His family is sad to share that Murray Gordon Sutherland of Vernon died on November 13, 2016 with family at his side. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and all those who had the good fortune to know him.
Murray enjoyed a fun-filled childhood in Vancouver where he met his wife of 50 years, Diane. Throughout his life, he maintained close friendships from his elementary and high school days, frequently traveling to Vancouver for their lunches. He graduated from UBC and UVic, and enjoyed working as a teacher/librarian in the Lower Mainland, Kamloops, and Vernon.
Murray always led an active life – filled with hiking, camping, skiing, golfing, and canoeing. He took immense pleasure in paddling the Bowron Lakes chain, and completed the circuit four times in four different decades. Murray instilled his love of the outdoors and sports in his children, taking them camping, skiing and volunteering his time in support of the Vernon Kokanee Swim Club. After retirement, Murray and Diane traveled frequently, and the two of them were always looking forward to a new adventure in a different country. Throughout his life, he enjoyed sharing the abundance of his garden with family, friends and neighbors. Murray took special pleasure laughing and enjoying the company of the Hillview gang and playing poker with his many friends.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Diane. They had three children of whom he was immensely proud, Jason (Julie) Sutherland, Todd (Andria) Sutherland, and Erin (Dave) Gorby. Murray was kept on the go by five grandchildren and one more expected. He is survived by sister- and brother-in-law, Bobbi and Denny Hutton, and brother-in-law Ken Endo. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Gordon and Violet, and loving sister Linda. He enjoyed spending time with his many loving cousins and the deep friendships he made from his time in Vancouver, Kamloops, Vernon and his travels across the globe.
The family is appreciative of the care and support of the Cancer Agency in Vernon, Kelowna, Vancover, and Dr. Pritchett in Vernon, Murray requested no formal service and the family respects this wish. Donations to your favourite charity or the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative in Murray’s name would be appreciated by the family. Condolences may be sent to bethelchapel@uniserve.com.