Patrick George Sutherland passed away at the age of 67 in Fort St John BC on Saturday, September 9th after a lengthy and courageous battle with illness.The words "courageous battle" actually applied to Pat because he fought with everything he had during his war against terminal illness.
Pat was born in Red Deer on May 7, 1950 and was immediately taken with the great outdoors that surrounded Red Deer and area. Pat left Red Deer to join the RCMP when he was 19 and served most of his police career in BC's toughest northern detachments.
Pat eventually became an investigator for WorkSafeBC and moved up the ladder until his retirement in 2008. Following his retirement, Pat worked as a safety consultant here in Alberta and in BC.
Pat loved fishing and hunting, but his greatest affection was reserved for his three boys and their families over the years.
Pat was predeceased by his parents Ed and Doris, brother Stu, sister Shona, brother Bruce, and brother in law Al Puzey (Shirley). He is survived by his wife Lois, sons Braden (Christina), Wade (Lydia) and Darren (Miki). He is also survived by a growing collection of grandchildren that were a huge part of Pat's life.
Pat is survived by his siblings Shirley, Jim, Jerry, Roseanne, Kathy and Don. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters in law Michelle (Don) and Anna (Bruce), brother in law, Greg Chury (Kathy), brother in law Ken Heales (Shona) and mother in law Lona Hirtz. Pat is also survived by many nephews and nieces who played a big role in his life.
A Celebration of Pat's life will take place (in typical Pat fashion) with a pig roast to be held in Ft St John BC on Oct. 8th at 1 p.m.