Obituary of Ian Douglas Sutherland

We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of Ian Douglas Sutherland on March 28, 2023. Ian was born on June 21, 1939 in Lethbridge, Alberta, the elder son of Douglas and Margaret Sutherland, both originally from Saskatoon. Following his father he went to work for Canada Trust, which took him to London, Ontario then Regina. Here in 1969 he soon met and married his great love Meredith, who survives him along with their children Duncan (Julia), of London, England, and Megan (Ryder) of Vancouver.  

Ian then became a health care administrator for nearly thirty years and in 1982 his career brought the family to Saskatoon, where he worked at the University Hospital before joining the Department of Health. During this period he ably chaired the SAHO Employee Benefits Committee for twenty years. While serving as a senior administrator at the hospital he took evening classes at the College of Commerce and received his MBA aged 58. A special highlight of this course was a project in Ukraine but even while balancing studies and full-time work, he always ensured he made time for his family. 

Closely involved in the lives of his children, to whom he was an outstanding role model, Ian was a scouting movement leader for several years. Like his parents he had a strong sense of community service, joining Kinsmen; the Rotary Club of Saskatoon Meewasin, where he was President; and the Saskatoon Community Foundation, where he was especially active on the Investment Committee. He also served on the boards of the Saskatoon Symphony, Habitat for Humanity, SaskTel Centre and TCU Place. To these clubs and organizations he brought first-rate administrative skills and an enjoyment of camaraderie and fellowship. Other interests and activities included nature photography, golfing, carpentry and home improvement, watching sports and enjoying different kinds of music.

Four days before his unexpected passing, Ian's service to the community was acknowledged by the province with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. His family are deeply proud of this well-earned recognition, and proud of the life he lived and the man he was. Above all we are deeply grateful to have had such a kind and loving husband and wonderful father. The family wish to express their thanks to his cardiologist Dr J. Basran and to the emergency response team. He was predeceased by his parents and his only brother Michael. In his memory the family would welcome donations to the Saskatoon Food Bank, Meewasin Rotary Club or the Saskatoon Community Foundation. The funeral will be at 2 PM (1 PM Pacific Time) on Wednesday, April 5^th at Saskatoon Funeral Home (306-244-5577). The service will be available via Livestream for those unable to attend . The link will be at the top of this memorial page.