In the early morning of November 8, 2023, The Reverend Canon George William Sutherland passed away peacefully at Muskoka Landing in Huntsville at the age of 98. He had celebrated his birthday on September 29 (picture shown) and had been doing quite well, but, unfortunately, a week later, he fell and broke his hip which resulted in a quick decline.
Canon Sutherland leaves behind his family of seven children: Mark (Lynn), Greg (Michelle), Marion (Tom), Anne, Janet (John), Robert, and Catherine (Jimmy) along with 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and pre-deceased by his wife Jean.
Both of his parents were born in Great Britain. His father, William (Bill) was born in Caithness, Scotland who then emigrated to Canada in 1909 at the age of 11. When WWI broke out in 1915, Bill joined the 43rd Cameron Highlanders out of Winnipeg after lying about his age and fought in the trenches in France (in a kilt) and was later injured at Vimy Ridge. He met his wife-to-be, Jennie, after being sent back to England to recuperate.
Jennie was born in Surrey, England, but moved to London early on and was schooled in a private school, later gaining entrance to Oxford University. Bill and Jennie were married after the war in London and then returned to Fort William (now Thunder Bay) where Bill had previously lived.
The Canon was born on September 29, 1925, in Fort William joining older brother Johnny and sister Joan to complete the household.
Growing up, the Canon followed in his mother’s footsteps, becoming an excellent student and a prolific pianist. By the age of 10, he had accompanied his mother, who was also a talented opera singer, in numerous public concerts, and, then with further studies, he became an accomplished vocalist, organist, and choirmaster as well.
In his late teens, the Canon moved to Toronto and studied at the University of Toronto at Trinity College where he earned his Honours BA and BD. It was during this time, he discovered Muskoka when he spent a summer on Lake of Bays as a Divinity student at the small Anglican church in Port Cunnington.
Upon graduation, he married Jean, and his first posting was in Wawa, Ontario building a new church and rectory. After a little more than a year, he was released to do graduate work at Columbia University in New York for a year and then returned to Wawa to finish the buildings. When those were completed, he was offered a posting in Huntsville which he gladly accepted.
That 1954 move ended up being life-changing for the Canon. He and Jean ended up starting their family in Huntsville and spent 35 glorious years in the rectory at 7 River Street right across from All Saints. During those years, the Canon was also the rector of several rural churches (Grassmere, Ravenscliffe, Ilfracombe, etc.) along with sitting on numerous town, district, and provincial committees.
Anyone who shared a car ride with him in those days will remember one of his great refrains as he would look out the window at the beauty that surrounded him and say: “I just can’t believe they actually pay me to live here!”
He lived a wonderful life doing what he loved to do and being the best person, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, anyone could have ever wished for.
Many thanks for all of the great care he has received over the past three years: Dr. Varieur, Dr. Zhu, Dr. Johnstone, the Huntsville Palliative Care Team, Ontario Home and Community Care, North Simcoe CCAC, Closing The Gap, Dr. O’Halloran and the entire staff on Home Area One and the first floor of Muskoka Landing.
A Public Funeral will be held at All Saints’ Anglican Church in Huntsville on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.
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Henk Rietveld says
Canon Sutherland was a true gentleman in every meaning of the word. His long life of service to this community will be cherished by many. He will rest in peace!❤️
Terry McCaffery says
I have known George for almost 60 years! Indeed I spent a lot of my childhood welcomed into the Sutherland household! George and his wife Jean were wonderful to my sister and I when we were growing up! George was one of the finest men I have had the privilege to know. Condolences to all the Sutherland family.
Kathy (Belyea) Belanger says
My deepest condolences to the family. My father (who is now deceased) was a friend of Canon Sutherland, and I have great memories of visiting him and Jean many times at his home in Huntsville (40-50 years ago). Although they lost touch in later years, my father regularly spoke of how much he treasured their friendship. A truly special man.
(The Rev.) Mal and Ruth Binks says
Ruth and Mal were married for August 18, 1956 by Canon Sutherland! We are 67 years still happy married! We are both in Rogers Cove, sad a bit because rooms are separate. We are 67 years together, a bit difficult with Covid and other problem difficult! When Canon Sutherland were asked by Ruth’s father, William Sinclair, that Ravenscliffe would be so pleased that there will be Sunday right after All Saints church, and they would make sure a quick lunch at the farm for George and Jean and then they would help for St. John’s Ravenscliffe! (William Sinclair was a Senior for St. John’s over 25 years!) How surprised Canon Sutherland was to find that he would have a number of other churches, quietly extra with helpers! I was always so pleased to have a few minutes at All Saints at early Sundays when we met.
Bob Davidson says
I was always impressed by him, I did not know him as a person or as Canon Sutherland in a work capacity but 2 to maybe 6 times a year we would exchange pleasantries. I was very good friends with the entire Lasseter/Cairns Family next door and Later knew Jean through the Rotary and the All Saints Shows. But every year we would pass in a kitchen or hallway maybe even on the street at Christmas time and without pause he always greeted me with a smile, a hand on my shoulder and “How are you Bob” the number of people who he must have had in his life experiences and to do that still impresses me today. God Bless you Sir.
Sue Dixon says
I am so grateful to have known Canon Sutherland. My sincere condolences to his family.
Merrilu Brown says
Memories of the Christmas Eve services, in particular, at the Ravenscliffe church, with us kids sitting on the floor because there were so many people.
My mother had surgery and was supposed to be on bed rest but went to church that Sunday morning because the Canon was playing the organ. She got a very stern look from her surgeon, sitting a few pews behind her.
Dave Bennett says
My sincere condolences! Canon Sutherland was a caring man constantly assisting his church, congregation, and the community. He provided us with guidance and leadership. He will be remembered!
Jane MacKinnon (nee Ascah) says
Canon Sutherland was a fixture in my life from the moment I was born. He baptized me, was involved in my confirmation and he married me and my late husband.
I so enjoyed bumping into him on the streets of Huntsville when I would visit my parents. He was always willing to give a few minutes of his time and never made anyone feel that he was in too much of a hurry.
The last time I saw him was in 2019 when my siblings and I were back to inter our parents’ ashes. I really appreciated that he was there for us. At my dad’s funeral, he related a story about him, my dad and Marion. We never knew that and I am so appreciative that he shared it with us.
You all have wonderful memories and stories of your parents. They will not be gone from our memories
Linda & Bruce Stimers says
Canon Sutherland married us in Grassmere Church on June 28 of 1986. A vey gentle caring man. He will be very much missed by all who knew him.