Richard H Sutherland

Age - 82

Richard Sutherland – Proud grandfather, devoted husband, dedicated father, brother and friend, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, from the Spokane Hospice House after a two-year battle with liver cancer. He leaves behind his wife, Judy (Bailey) of 48 years; sons, Greg and hunting/fishing companion Rick (Michelle); daughters, Lynn Dee Sutherland and Tina (Brad) Bergler; sister, Laverle Mitrovitch, and brother Eugene; grandchildren, Jenni (Joshua) Fox, Daniel (Kristen) Emert, Abby Bergler, Brett Bergler and Colby Bergler; four great-grandchildren, Rosalyn Fox, Ruby Fox, Hudson Emert, Hailey Emert; and many close friends.

Born to Phama and Harold Sutherland of Spokane on September 16, 1934. Dick and his brother Gene, were later joined by sister Laverle. The family lived in Spokane and Colville. After graduating from North Central High School in Spokane in 1952, Dick headed to Pasadena College where he earned a business degree in 1957. While at Pasadena, he met and married JoAnn (Jodi) Mayfield in 1954. Later in 1957, Dick was drafted, and served two years in the United States Army. Upon his return, he worked construction with his father and attended night classes at Whitworth, earning a degree in education, and later a Masters in School Administration. In 1960, Dick and Jodi welcomed their first child, Greg into the family, followed by Lynn Dee, and Rick. During this time Dick started his education career in the Central Valley School District, teaching sixth grade. At the age of thirty-three, with three children, Dick was widowed with the sudden passing of Jodi. With the help of God, support from his church community and the CV family, Dick was able to survive and eventually met his angel, Judy (Bailey). He and Judy were married in 1969, and later welcomed Tina to complete the family. In 1970, Dick became a principal at University Elementary, and later at Chester, with some stints in the classroom until his retirement after 26 years with the Central Valley School District.

Those who knew Dick witnessed his passion for his family, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and their lake place. These were all eclipsed upon the arrival of grandchildren, whom he loved unconditionally. He experienced special joy when he could share one of his passions with one of his children, grandchildren, wife or a good friend. Many of his deep friendships started with or were centered around common interests such as teaching, hunting, his love for the outdoors, faith, and family and often spilled over into life. He loved to laugh, tell stories, travel and share the wonders of creation with those he loved. He could often be heard saying “Judy, will you look at that?” usually directed at a grandchild, great-grandchild, sunset, mountain pass, wildlife, or even a hummingbird. Many of his family Sunday drives were excuses to mix his love of family, love of the outdoors, and an opportunity to scout for next season’s hunt. Dick was characterized by his integrity, faith, love of family and deep friendships. To many he was a mentor, father figure and friend.

Dick was baptized as a youth and was a lifelong member of Spokane Valley Church of The Nazarene. He was also involved for many years in the Spokane Valley Rotary.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Phama Sutherland, and first wife Jodi (Mayfield).

Memorial gifts may be made to Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene, or Hospice of Spokane.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated Friday, June 30, 2017, 11:00am at Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene, 15515 E. 20th, Spokane Valley, WA.