lucky to have called him our friend. He loved life and when he met you we could see how much in love he was and how happy you made him. Don will always live in our hearts and memories. We will pray for you during this time of grief.

I met Donald Sutherland in 2011 at the Initiatives for Just Communities’ AGM. As part of their agenda, he was asked to speak to his volunteer experience with the association. Besides being impressed with the fact that at 81 years old he was volunteering (!) I remember being engaged by his measured, clear, and intentional way of speaking. Not at all nervous of being in front of a crowd, he spoke with confidence and conviction. Little did I know that later that same year, I would meet his daughter Laurie in completely different circumstances, that she and I would become colleagues in our new vocation of career development, and over time, the best of friends. To this day, I always think it kind of funny that I should meet Donald first. Being friends with Laurie meant that Frank and I had the sincere pleasure and privilege to be welcomed often to the Sutherland family gatherings in Donald and Alesa’s home. And it is a beautiful and welcoming home, none the less for the fact that each artifact in it had a memory attached to it, each memory proudly shared. Being a guest in their home meant being a recipient of genuine warmth, generosity, and kindness; we shared food, conversation and stories, and often met new Canadians from around the world whom Donald and Alesa had also befriended. Being West Coast neophytes, Frank and I were introduced for the first time to Crokinole at a games night in their home, and while being beaten by the best, a guest could always drown their sorrows in a top drawer Opimium wine from their cellar. On another night, I remember having a wonderfully in-depth conversation with him at of their gatherings, as Donald explained to me some of the philosophy and approaches of their couples counselling, and feeling sincerely affected at the investment and enthusiasm he had for his subject, and the sensitivity with which he spoke of it. Perhaps one of my abiding memories of Donald will be his easy laugh, as Laurie mentioned in her Remembrance; in fact, I don’t know if I ever saw him without the beginnings of a smile. It was as if he knew that the next moment, and the next, the next, and the one after that were going to be wonderful and he just couldn’t wait to meet them. Rest well, Donald. Your smile and your engagement with your world will be sorely missed by all of us who knew you, yes. But … you have left us inspired.

A Memorial Tree will be planted in honor of Hugh Donald Sutherland August 02, 2024 We are deeply sorry for your loss - the staff at Saskatoon StarPhoenix

Hello Dear Cousin Alesa. My heart goes out to you having seen your beloved Donald’s obituary in the paper. Such a dear man, and such a special partnership between you. Mom was always so happy you found such love and built a compelling life together. And how your Donald loved and appreciated your big brain! Know that you are loved and missed Alesa. I would sure love to see you sometime … My email to you bounced back so please send me your current one when you’re able. Take good care, dear heart. Much love, Cousin Ruth Ruth Kinzel August 06, 2024

Alesa, Glenn, Kim, and Laurie, Thank you for sharing Don with us. More than my mother's cousin, Don was a mentor, and model, and a constant source of encouragement. His capacity to strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, and leave the other person feeling inspired was a unique gift. He will always live in my mind and soul as a remarkable wisdom keeper! Like so many others, I am a better person for having had Don a vital part of my life! His was a life well-lived! - Posted by: Ann & Fred Reekie (Second Cousin) on: Aug 03, 2024

My wife Debbie, and I, will always be deeply appreciative of Donald's bagpipe skills. He made us proud and delighted all in attendance when he played at our wedding more than 27 years ago. He was a kind, generous, skilled and very intelligent man. - Posted by: Dustin Reekie (maternal side ) on: Aug 06, 2024

My condolences to all. I worked with Don on several groups, including the Richlea homecoming. He was always a wealth of knowledge, great ideas and drive! Don will be remembered for his smile and easy going ways.

“Eternal is the one whose heart has awakened to Love” Hafez (Persian Sufi poet, 1325-1390) “Eternal is the one whose heart has awakened to Love” Hafez (Persian Sufi poet, 1325-1390) ************************************ Dear Alesa and Sutherland Family, Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of our beloved Donald. He was truly an extraordinary man and a loving soul. His calm demeanour combined with his joyful and vibrant spirit was the first thing that anyone would notice. His love for others, especially for his beloved wife, Alesa, was truly the definition of unconditional love. We are honoured to have been considered his friends. The memories we created together are among the most cherished since we immigrated to Canada. Living far from our birth families, we were blessed by your friendship which truly felt like becoming part of your family. You shared your most important family moments with us and also supported us during the significant times in our lives. The above picture is from April 14, 2014, when Donald and Alesa stood by our side as we officially became Canadian citizens. Every Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter holiday brings back memories of Donald and his warm heart. Since the beginning of time, humanity has grappled with the meaning of life. While we may never find the ultimate answer, we know this: though our lives are brief, our impact on others and the memories we leave behind are eternal and meaningful. As we mourn our loss, we also celebrate Donald’s life which was filled with love and joyful moments. Donald, you are in heaven, but your memory lives in our hearts. Thank you for your lasting impact on this world and our lives. With Love, Amir and Shabnam Rochester, MN, Aug 4, 2024

April 2014. Donald and Alesa stood by our sides as we officially became Canadian Citizens.