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With deep sadness, the family of Bert (Wilbert) Sutherland announces his passing on the afternoon of October 2, 2022.
Born on the family farm in Ponteix, Saskatchewan, a small town southeast of Swift Current on Highway 628, our dear father Bert, was the 3rd child to John and Elizabeth Sutherland.
Growing up as a carefree farm boy, at age 19 he enlisted in the First Canadian Army and was deployed to Europe for the war efforts in 1944. Following the war and discharged in 1946, Bert met his future wife (our late mother Audrey) in Guelph, Ontario. Shortly after marrying on July 27, 1947, Bert and Audrey moved with their two children to Calgary, Alberta, to work in the oil field; here they went on to have a third and youngest child.
In 1953 he decided to re-enlist in the Armed Forces, and continued his career until his retirement in 1973. During this phase, Bert travelled and served across Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta; Marville, France; Greenwood, Nova Scotia; Winnipeg and finally Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. For his dedication and services to Canada, he received a number of honours and medals that he was silently proud of.
In one of his travels to western Canada, Bert fell in love with Osoyoos, BC, and decided to retire here with Audrey. To him, Osoyoos was paradise.
Bert was predeceased by his Mother, Father, Brothers Cliff and Ken, Sister, Betty, and his beloved wife Audrey.
He is survived by his Daughter Amina (Joan), and Sons Gerald and Garnette.
At age 98, Bert leaves behind grandchildren Huda, Christina, Catherine, Andrew, Ismail and Laila; great grandchildren Amin, Karim, Rami and Zayd, and his extended family and friends.
During his active life, he was able to travel to many areas of the world, taking advantage of exploring and sharing curiosity and joy with his family. Never one to sit idle, his many hobbies included bowling (winning multiple trophies), playing billiards, fishing, golfing, gardening and cooking. Bert was a gifted wood-worker with his carvings continuing to proudly adorn the homes of his family and friends. He also had a wonderful sense of humour, a dry Scottish one, and a quick wit, that his family and friends fondly remember him for. While spending early retirement years in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he enjoyed gardening so much that he would go on to tend to the entire neighborhood to match his vision of a perfect yard!
An avid reader and problem/puzzle solver especially if others couldn’t figure them out, Bert may have been one of the fastest Rubik’s cube solvers of his time.
Following his beloved wife’s passing, Bert would retreat to Mariposa Gardens in Osoyoos, where he spent the last many years of his life. Although much of his memory was receding, he was always able to recite In Flanders Fields by John McCrae …
Throughout his long life, he always saw the best in everyone and never complained.
At this time of his passing, we would like to thank Dr. Lorraine Kane who provided excellent medical attention to Bert and Audrey during their lives, and to Mariposa Gardens family for looking after Bert with the best of their services, care and joy in the latter part of his life.
In lieu of flowers, Bert would appreciate any donation to be made to the Royal Canadian Legion.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Wilbert Sutherland September 4 1924
October 2 2022..
Nunes Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium Ltd
Death notice for the town of: Oliver, Province: Colombie britanique