Obituary of Gerald William Sutherland

Gerald William Sutherland -87, of Caribou River, passed away July 30, 2023 in the Colchester Regional Hospital. He was born June 9, 1936 in Toney River to the late Austin & Doris (Hansford) Sutherland. Gerald spent his career driving truck beginning with Maritime Packers and owning his own trucking business from 1966 until his retirement in 1999. To keep busy in retirement Gerald was often found in his shop welding, helping local fishermen with their equipment and always willing to help a neighbor. He also enjoyed many recreational activities, including hunting and fishing and a highlight being his fishing trips to Newfoundland. He was very musical, being self taught, he could play numerous instruments, his favorite being the fiddle. He was very proud to have composed a tune named “Tammie’s Waltz”. To expand his music time he became an avid Bluegrass Festival Camper, travelling around with his music friends for over 30 years. He enjoyed playing with many music groups and entertaining at nursing homes. Another highlight was coaching the West Pictou Tug-of-War team winning the Provincial and Atlantic Canada championships and coaching the Caribou hockey teams. Everyone knew Gerald was very competitive and always enjoyed a fun game of cards or a challenging game of darts. Family was an important part of Gerald’s life. He enjoyed time spent at the camp in Cape Breton and the family farm filling the farmhouse with love, laughter and music. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Darrell (Langille); son, Richard, Caribou River; daughter, Tammie Heighton (Terry), River John; grandchildren, Ricky,Caribou River; Emily and Justin Heighton, River John; sisters, Phyllis Lewis (Dave), Acton, ON., Diane Demone, Acton, ON; brother, Larry (Mary Louise), Caribou River; sisters-in-laws, Florence, Lyons Brook; Jessie Casey, Pictou; Ellen Fanning, New Glasgow; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Ronnie; brothers, Auldie, Amel and Ricky; sister, Betty MacArthur; and brothers-in-law, Harold “Bud” MacArther, Albert Winters and Lormer Demone. Visitation will be Wednesday August 2, 2023 5pm-8pm in McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou and a family service will be held August 3, 2023 11am at the Cariboo River Upper Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to the Caribou River Community Hall or the Cariboo River Upper Cemetery. To pay tribute to Gerald, spend time with family and friends, enjoy a fiddle tune, play a game of darts or cards and remember to laugh. www.mclarenfuneral.ca