JACK SUTHERLAND

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JACK SUTHERLAND John Graham "Jack" Sutherland passed away peacefully at home, December 16, 2014 in the presence of his family after a full life well lived. Son of the late Donald Gordon Sutherland and the late Charlotte Kidd of Bristol England, Wales and Winnipeg. Jack is the last of his generation that included his brothers Gordon and Hugh and his sister Majorie. Cherished by his loving wife of 67 years Mary-Louise (Nighswander) Sutherland, three children Anne (Gordon), Graham (Carole), Leslie (Ron), seven grandchildren Melissa, Lindsay, Robert, Michael, Alexandre, Jennifer and Andy, and two great-grandchildren, Elena and Ember. Born August 21, 1923, Jack graduated from Gordon Bell High School and the University of Manitoba, where he completed a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1945 followed by graduate studies at Queens University. At the University of Manitoba, he was an active member of the Glee Club specializing in lead roles in many musical productions with a particular love of anything to do with Gilbert and Sullivan. It was in his role as Robin Oakapple in Ruddigore where he first met Mary-Louise playing Mad Margaret, a meeting that would lead to marriage September 6th, 1947. Throughout their 67 years together, music was a common interest and avocation. Jack started his professional career with RCA Victor in Montreal Quebec, becoming Vice President - Telecommunications at the young age of 39. Jack led the high tech and research division that resulted in, among other things, the research, development and launch of the Alouette and Anik communication satellite series. He was also associated with the development of the DEW line and mid Canada Radar communication line. During his 27 years with RCA, he worked in 27 countries often for extended periods up to six months. In 1971, Jack became President of RCA Iran, where his main responsibility was to establish telecommunications via microwave stations to connect Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan. He also led the establishment of the communication network necessary to support the celebrations of the 2500th anniversary of Persian Empire in 1973. Upon return to Canada the following year, he joined Canadian Pacific and became President and CEO of the newly formed CNCP Telecommunications, an organization which was one of the first in Canada to provide pan-Canadian telephone, television, and telex communication systems. Jack retired in 1987 and throughout 28 years of healthy, active retirement, enjoyed participating on many boards, communicating with global friends through his HAM radio moniker VE2 AAQ, voracious reading, and world travel all the while ensuring that his children knew that he continued to be the "Master of the Game" in all family matters. A man of sharp intellect, fierce loyalty to his family and friends and a well-developed wry wit he will be remembered with great affection and warmth. Private funeral services have been held. A celebration of life will take place Saturday, January 17, at 10:30 a.m. in Toronto at St. George's on the Hill Anglican Church, 4600 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9A 1A5 (416 239 2341) with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Dorothy Ley Hospice, 220 Sherway Drive, Etobicoke, M9C 0A7 would be gratefully received.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 23, 2014