Obituary of Donald Sutherland

Donald John Sutherland, a life long resident of Fredericton, was born on March 24, 1933 to the late Roy and Essie (Price) Sutherland. His passing occurred on November 9, 2014 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton. In 1954, he married F. Roberta Goodspeed, his wife of 46 years, who predeceased him in 2000. Don is survived by his very special friend and companion, Linda Schnare; daughter, Ashira Yosefah “Wendy” of Jerusalem, Israel; son Bruce of Fredericton; his sister, Irma Hughes of Florida; brother, Gerald (Catherine) of Fredericton; his grandchildren, Vanessa of Calgary, Catharina and Roy of Fredericton. He is also survived by his two very special families; Chris, Lindsay, Nate and Elliott Schnare of Saint John and Jesse, Shelly, Adin and Eliana Friedlander of Hong Kong. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Laura MacMillan and half-brother, Cyril Whalen. Growing up in downtown Fredericton, Don attended Charlotte Street School, Fredericton High and Fredericton Business College. He worked many years with his father before joining the Fredericton Police Force. Four years of active duty later, Don changed careers to work as an insurance salesman for Merit Insurance Co. until he and Roberta opened a general insurance business of their own. Selling the insurance business they opened and operated the Penny Pincher Grocery in Douglas from 1965 – 1969. With their son, Bruce, they then built D. & R. Sutherland Ltd., an International Harvester farm equipment dealership. In 1979 they founded Sunset Motors and sold it a decade later. Shortly thereafter, they sold their farm equipment business and opened DonRo Convenience Store, which they operated until 1989 when they sold the business to Irving Oil interests and retired. After Roberta’s passing in 2000, Don became very active in the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 4, serving in many committees and executive positions at Branch, District, Provincial and Command levels. He served as Branch President in 2005 and 2006. His eight years as Branch Service Officer was his most memorable and rewarding Legion experience. In recognition of his volunteer work, the Legion awarded him with a Life Membership in 2007, several Certificates of Merit, Distinction and Appreciation from Dominion, Provincial, District and Branch Commands. Along with the Legion, he was a life Member of the Fredericton police Veteran’s Association, Clan Sutherland, the Nashwaak Bi-Centennial Association, a 50+ year member and Past Chancellor Commander of the Knights of Pythias Fredericton Lodge. He also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Crime Stoppers, the VON and Dayton Cemetery Committee. Don and Linda enjoyed many summers at their place in St. Martins on Quaco Bay and with their many friends at the Fundy Trail Parkway. Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 from 7-9 pm. The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #4 will hold a Tribute Service at 6:45 pm. A Memorial Service will be held from York Funeral Home’s T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 2 pm with Rev. Paul Thompson officiating. A small reception and fellowship will follow. Interment will be in Dayton Cemetery on Clements Drive, Fredericton. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com