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DARLENE BURKLUND
Born: Aug 11, 1950
Date of Passing: Mar 11, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDARLENE BURKLUND
With profound sadness, the family announces the passing of Darlene Burklund (nee Sutherland) in Medicine Hat, AB on March 11, 2026.
Darlene was a longtime Brandon resident born on August 11, 1950. She attended school in Brandon - King George, Earl Haig and BCI. After graduating, she went on to take the Clerk Typist course at ACC and remained there for several years as a valued employee. Then she moved to Investors Syndicate, and retired from Simplot after spending 20 years with the company in the HR dept. She also served on the Board of Referees for Employment Insurance for a number of years.
Over the years, Darlene made many friends and the nickname Sudsy was proudly passed down through all the siblings of our family. She spent hours reading and doing word puzzles. She was fiercely loyal and protective of her family, proud of her kids and grandkids and supportive of their career choices, ambition and passions in their lives. At family dinners at Grandma and Grandpa Sutherland’s, she displayed her quick wit and sense of humour and laughed with all of us as stories were told.
Darlene is survived by her daughter Tracy (Brad) Wood and their children, Jordyn and Carter; son Todd (Tracy) Matthews and their children, Sydney and Josh; and husband Darryl Burklund. Also left to mourn are brother Dan (Iris) Sutherland their daughter Lisa (Barry) Chapman and their children, Zach, Arianna (Jake) Carlson and Tanner; Madison (Harrison) Theocharakis and Carly Sutherland (nephew Dean’s daughters); sister Kathy Young, her daughter Mandy (Jesse) Jacobsen and their children, Ethan, Emmalee and Kayden; her son Chris (Melissa) Young and their children Claire and Nixon; sister BJ Polenski and her daughter Michelle; and many cousins and good friends.
Darlene was predeceased by her parents, Tom and Bud Sutherland, nephew Dean Sutherland and brother-in-law Barry Young.
If anyone so desires, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Hug your loved ones and “put your feet up and have a cup of tea” as Dar would say. So true. We will all miss you very much, Suds.
As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 17, 2026
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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So sorry to hear of Darlene’s passing. My condolences to her family. Darlene and I both worked in HR at Simplot for many years. She was a very dedicated worker and a team player. With respect again, my sincere condolences. Ed and Joy Kokoski - Posted by: Edward kokoski (Co-worker at Simplot) on: Mar 21, 2026
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So sorry to hear about your sister. - Posted by: Beverly Schott (Family friend) on: Mar 19, 2026
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One of my fondest memories of our childhood is the summers spent at Clear Lake. Darlene, myself and BJ would go and buy candy at Scrases’ store and head to sit outside at the museum and devour it. Dan and we girls enjoyed beach days, outdoor checkers, campfires and so many more carefree happy times. I will miss you… thanks for being my hairdresser when I was a teeny bopper and letting me (sometimes) tag along on your dates .. I can still taste those 15c hamburgers at Scotties drive in. You were also an excellent caregiver for mom when she needed extra help. Rest in peace sis. Love you❤️ Kathy - Posted by: Kathy Young (Sister) on: Mar 19, 2026
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Although I did not run into Darlene much in recent years, I have fond memories of her as a class mate, many years ago! Am also a friend of Dan and Iris. My sincere condolences to all family members! I have a class school picture from grade 6, if you don't have, I would be happy to send it to you. Email me at abbyman1950@gmail.com. - Posted by: Dave Melcosky (Friend) on: Mar 18, 2026