February 7, 1939 - October 8, 2021
A spiritual being on its human voyage stopped with us for a moment and has now started the next leg of his journey. Born in Okotoks, he was the son of the late George and Audrey (Banister) (Bolin) Sutherland and predeceased by twin brother Harold. A unique, one of a kind man of quiet confidence who would instill the same in others. He was compassionate and devoted his life to bettering the lives of everyone who knew him. Suds was immensely proud of his second birthday when he stopped drinking on 15 August, forty-three years ago.
He lives in cherished thoughts and memories with sister, Ann; brother, Bruce (Jill); life-long step daughter, Susie (Dan) ;step sons, John (Barb) and Mike; grandchildren, Jenna-Jean (Aaron), Garrett, Logan, Colbie, Colin, Cooper, Donald, Stephanie (Graham) and Sean; niece and Goddaughter, Paige (John); nieces, Alexis (Mike), and Audra (Ryan); nephews, George, Bert (Michele), Harold (Linda), and Ben (Kathy); special friend, Elsie; many cousins, great nieces and nephews and an army of friends.
Donald was raised on a farm on the Bow River SE of Calgary within a mile of where his great grandfather homesteaded in 1884. He rode a horse or bike four miles to the one room, nine grade Davisburg school house. After leaving school, he lived and worked on the Paul ranch and, to the end, thought of Gayle, Jack, and Marilyn as family. He attended the Olds School of Agriculture and made friendships there that have also lasted a lifetime. A consummate and expert horse and cattleman, he was known for his love and passion for both. In his early twenties, he worked on the Bridwell Hereford ranch at Windthorst Texas. His much sought after and unique skill as a “bovine pedicurist” (cattle-foot trimmer) had ranchers across Canada as far away as the Ontario Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, and PEI, the USA and Brazil flying him in to work on their purebred show and breeding stock. Donald loved to ride in the arena and on mountain trails. For three years he was on the Board of Directors of the Okotoks Ag Society at the Hebson arena.
Always a witty speaker he won Mr. Okotoks in 1987, a title he still holds as there have been no further contests. Suds built log cabins for 7 years, was a Reiki Master, could braid intricate tack, and he loved to Drum, either alone or in any available group of musicians. If you were Suds’ friend you were his friend forever. Missed by all who knew him, fly on brother. Due to covid restrictions, a Celebration of Suds’ Life will be held at a later date. To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Suds, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
